Name: Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour (312g); 1 cup salted butter, at room temperature (227g); 1 cup white sugar (200g); 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 large egg; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; Approx. 1 cup jam (strawberry, raspberry, or your choice)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a festive treat that perfectly balances buttery richness and fruity sweetness, look no further than this Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. These charming little cookies are not only visually delightful with their bright jam centers but also bursting with cozy holiday flavors. Each buttery bite transports you to joyful gatherings, making them an absolute must-have during the holiday season. They’re simple enough to whip up at home, yet impressive enough to wow friends and family, truly embodying the spirit of joyful baking.

Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in the Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and festive appearance. From the softness of real butter to the warmth of vanilla, it’s these simple staples that transform your kitchen into a holiday haven.

2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness to the cookies.
1 cup salted butter, at room temperature: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1 cup white sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping with a light golden color.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift so the cookies stay soft and not too dense.
1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds a hint of richness.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with warm, aromatic flavor.
Approx. 1 cup jam (strawberry, raspberry, or your choice): Offers a bright, fruity center that contrasts perfectly with the buttery cookie.

How to Make Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cookie Dough Base

Begin by heating your oven to 325°F (165°C), ensuring it’s just right for baking these delightful cookies. Then, in your stand mixer, cream together the salted butter, sugar, and baking powder until the blend is light and airy—this will create the perfect base for your dough’s texture.

Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Scrape down the sides of your mixing bowl to catch all those buttery bits, then add the egg and vanilla extract. These ingredients bring moisture and depth to the dough, making every bite velvety and flavorful. Beat everything thoroughly so your cookie dough feels smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Mix in the Flour

Now’s the time to sprinkle in the flour gradually, with the mixer running on low. By mixing just until the flour disappears, you avoid overworking the dough—this ensures your cookies remain tender and not tough. The dough should come together in soft, cohesive balls.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls roughly an inch wide, spacing them apart to give room for their cozy expansion while baking. Then, gently press your thumb or a round tool into each ball to create those iconic indentations that will cradle your jam filling. This is where the magic truly begins.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Generously spoon your chosen jam into each indentation—don’t be shy, a little extra jam makes the cookies even more festive and flavorful. Pop them into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes. For even coloring and texture, rotate the baking sheet halfway through. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with a tantalizing aroma full of holiday cheer.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked to a delicate golden glow, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool. This cooling process not only helps the cookies set properly but also keeps them from breaking when you move them. After they’ve reached room temperature, they’re ready to be enjoyed—warm, fruity, and utterly delightful.

How to Serve Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle your thumbprint cookies with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy holiday effect, or add a hint of finely chopped pistachios for a pop of festive green. These little touches make the cookies feel extra special and gift-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or spiced mulled wine to elevate the holiday experience. Their buttery sweetness pairs beautifully with warm, comforting drinks and makes for an unforgettable holiday gathering treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the cookies on a holiday-themed plate or tiered serving tray adorned with fresh holly or pine sprigs. Wrapping them in festive cello bags tied with ribbon also makes these cookies an irresistible edible gift for neighbors and loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh batch, store leftover thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay perfectly tender and flavorful for up to a week, making them an excellent treat to nibble on throughout the holiday season.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead, the unbaked dough balls can be frozen on a tray before shaping the indentations and baking. Alternatively, fully baked cookies freeze beautifully when wrapped tightly, ready to be thawed and savored on a whim.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop a few cookies in a warm oven for a few minutes or microwave them briefly—just enough to soften the jam and refresh the buttery goodness without melting them away.

FAQs

Can I use different types of jam for this recipe?

Absolutely! Strawberry and raspberry are classic, but apricot, cherry, or even marmalade work wonderfully. Feel free to choose your favorite flavors to suit your taste or holiday theme.

How do I prevent the jam from spreading too much while baking?

Be careful not to overfill the indentations and use a thicker jam or jelly if possible. Also, slightly underfilling and then adding a second layer of jam halfway through baking can help keep things neat.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a trusted gluten-free flour blend, you can enjoy these cookies without gluten. Be mindful that texture might vary slightly depending on the blend used.

Why do my cookies come out flat or too hard?

Overmixing the dough can develop gluten, making the cookies tough. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh to help the cookies rise properly. Keeping the dough chilled before baking can help maintain shape.

What’s the best way to store these cookies for gifting?

Place them in a sturdy, airtight tin lined with parchment paper. Layer the cookies with parchment between each layer to keep them from sticking or breaking during transit.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe—simple ingredients coming together to create a festive delight that feels like a warm hug from the holiday season. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a treasured part of your celebrations year after year. So grab your apron, your favorite jam, and get ready to bake some joy into your holidays!

Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: About 36 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delightfully buttery and tender thumbprint cookies filled with your favorite jam, perfect for Christmas celebrations and holiday gifting. These classic cookies combine a soft, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base with a sweet, fruity center, making them a festive treat everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough

2–1/2 cups all-purpose flour (312g)
1 cup salted butter, at room temperature (227g)
1 cup white sugar (200g)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Filling

Approx. 1 cup jam (strawberry, raspberry, or your choice)

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Cookie Dough Base: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the salted butter, white sugar, and baking powder on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Add the large egg and beat well until fully incorporated. Then add the pure vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Mix in the Flour: Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add the all-purpose flour. Mix just until the ingredients are barely combined to prevent tough cookies.
Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them on a baking sheet spaced at least 1 inch apart. Use your thumb or a rounded tool to make an indentation in the center of each ball immediately.
Fill and Bake: Fill each indentation with jam, slightly overfilling to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.
Cool and Enjoy: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set properly and prevents breaking.

Notes

Use room temperature butter for easier creaming and better texture.
You can substitute any fruit jam or preserves according to your preference.
Make sure to not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
Keep spacing between cookie dough balls to prevent them sticking together during baking.
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
For a festive look, consider dusting the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American