Name: Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (2 sticks, room temperature); ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 2 egg yolks; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ tsp salt; ⅓ cup peanut butter; 5 TBSP butter; 1 cup powdered sugar

Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies are a twist on a classic cookie! Soft, chewy thumbprint cookies with a delightful sweet, peanut butter fudge filling!

peanut butter thumbprint cookie with a bite taken out

To make this recipe for thumbprint cookies, start by making a simple sugar cookie dough. The dough is then rolled into balls and pressed down in the center to create a small well or “thumbprint”. The well is then filled with a delicious peanut butter fudge. These easy thumbprint cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it be a family gathering, a holiday party, or just a snack for yourself.

Simple Peanut Butter Cookies with Fudge Filling

Our thumbprint cookie recipe is a variation of the classic treat, which typically features a small indentation in the center that is filled with jam. The addition of peanut butter fudge filling adds a rich and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft sugar cookie base.

Whether you are a seasoned baker or a beginner, peanut butter thumbprint cookies are a great recipe to master. They are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. So, next time you are in the mood for a sweet treat, give these cookies a try and see for yourself why they are a beloved classic.

Why You’ll Love These Thumbprint Cookies

Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are soft and chewy, with a slightly crispy edge. The texture pairs perfectly with the smooth, thick peanut butter fudge filling.
Easy to Make: These cookies are simple to make and require only a few ingredients. They are perfect for beginner bakers or those short on time.
Versatile: These cookies can be customized to fit your taste preferences. You can switch up the filling with any type of jam, jelly or even chocolate ganache would be delicious.

peanut butter thumbprint cookie dusted with powdered sugar

Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookie Ingredients

Butter: You will need 1 cup of butter (2 sticks), at room temperature, to create rich tasting treats.

Sugar: Adding ⅔ cup of granulated sugar will give these cookies a wonderful chewy texture.

Eggs: Use 2 egg yolks to create amazing texture and even more great flavor.

Vanilla extract: Help enhance all the flavors in this cookie dough, by adding 1 tsp of vanilla extract.

Flour: The base of this cookie dough recipe is 2 cups of all-purpose flour.

Salt: Using ½ tsp of salt will balance the flavors in this dough well.

Peanut Butter Fudge filling

Peanut butter: For the incredible flavor in the filling, use ⅓ cup of peanut butter.

Butter: Add 5 TBSP of butter to create a rich and delicious fudge filling.

Powdered sugar: You need 1 cup of powdered sugar to sweeten the filling perfectly.

How to make Thumbprint Cookies with Peanut Butter

Prep

Start by getting the oven preheating to 375°F. Then, line two cookie sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

Cookie dough

In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Next, add in and beat the egg yolks and the vanilla extract.

After that, add the flour and salt. Mix until incorporated and the dough comes together into a ball. If desired, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (this is optional).

how to make peanut butter thumbprint cookies

Bake

Proceed to form the dough into 1-inch sized round balls, then place them onto the prepared baking sheets. Using the backside of a ½ teaspoon measuring spoon, press an indent into the center of the cookie dough to create a crater.

Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and if the indents look shallow, press them in again with the ½ teaspoon. Then let the cookies cool for about 10 minutes while you prepare the peanut butter fudge.

Peanut Butter Fudge Filling

To make the fudge filling, microwave the peanut butter and butter together for 30 seconds. Whisk ingredients together, then add in the powdered sugar. Stir again until smooth.

Proceed to pipe or spoon the filling into each slightly warm thumbprint cookie. Let the cookies cool fully to set.

Serve and enjoy!

peanut butter thumbprint cookies dusted with powdered sugar on a cooling rack

Tasty Variations of Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies

Filling Variations: The filling is where you can get creative with these cookies. Here are some suggestions for different fillings to try and test out to find your favorite!

Jam or Jelly: Try using strawberry, raspberry, or grape jelly.
Chocolate: Add a small piece of chocolate to the center of each cookie before baking for a chocolatey surprise.
Cream Cheese: Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract for a tangy and sweet filling.

Cookie Variations: You can also experiment with the cookie dough itself to create different flavors and textures. Here are some ideas:

Chocolate: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate twist on the classic recipe.
Crunchy: Add chopped peanuts or crispy rice cereal to the dough for some added crunch.
Oatmeal: Replace some of the flour with rolled oats for a heartier cookie.

What’s the secret to keeping thumbprint cookies from crumbling?

One of the biggest challenges with thumbprint cookies is keeping them from falling apart when you make the indentation for the filling. One way to prevent this is to use a recipe that includes enough fat and moisture to hold the dough together. Be sure to follow the recipe closely and measure your ingredients accurately. Another trick is to chill the dough before shaping it into balls and making the indentations. This can help the dough hold its shape and prevent it from crumbling.

How can I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Thumbprint cookies can be prone to spreading during baking, which can cause the filling to overflow and the cookies to lose their shape. To prevent this, make sure your dough is properly chilled before baking. You can also try using a higher protein flour, which can help the cookies hold their shape. Also, be sure to space your cookies out on the baking sheet to allow for proper airflow and even baking.

How long are thumbprint cookies good for?

These cookies can last up to 1 week if kept stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For storing, you may want to put a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent the fudge from sticking to the bottom of the other cookies.

Can I freeze Peanut Butter Fudge cookies?

These cookies freeze very well. To do this place the cookies onto a baking sheet after they have been assembled and then freeze for 3 hours until solid. Then transfer to an airtight container with parchment paper-lined between the layers to prevent sticking. When you want a cookie, let it thaw and come to room temperature before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Cookie Issues

Dough Consistency Problems

One of the most common issues when making peanut butter thumbprint cookies is dough consistency. If the dough is too dry, it will be difficult to shape into balls and create the thumbprint. On the other hand, if the dough is too wet, it will spread too much during baking and lose its shape.

To avoid dry dough, make sure to measure all ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing the dough. If the dough is still too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

If the dough is too wet, try refrigerating it for 30 minutes before shaping into balls. This will help the dough firm up and hold its shape during baking.

Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies are a twist on a classic cookie! Soft, chewy thumbprint cookies with a delightful sweet, peanut butter fudge filling!

Baking Difficulties

Another common issue when making peanut butter thumbprint cookies is baking difficulties. If the cookies are overbaked, they will become dry and crumbly. If they are underbaked, they will be too soft and fall apart.

To avoid overbaking, make sure to set a timer and check the cookies frequently towards the end of the baking time. The cookies should be lightly golden brown on the edges and still slightly soft in the center.

If the cookies are underbaked, return them to the oven for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are fully cooked. It’s better to slightly overbake than underbake, as the cookies will continue to cook slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.

Loved this recipe? Try more thumb print cookies here:

Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies are made with a simple, sweet cookie dough then filled with a rich peanut butter fudge filling! These incredibly delicious thumbprint cookies are a delightful treat to share with family and friends.

PEANUT BUTTER THUMBPRINT COOKIES

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Simple Peanut Butter Cookies with Fudge Filling

Why You’ll Love These Thumbprint Cookies