Cherry Thumbprint Cookies (Heart Cookies)

If your thumbprint cookies tend to spread too much, lose their shape, or turn out dry, these cherry thumbprint cookies (heart cookies) will fix all of that. They’re soft, buttery, and hold their shape beautifully—each one finished with a sweet cherry center that makes them perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or anytime you want a pretty, classic cookie.

I’ve baked dozens of thumbprint cookie variations over the years, and this recipe is the most reliable by far. It uses simple ingredients, easy techniques, and creates cookies that look bakery-perfect without any stress. In this post, you’ll learn how to shape heart thumbprint cookies, avoid spreading, and customize flavors with confidence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and buttery: Melt-in-your-mouth texture

• Beautiful shape: Holds heart indentations perfectly

• Festive and nostalgic: Classic cherry flavor everyone loves

• Easy to make: Simple dough, no complicated steps

Ingredients & Prep

Main Ingredients Prep

• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature

• Egg: Separate yolk and white

• Maraschino cherries: Finely chopped and well-drained

Seasonings, Sauces, or Flavor Base

• Vanilla extract: Classic cookie flavor

• Almond extract (optional): Pairs beautifully with cherries

Pantry Staples

• All-purpose flour: Spoon and level for accuracy

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough

• Salt: Balances the sweetness

• Red or pink sanding sugar (optional): For rolling

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Drain and chop cherries, then blot dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Cooking Method

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

2. Mix in egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).

3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing just until combined.

4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls.

5. Roll each ball lightly in egg white, then in sanding sugar if using.

6. Place on prepared baking sheets and gently shape into hearts.

7. Press a small heart-shaped indentation in the center of each cookie.

8. Fill each indentation with chopped cherries.

Doneness or Texture Check

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops remain pale and soft.

Resting or Final Touches

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not drying cherries well enough

• Overworking the dough

• Pressing indentations too deep

Recommended Tools

• Electric mixer

• Parchment paper

• Small spoon or heart-shaped tool for indenting

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store cherry thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Version

Add a tiny pinch of cinnamon to the dough for warmth that complements the cherry filling.

Healthy / Special Diet Option

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

• Lower sugar: Reduce sugar slightly and skip rolling in sanding sugar

Global Flavor Twist

Swap cherries for raspberry or apricot preserves for a European-style thumbprint cookie.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for holiday cookie trays

• Serve with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate

• Package as edible gifts for Valentine’s Day or celebrations

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I fix common mistakes?
If cookies spread, chill the dough for 20 minutes before shaping. If centers overflow, reduce the filling slightly next time.

Conclusion

These cherry thumbprint cookies (heart cookies) are soft, buttery, and beautifully festive—perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a warm drink. They’re easy to make, reliable, and always a hit.

If you loved this recipe, try pairing it with classic sugar cookies or shortbread for a complete cookie platter. Save this recipe, share the love, and enjoy every sweet bite!

Sarah

These cherry thumbprint cookies (heart cookies) are soft, buttery, and perfectly shaped, with sweet cherry centers that make them ideal for Valentine’s Day, holidays, or festive cookie trays. Easy to make and reliably beautiful, this classic thumbprint cookie recipe holds its shape and never turns dry.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

• Main Ingredients
• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg separated
• 1 cup maraschino cherries finely chopped and well-drained
• Flavor Base
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp almond extract optional
• Pantry Staples
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• Red or pink sanding sugar optional, for rolling

Instructions

 

• Preheat & Prep
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Drain chopped cherries and blot very dry with paper towels.
• Cream Butter & Sugar
• In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add Egg Yolk & Flavoring
• Mix in egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using).
• Add Dry Ingredients
• Gradually mix in flour and salt until just combined.
• Shape Cookies
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
• Roll each ball lightly in egg white, then in sanding sugar if using.
• Form Hearts & Fill
• Place on baking sheets and gently shape into hearts.
• Press a small heart-shaped indentation in the center.
• Fill each indentation with chopped cherries.
• Bake
• Bake 10–12 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden and tops remain pale.
• Cool
• Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

• Dry cherries thoroughly to prevent spreading.
• Do not overbake—cookies should stay soft and light.
• Chill dough briefly if cookies lose shape.