Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Nothing says the holidays like cookies fresh from the oven—and these Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a festive favorite. Tender, buttery, and filled with vibrant jams, they bring holiday cheer with every bite. Perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa, these cookies are soft, melt-in-your-mouth, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a perfect blend of festive fun and comforting flavor. With tender, buttery dough and sweet, colorful jam fillings, they’re soft, chewy, and ideal for holiday baking or gift-giving.
- Soft & Tender: Unlike traditional thumbprints that can be crisp, these cookies are soft and chewy.
- Customizable Fillings: Use your favorite jams, chocolate, or nut butters.
- Festive & Fun: Decorate with colorful sugar or sprinkles to match your holiday theme.
Ingredients
The magic of these thumbprint cookies starts with simple, high-quality ingredients. From creamy butter to your favorite jams, each component plays a key role in creating cookies that are soft, flavorful, and perfectly festive.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) | Softened |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup | |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup | Light or dark |
| Egg | 1 large | Room temperature |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups | |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | |
| Salt | ½ tsp | |
| Jam or preserves | ½ cup | Raspberry, strawberry, or apricot |
| Optional: Colored sugar or sprinkles | 2–3 tbsp | For decoration |
Time Breakdown
Baking holiday cookies is easier when you know exactly how long each step will take. This breakdown helps you plan your baking session efficiently, so you can enjoy your thumbprint cookies fresh from the oven.
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Chilling: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
- Baking: 12–15 minutes
- Cooling: 10 minutes
- Total Time: ~1 hour
How to Make – Step by Step
Baking these cookies is simple and rewarding. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure each cookie comes out soft, perfectly shaped, and filled with sweet, festive jam.
- Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture until combined.
- Form Cookies
- Scoop dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
- Use your thumb or a small spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each ball.
- Fill with Jam
- Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of your chosen jam or preserves.
- Optional: sprinkle colored sugar or holiday-themed sprinkles around the edges.
- Bake & Cool
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Don’t feel limited by the recipe! This section explores creative substitutions and variations, so you can tailor your thumbprint cookies to your taste or dietary needs while keeping them soft and festive.
- Flour: Try almond flour or a gluten-free blend for a different texture.
- Jam: Swap for chocolate chips, Nutella, or lemon curd.
- Decorations: Crushed candy canes or colored sanding sugar add festive flair.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are versatile and delightful in many settings. Whether enjoyed with a hot drink, arranged on a holiday platter, or packaged as gifts, here are some ideas to make the most of your batch.
- Serve with hot cocoa, coffee, or tea for a cozy holiday treat.
- Package in decorative tins for gifts or cookie exchanges.
- Arrange on a holiday platter alongside other cookies for a festive spread.
Storing Tips
Proper storage keeps your thumbprint cookies soft, flavorful, and ready to enjoy. This section explains the best ways to store, refrigerate, or freeze them for maximum freshness.
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked cookies for up to 3 months; thaw or bake as needed.
Chef’s Special Tips
Even simple cookies can be elevated with a few smart tricks. Here, you’ll find insider tips to make your thumbprints softer, more colorful, and perfectly shaped every time.
- Chill dough slightly before baking to maintain shape and prevent spreading.
- Use a variety of jams for colorful, eye-catching cookies.
- For extra softness, avoid overbaking; cookies should look slightly underdone when removed.
Conclusion
These Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a holiday classic with a tender twist. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Bake a batch today and fill your kitchen with festive aromas, then spread the joy by gifting or enjoying them together. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag someone who loves holiday treats.