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📊 Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: About 24 cookies
Difficulty: Easy
Diet Type: Vegetarian but can be made egg-free, gluten-free, vegan with proper substitution
There is something magical about baking during the holidays. The scent of butter, vanilla, and sugar fills the kitchen, while trays of cookies sparkle with sprinkles and jam.
Among all the classic cookies, Christmas thumbprint cookies are a timeless favorite. They’re festive, fun, and always a hit.
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with sweet jam or chocolate centers are not just delicious, they are also beautiful on a holiday cookie tray.
For me, Christmas thumbprint cookies capture the joy of the season.
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What Are Thumbprint Cookies?
Thumbprint cookies are soft, buttery shortbread-style cookies with an indentation in the center filled with jam, chocolate, or caramel.
The name comes from the way they are made, by pressing a thumb into each dough ball to create a small well.
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These cookies are believed to have originated in Scandinavia, where they are called Hallongrotta, which means “raspberry cave.”
Over the years, they have become a party classic because they are festive, easy to make, and perfect for decorating with colorful fillings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You do not need fancy ingredients to make perfect thumbprint cookies. Most of these are pantry staples.
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Filling:
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam or your favorite fruit preserves
- Optional: chocolate ganache or caramel sauce
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped pecans or almonds
- Holiday sprinkles or powdered sugar for decoration
Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Try Kerrygold butter, Nielsen-Massey vanilla extract, and Bonne Maman raspberry jam.
How to Make Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Step-1: Prep Your Ingredients and Tools
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats or parchment paper.
Having the right tools makes baking easy, so use a stand mixer, cookie scoop, and cooling rack for professional results.
Step-2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step gives your cookies their delicate texture.
Add egg yolks and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
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Step-3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add flour and salt. Mix on low speed until combined. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step-4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop about one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
Step-5: Fill and Bake
Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam or other filling. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step-6: Cool and Decorate
Let cookies cool on a baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Once cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a festive touch.
Tips for Perfect Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
- Avoid Cracks: Roll dough balls smoothly and press gently to make the thumbprint.
- Prevent Jam Overflow: Do not overfill the centers. A small amount goes a long way.
- Keep Cookies Soft: Do not overbake. Remove them once the edges start to turn golden.
- Make Ahead: Prepare dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days, or freeze unbaked cookies for up to a month.
If you prefer healthier alternatives, try Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free flour blend or Miyoko’s vegan butter.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (based on one cookie):
- Calories: 115
- Total Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
- Sodium: 35 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.3 g
- Total Sugars: 6 g
- Protein: 1 g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredients and fillings used. Using different jams, vegan butter, or gluten-free flour may slightly change the results.
Festive Flavor Variations for the Holidays
The best part about thumbprint cookies is that you can customize them for every taste and theme. Here are some creative ideas:
- Classic Raspberry Jam: A timeless favorite that adds a pop of Christmas red.
- Peppermint Chocolate: Fill the center with chocolate ganache and sprinkle crushed candy canes on top.
- Salted Caramel Pecan: Add a touch of caramel sauce and top with a toasted pecan half.
- Lemon Curd Snowdrops: For a bright, citrusy twist, fill with lemon curd and dust with powdered sugar.
- White Chocolate Cranberry: Fill with cranberry jam and drizzle melted white chocolate for elegance.
Keep holiday baking simple with Wilton peppermint sprinkles, Ghirardelli melting chocolate, and Tiptree lemon curd.
How to Package and Gift Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Homemade cookies make heartfelt gifts, especially when beautifully packaged.
Place your cooled thumbprint cookies in festive tins, clear cellophane bags, or cardboard boxes lined with parchment paper.
Tie with red and gold ribbon, add a gift tag, and you have a thoughtful homemade present that everyone will love.
How to Store and Freeze Thumbprint Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate: If your filling is perishable, keep cookies chilled for freshness.
- Freeze: Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container and separate layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to enjoy, let cookies thaw at room temperature and dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving.
Airtight glass jars or reusable storage containers from like OXO and Pyrex keep your cookies fresh longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make thumbprint cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance or freeze it for later baking.
Why did my cookies crack?
The dough may be too cold or too dry. Let it rest at room temperature before shaping.
Can I use different types of jam for thumbprint cookies?
Yes, you can use any jam or fruit preserve you like. Raspberry and strawberry are the most traditional for Christmas, but apricot, cherry, and blueberry all taste amazing too.
Can I use chocolate instead of jam?
Absolutely. Melt some chocolate chips with a bit of cream to make a rich filling.
How do I keep the centers soft?
Do not overbake. Remove cookies when edges are just turning golden.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.
It is not strictly required, but if your kitchen is warm or the dough feels soft, chilling will give you prettier, more uniform cookies.
Can I make thumbprint cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can easily make egg-free thumbprint cookies.
Replace the egg yolks with one tablespoon of milk or a flaxseed egg mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). The cookies will still turn out soft, buttery, and delicious.
