Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a holiday tradition that brings warmth and nostalgia to every holiday gathering. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, with their sweet jam centers, have been a beloved part of Christmas celebrations for generations. The perfect balance of crunchy edges and a soft, jam-filled center makes these cookies a must-have on any cookie platter.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or preparing for a cookie exchange, these Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are sure to impress. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also simple to make, making them an ideal project for bakers of all skill levels.
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Why You’ll Love These Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a timeless favorite during the holiday season. Here’s why:
- Simple and Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, you likely already have everything you need at home. These cookies come together quickly and are easy to make, even for beginners.
- Customizable Jam Fillings: You can use any type of jam or preserve to make these cookies uniquely your own. Raspberry, apricot, or strawberry are classic choices, but you can get creative with your jam selection.
- Kid-Friendly Baking: Making thumbprints is a fun activity for kids. They’ll love pressing their thumbs into the dough and filling the indentations with colorful jam.
- Perfect for Holiday Swaps: These cookies are a popular choice for Christmas cookie swaps. Their festive look and variety of flavors ensure there’s something for everyone.
Ingredients for Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
These simple ingredients create the base for your Christmas Thumbprint Cookies, each contributing to the flavor and texture of the cookies.
• All-purpose flour: The main structure of the dough, giving the cookies a soft and tender texture.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and flavor. Use softened butter for the best consistency.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
• Egg: Binds the dough together and helps it rise.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, giving them the perfect texture.
• Jam (raspberry, strawberry, apricot): The sweet filling that defines thumbprint cookies. Jam adds both flavor and a pop of color.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
For those with dietary preferences or ingredient shortages, here are some swaps for your Christmas Thumbprint Cookies:
• Flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum to help the dough hold together.
• Butter: If you’re dairy-free, substitute with a dairy-free butter stick, not spreadable varieties. You can also use margarine, though it may cause more spreading.
• Egg: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce for an egg-free version.
• Jam: If you’re feeling adventurous, try lemon curd, chocolate spread, or even dulce de leche for a unique twist on the classic thumbprint cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a stand mixer, cream together the salted butter, granulated sugar, and baking powder on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
- Mix in the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough, which can make it tough.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet, at least 1 inch apart. Use your thumb or a rounded tool to press an indentation into the center of each ball.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam into each indentation. Be sure not to overfill, as the jam will spread during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. The cookies should be golden around the edges but still slightly pale on top. If needed, rotate the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.
- Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Making thumbprint cookies can be tricky if you’re not careful with the details. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly:
- Chill the Dough: To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Indentation Depth: Aim for about 1/2 inch depth when making the thumbprint. If the indentations puff up during baking, press them down gently while they are still hot.
- Use Thick Jam: Make sure your jam isn’t too runny. Thicker jam works best and won’t spread too much during baking.
Pairing Ideas and Variations for Thumbprint Cookies
Christmas Thumbprint Cookies can be paired with various treats and enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm drink, making them perfect for afternoon tea or coffee breaks.
- Try Different Jam Flavors: Mix and match different jams like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot to create a variety of flavors for your cookie platter.
- Gluten-Free Version: If you need a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Christmas Thumbprint Cookies can be prepared ahead of time, making them an excellent option for holiday baking. Here’s how to store and freeze them:
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For extra softness, place a piece of bread in the container to help retain moisture.
- Freezing: You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Store them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Alternatively, freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them fresh when needed.
By following these tips, your Christmas Thumbprint Cookies will stay fresh and delicious throughout the holiday season.
Why Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Are a Must-Have for the Holidays
Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are more than just a sweet treat — they’re a holiday tradition that brings people together. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a cookie exchange, these cookies are sure to add a festive touch to your holiday festivities. Their simple, buttery texture paired with the sweet jam filling makes them a classic that never goes out of style. Happy baking, and enjoy the holiday cheer with every bite!
Conclusion: A Festive Treat You’ll Love
Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. They’re simple to make, versatile, and delicious, with the ideal balance of buttery dough and sweet, fruity jam. These cookies evoke the magic of the season, and their fun, customizable filling makes them an instant crowd favorite. Whether you’re preparing for a cookie exchange, baking with family, or enjoying them alongside your favorite holiday beverages, Christmas Thumbprint Cookies will undoubtedly become a cherished tradition.
Don’t forget to follow the tips and tricks to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time, and get creative with different jam flavors to make your batch uniquely yours. With their irresistible flavor and festive charm, these cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone lucky enough to enjoy them.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
1. Can I use homemade jam for the thumbprint cookies?
Absolutely! Homemade jam works wonderfully in this recipe. In fact, using your own preserves adds a personal touch and can elevate the flavor of your cookies. Just make sure the jam is thick enough to prevent it from spilling over during baking. If it’s too runny, you can reduce it slightly over heat to thicken it before using.
2. Why did my thumbprint cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it’s likely that the dough was too warm before baking. Be sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. Additionally, ensure your oven is properly preheated before placing the cookies in. Chilling the dough helps solidify the butter and prevents excessive spreading.
3. Can I freeze Christmas Thumbprint Cookies?
Yes, Christmas Thumbprint Cookies freeze very well! You can freeze both baked cookies and unbaked dough balls. To freeze baked cookies, place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. For unbaked dough, freeze the shaped dough balls and add the jam after thawing. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
More Relevant Recipes
- Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake: This delightful cake combines the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples, creating a dessert that pairs wonderfully with the holiday spirit of Christmas Thumbprint Cookies. The richness of the browned butter gives it an extra layer of depth, perfect for fall and winter celebrations.
- Pumpkin Spice Cookies No-Chill Recipe: If you love holiday baking, these pumpkin spice cookies are a must-try. With warm spices and a soft texture, they offer a similar cozy vibe to Christmas Thumbprint Cookies. They’re easy to make without the need for chilling, making them a great choice for a last-minute treat.
- Apple Pie Ice Cream Recipe: This frozen treat combines the classic flavors of apple pie with the creamy indulgence of ice cream. It’s a perfect complement to the festive flavors of Christmas Thumbprint Cookies, offering a cool and creamy contrast to the warm, buttery cookie base.
Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
- Yield: 45–50 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a festive holiday treat featuring buttery shortbread with a sweet jam center. These easy-to-make cookies are a classic addition to your holiday cookie platter, perfect for family gatherings or cookie exchanges.
Ingredients
- 1 cup salted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg (at room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup jam (raspberry, apricot, or strawberry recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and baking powder until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Scrape down the bowl and add the egg and vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each dough ball.
- Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of jam into each indentation.
- Bake the cookies for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading during baking.
- Use thicker jam or preserves to prevent it from spreading too much while baking.
- For a twist, try mixing different jam flavors in the same batch.
- If your cookies spread too much, reduce the butter temperature and chill the dough longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 60-70 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
