why make this recipe
Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a holiday classic: tender, buttery cookies with a sweet jam center that look festive and are easy to share. They bake quickly, require simple pantry ingredients, and are perfect for cookie exchanges, gift tins, or a cozy afternoon with hot cocoa.
introduction
These cookies are approachable even for beginner bakers and can be dressed up with different jams, nuts, or colored sugar to match your holiday theme. If you like soft, festive treats, you might also enjoy a ginger-spiced option; try this take on chewy and soft gingerbread cookies for another seasonal favorite.
how to make Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
This recipe gives you soft, pillowy cookie dough that holds a jam-filled indent without spreading too thin. The basic process is: cream, combine, shape, press, fill, and bake. The steps below walk you through each stage so your cookies come out uniformly soft with a bright jam center.
Ingredients :
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Jam or preserves for filling
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually blend this into the creamed mixture.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Fill each indentation with a small amount of jam or preserves.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
how to serve Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Arrange them on a festive platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy look. Pair with tea, coffee, or mulled cider. For a holiday cookie tray, mix several jam flavors (raspberry, apricot, and strawberry) so guests have colorful options.
how to store Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep the jam from sticking the cookies together, layer them between sheets of parchment paper. For longer storage, freeze unfilled dough balls or baked cookies (separated by parchment) for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
tips to make Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
- Chill the dough briefly (10–15 minutes) if it becomes too soft to shape — this helps maintain a round shape while baking.
- Use a small cookie scoop for uniform-sized balls so baking is even.
- Don’t overfill the centers; a small spoonful is enough so jam doesn’t bubble over.
- If jam is very runny, reduce moisture by warming and simmering briefly to thicken, or choose a thicker preserve.
- For extra visual interest, roll the dough balls in colored sanding sugar before making the indent for a glittery rim.
variation (if any)
- Nutty Thumbprints: Press finely chopped toasted pecans or almonds into the outer edge before baking.
- Chocolate-Hazelnut: Use a bit of chocolate-hazelnut spread for the filling and sprinkle with chopped hazelnuts.
- Citrus Kiss: Mix a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest into the dough for a bright citrus note.
- Sugar-Coated: Roll balls in cinnamon-sugar instead of granulated sugar for a spiced crust.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen berries to make jam for filling?
A: Yes — cook them down into a thicker jam first and cool before filling the cookies.
Q: How do I keep the centers from flattening too much?
A: Chill the shaped balls for 10–15 minutes before pressing the indent to help the dough hold shape.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and watch the texture; you may need slight adjustments in moisture.
Conclusion
For an excellent reference that explores thumbprint cookie techniques and variations, see Thumbprint Cookies – Sugar Spun Run.
Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually blend this into the creamed mixture.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Fill each indentation with a small amount of jam or preserves.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
