Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies

Delicate and tender, these gluten-free thumbprint cookies offer a delightful crumb with a sweet, buttery flavor. The simple yet satisfying texture makes them perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to holiday gatherings.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Total: 45 min Serves: 4

At a glance: This hard baking recipe yields 4 servings in about 45 minutes (15 min prep, 30 min cook). It uses 9 ingredients — including gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, xanthan gum, gluten-free baking powder — and walks through 8 steps. Updated October 25, 2026. Browse more baking recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.

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Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies: When preparing this baking recipe, roll the dough balls with clean hands on a crumb-free surface, and check that the jam or preserves are labeled gluten-free. Baking powder and the flour blend need the same label.

Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies: This recipe is gluten-free, relying on a carefully selected blend of gluten-free flours and starches. It avoids all gluten-containing grains.

Scale Recipe:

servings

Ingredient amounts update automatically

Ingredients

Shop links on this page are for gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, xanthan gum, gluten-free baking powder. Buy the package that says gluten-free. A shared production line is the usual risk with these pantry items. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm the product is labeled gluten-free before you buy.

2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (containing rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch) Shop
1 tsp xanthan gum (omit if your GF flour blend already contains it) Shop
1 tsp gluten-free baking powder Shop
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
0.75 cup granulated sugar Shop
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract Shop
1 cup jam or preserves (your favorite flavor) Shop

Instructions

1 In a medium bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, xanthan gum (if using), and gluten-free baking powder, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined for an even texture.
2 In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This aeration is key to a tender cookie.
3 Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture until well incorporated and the color is uniform. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is blended.
4 Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined and a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can toughen gluten-free baked goods. The dough will be slightly sticky.
5 Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie ball, about 1/2 inch deep.
6 Gently spoon about 1 teaspoon of your chosen jam or preserves into each indentation, filling it about halfway. Ensure the jam is spreadable and not too runny.
7 Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the cookies are set. The jam should be bubbly but not burnt.
8 Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps them firm up and prevents breakage.

Nutrition (per serving)

295

Calories

11g

Protein

55g

Carbs

10g

Fat

Fiber

287mg

Sodium

Tips & Notes

Chill the dough balls for 15 minutes before baking so the cookies keep their shape.
If the indentations close up in the oven, press them again gently with a spoon while the cookies are still warm.
Use a thick jam or preserves. Runny jam bubbles over the edges.

Common questions

How long does Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies take?

Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies takes about 45 minutes: 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, for 4 servings.

What should I check before making Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies with celiac disease?

Written with gluten-free ingredients. Use products labeled gluten-free, check labels, and ask your clinician about your own needs.

What cross-contamination risk is specific to Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies?

Check gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, xanthan gum, gluten-free baking powder before they go into Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies. Roll the dough balls with clean hands on a crumb-free surface, and check that the jam or preserves are labeled gluten-free. Baking powder and the flour blend need the same label.

Which gluten-free swaps does Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies use?

Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies relies on a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, xanthan gum. Keep those gluten-free-labeled products in place of a gluten-containing flour or sauce. If the blend already lists xanthan gum, do not add a second binder unless this recipe says to.

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Gluten Free Recipes team

Gluten-free recipe development since 2026

Recipes include certified gluten-free ingredient guidance and cross-contamination notes. Check every label and use certified gluten-free products. Learn more about us.

Recipes and images may be created with AI assistance. They pass automated checks, and the team reviews flagged items.