1. Can I use different types of jam for these Christmas thumbprint cookies?

Absolutely! One of the best things about Christmas thumbprint cookies is how customizable they are. While raspberry and apricot jams are traditional favorites, you can use any fruit preserves, jelly, or even chocolate spread. Strawberry, blueberry, and even lemon curd are great options for a fun twist. Just ensure the jam is thick enough to prevent it from spreading too much while baking.

2. Why are my thumbprint cookies spreading too much during baking?

If your thumbprint cookies are spreading more than you'd like, it could be because the dough is too warm. Be sure to chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up and prevents excessive spreading. Additionally, make sure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before baking.

3. Can I freeze Christmas thumbprint cookies?

Yes, you can freeze both baked and unbaked Christmas thumbprint cookies. For baked cookies, store them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. For unbaked dough, roll the dough into balls, freeze them, and add the jam just before baking. This way, you’ll have fresh cookies on demand whenever you need them.

Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Name: Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
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 or apricot recommended)

Description

These Christmas thumbprint cookies are a buttery, sweet holiday classic featuring a jam-filled center. With a tender shortbread base and vibrant jam, they are perfect for any festive occasion, from cookie swaps to holiday dessert tables. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite jam, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

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 or apricot recommended)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
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.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together.
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 make an indentation.
Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of jam into each indentation.
Bake the cookies for 18-20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through. The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges.
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before enjoying.

Notes

Chill the dough balls for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading.
Use thick jam to avoid it running over during baking.
If the cookies puff up during baking, gently press the thumbprints down while they are still hot.
For a fun twist, try mixing different jam flavors in the same batch.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 60-70
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 25mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 10mg