Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Christmas thumbprint cookies are a beloved holiday treat that brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to any festive gathering. These buttery cookies, filled with sweet jam, are easy to make and perfect for cookie swaps or enjoying with a cup of hot cocoa. If you’re looking for a simple yet delicious addition to your holiday cookie platter, these thumbprint cookies should be at the top of your list.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

Christmas thumbprint cookies are the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and tradition. What makes these cookies so special is the melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base paired with a burst of fruity sweetness from the jam. With just a few basic ingredients, these cookies come together in no time, making them a perfect option for busy holiday bakers. Plus, their customizable nature allows you to pick your favorite jam flavor, making them suitable for everyone’s tastes.

These cookies are not just tasty but also fun to make, especially for little ones who enjoy pressing their thumbs into the dough to create the signature indentation. Whether you’re baking solo or with your family, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday season.

Ingredients for Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

Here’s what you need to make these delicious Christmas thumbprint cookies:

• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, creating a light and crisp texture.
• Egg: Binds the dough together and helps create a soft, tender cookie.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor to the dough.
• White Sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the crispness of the cookies.
• Salted Butter: Provides richness and a soft texture, giving the cookies their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough, giving it structure and texture.
• Jam: Raspberry or apricot jam is a classic choice, though any fruit preserves will work.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions for Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

If you’re looking to customize these thumbprint cookies for dietary preferences, here are some alternative ingredient suggestions:

• Gluten-Free Flour: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with the texture.
• Dairy-Free Butter: You can use dairy-free butter for a vegan version of these cookies. Just avoid the spreadable kind and go for the stick version.
• Brown Sugar: Swap white sugar for light brown sugar to add a touch of caramel flavor to your cookies.
• Egg Substitute: For an egg-free version, you can use unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg in place of the egg.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

Follow these easy steps to bake perfect Christmas thumbprint cookies:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a stand mixer, cream together 1 cup of softened salted butter, 1 cup of white sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
4. Add Flour: Gradually mix in 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour on low speed until the dough just comes together.
5. Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each ball. Press your thumb (or the back of a spoon) into the center of each ball to create a small indentation.
6. Fill the Thumbprints: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite jam into the center of each cookie.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. The edges of the cookies should be lightly golden.
8. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before enjoying.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

To ensure your Christmas thumbprint cookies come out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Chill the Dough: After rolling the dough into balls, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
• Perfect Thumbprint: When making the thumbprint, aim for a depth of about 1/2 inch. If the indentation puffs up during baking, press it down again while the cookies are still hot.
• Less Jam is More: Avoid overfilling the thumbprint with jam to prevent it from bubbling over during baking. A small amount, about 1/2 teaspoon, is enough for each cookie.

Variations and Pairing Ideas for Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

These Christmas thumbprint cookies can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and preferences:

• Jam Flavors: While raspberry and apricot are traditional, feel free to experiment with other flavors such as strawberry, blueberry, or even lemon curd or chocolate spread for a fun twist.
• Toppings: For added texture, consider rolling the dough balls in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or sprinkles before baking.
• Make-Ahead Options: The cookie dough can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months.

Storing and Freezing Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To keep them soft, you can place a piece of bread in the container, which helps maintain their chewiness. If you need to freeze the cookies, they can be stored in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers for up to 3 months. You can even freeze the dough balls without the jam and add the jam when you’re ready to bake them.

Enjoy these festive thumbprint cookies with your loved ones, and don’t forget to add them to your holiday cookie platter!

Conclusion

Christmas thumbprint cookies are a holiday classic that never fails to impress. With their buttery shortbread base and sweet jam filling, they’re the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Easy to make and highly customizable, these cookies are a great addition to any holiday cookie platter, cookie swap, or festive gathering. Whether you stick to traditional jam flavors or get creative with your fillings, you’re sure to create a delicious treat everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones to help, and bake a batch of these delightful cookies to share the joy of the season!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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