Jammy Coconut Thumbprint Tartlets

I grew up eating these delightful thumbprint tartlets that combine a soft coconut-covered pastry with a sweet jam centre. They always bring back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, and I’m thrilled to share the love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how tender the buttery dough becomes, and the desiccated coconut toasts beautifully around the edges. The little jam-filled wells are burst-in-your-mouth perfection. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and ideal with afternoon tea or as bite-sized treats for guests.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup butter, softened

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 egg

• 2½ cups flour

• 1 tsp vanilla

• ½ cup desiccated coconut

• ½ cup apricot or strawberry jam

directions

1. Preheat oven to 180 °C (350 °F) and line a baking tray.

2. Cream butter and sugar together until fluffy.

3. Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.

4. Stir in flour until it forms a soft dough.

5. Roll dough into small balls, dip the tops in the desiccated coconut, and place them on the prepared tray.

6. Press your thumb or the back of a spoon into each ball to create a small well.

7. Spoon a little jam into each well.

8. Bake for about 12–15 minutes, until golden around the edges.

9. Let them cool fully, then store in an airtight container.

Servings and timing

This batch yields 6 servings (about 12 tartlets).

• Prep time: ~5 minutes

• Cook time: ~25 minutes

• Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

• Switch up the jam – raspberry, blackberry, or even lemon curd make delightful alternatives.

• Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the dough for a citrusy twist.

• For extra crunch, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top after baking.

storage/reheating

I keep mine in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They stay crisp and delicious. To refresh them, I pop them into a preheated 150 °C oven for about 5 minutes—it revives that fresh-baked warmth.

FAQs

How do I stop the dough from cracking when I make the well?

I find gently chilling the rolled balls in the freezer for 10 minutes helps—then the indentation stays neat through baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours, roll and bake when ready. The flavour deepens, and it’s easy to pop a few in the oven whenever I fancy.

Can I freeze the baked tartlets?

Yes! After cooling, I freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a zip‑lock bag. They keep well for about a month and thaw beautifully at room temperature.

What if I don’t have desiccated coconut for rolling?

You can skip rolling them in coconut—They’ll still bake perfectly. I sometimes just press the dough and fill with jam, especially if I’m in a hurry.

Can I make them egg-free?

You can try using a flax or chia egg substitute, but I haven’t experimented with that myself. If you try it, let me know how it turns out!

Conclusion

These Jammy Coconut Thumbprint Tartlets are a lovely way to honour a cherished family tradition while enjoying a simple, sweet treat. The buttery coconut crust and jam centre are a timeless combo that always makes me smile. I hope they bring just as much warmth and nostalgia to your kitchen!