Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Experience the joy of the holiday season with these delightful Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies. Each buttery cookie is filled with your choice of festive jam, creating a sweet and soft treat that melts in your mouth. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these cookies are not only beautiful but incredibly easy to make. Add them to your holiday cookie platter for a delightful touch of tradition and cheer.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-17T05:18:53.521Z

These Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a cherished part of our holiday traditions.

The Perfect Holiday Treat

Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are the epitome of holiday cheer, bringing warmth and delight to any gathering. These cookies are not just visually appealing with their vibrant jam-filled centers, but they also deliver a satisfying melt-in-your-mouth experience. The buttery base complements your choice of jam perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Whether you're hosting a holiday party or just looking to indulge with family, these cookies are sure to impress and create lasting memories.

What sets these cookies apart is their versatility. You can choose from an array of jams—such as raspberry, apricot, or even a spiced cranberry—to match your personal taste or the theme of your holiday celebrations. This allows for a unique touch, making each batch of cookies special. Baking them together with loved ones can become a cherished family tradition that everyone will look forward to each year.

Easy to Make, Fun to Share

One of the best aspects of Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies is their simplicity. The recipe is straightforward enough for novice bakers, yet it yields impressive results that even seasoned bakers will enjoy. With just a few common ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create delicious cookies that look like they came from a professional bakery. This ease makes them a perfect project for family baking days or even gifting to friends and neighbors during the holiday season.

Once baked, these cookies are incredibly shareable. Their appealing aesthetics make them a lovely addition to holiday cookie platters, gift boxes, or as festive treats for coworkers. Racing against time during the busy holiday season can be stressful, but these cookies seamlessly blend fun with efficiency. Everyone will appreciate the extra effort you put into these tasty treats, and your homemade touch will be cherished.

Storing and Serving Tips

Ingredients

For the Cookies

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Your choice of jam for filling

Make sure to let the cookies cool before adding the jam.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Mix Ingredients

In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then gradually add to the wet mixture.

Form Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make an indentation in the center of each ball.

Add Jam

Fill each indentation with your choice of jam.

Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool before serving.

Enjoy your delicious holiday cookies with family and friends!

Baking Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies, make sure your butter is adequately softened before mixing. This helps cream the butter and sugar together smoothly, resulting in a fluffy dough. If you're in a hurry, you can cut the butter into smaller pieces and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften properly.

When it comes to making the indentations in your cookie balls, consider using a small spoon or your thumb for precise shaping. If you find the dough is sticking, lightly flour your hands before rolling. Additionally, don't worry if some cookies spread more than others; each unique shape adds to their charm.

Exploring Flavor Variations

While traditional thumbprint cookies often use fruity jams, feel free to get creative with fillings! Chocolate ganache, Nutella, or even lemon curd can add a delightful twist to these cookies. For a spiced variation, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough, enhancing the holiday essence.

If you want to go the extra mile, drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies after they've cooled can elevate their presentation and flavor. Experimenting with different toppings like chopped nuts or coconut flakes can create a unique flavor profile, ensuring you never tire of this timeless holiday recipe.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to three months.

→ What is the best jam to use?

Any fruit jam works well, but raspberry and strawberry are particularly popular.

Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

Experience the joy of the holiday season with these delightful Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies. Each buttery cookie is filled with your choice of festive jam, creating a sweet and soft treat that melts in your mouth. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, these cookies are not only beautiful but incredibly easy to make. Add them to your holiday cookie platter for a delightful touch of tradition and cheer.

Prep Time20.0
Cooking Duration15.0
Overall Time35.0

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Easy

Final Quantity: 24.0

What You'll Need

For the Cookies

  1. 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  2. 1/2 cup sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  4. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  5. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  6. Your choice of jam for filling

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then gradually add to the wet mixture.

Step 04

Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make an indentation in the center of each ball.

Step 05

Fill each indentation with your choice of jam.

Step 06

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 6g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Protein: 1g