Get cozy this holiday season with soft thumbprint cookies that melt in your mouth and hold a sweet jam center.
introduction
Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are simple, tender, and filled with bright jam. They make a lovely treat for holiday plates and neighborhood gifts. The dough is easy to mix, roll, and press, so anyone can make them. If you like easy, soft cookies, you might also enjoy a related soft recipe I often mention, such as this soft creamy cookies recipe. Below I share what you need, how to bake them, and tips to keep them soft and pretty.
Why You’ll Love This Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
You will love these cookies because they are soft, not crunchy. The center of jam gives a pop of fruit that balances the sweet buttery dough. They are small and pretty, so they work well on cookie trays. The dough is forgiving. Even if you are new to baking, you can make these and they will turn out tasty. They also hold up well for gifting and look festive when dusted with powdered sugar.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a simple holiday cookie that feels homemade. The steps are short and use common pantry items. The cookies bake quickly, so you can make batches the same day. They freeze well, so you can prepare dough in advance or store baked cookies. These cookies are also easy to customize with different jams or small chocolate drops.
What You Need for Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
You need basic tools and pantry items. Tools: mixing bowl, hand mixer or stand mixer, measuring cups and spoons, baking sheet, parchment paper, and a wire rack for cooling. Ingredients are common and easy to find. If you want to try another nutty twist later, I like to look at other cookie ideas such as an almond butter chocolate chip version for inspiration: almond butter chocolate chip cookies. That link gives ideas on texture and flavor swaps you can use after you master these thumbprints.
How to Make Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Make the dough, shape the balls, press the centers, fill with jam, and bake. Work in simple steps and keep the dough cool if your kitchen is warm. Roll the dough into equal balls so they bake evenly. Press gently with your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a good cup for the jam. Fill the indentations with a small amount of jam — too much jam can run out while baking. Bake until the edges are lightly golden and let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes so they set. Move them to a wire rack to cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar if you like.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup jam (your choice, e.g., raspberry or apricot)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill each indentation with a small amount of jam.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Best Ways to Serve Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Serve them on a cookie plate with other holiday cookies. They pair well with a hot cup of cocoa, coffee, or tea. For a fun display, arrange them by jam color to make a red and green tray for Christmas. You can also make small boxes with a few cookies and tie them with ribbon as edible gifts. If you plan a party, place them on a tiered tray for a nice presentation.
How to Store Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you add powdered sugar, wait until just before serving to dust them so the sugar stays fresh. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray until firm, then move them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature before serving. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls on a tray, then transfer to a bag; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
Easy Tips to Make Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
- Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling it. Too much flour makes cookies dry.
- Use room temperature butter and egg so the dough mixes smoothly.
- Chill the dough 15-20 minutes if it feels too soft to shape easily.
- Press the thumbprint gently; pressing too deep will make the cookie too thin.
- Use a small spoon or a piping bag to fill the jam neat and even.
- Choose jams without large seeds unless you want that texture. Seedless raspberry or apricot works well.
- If your jam is very runny, simmer it briefly to thicken or strain to remove excess liquid.
Try These Variations of Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
- Chocolate thumbprints: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate base, then fill with raspberry jam.
- Nutty centers: Press a small whole almond into the jam for a crunchy touch.
- Lemon curd: Replace jam with lemon curd for a bright, citrus flavor.
- Spiced dough: Add 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice flavor.
- Holiday chocolate: After baking, dip half the cookie in melted chocolate for a richer treat.
If you want nut-forward ideas and texture tips you can try later, check a different cookie style that uses nuts for flavor and texture as a reference in the almond butter chocolate chip recipe linked earlier.
Common Questions About Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Q: Can I use frozen jam or preserves?
A: Yes. Thaw and strain any excess liquid if it seems too runny. Use a thicker jam for best results.
Q: How do I keep the cookies soft?
A: Do not overbake. Remove them from the oven when the edges are just light golden. Store them in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can chill the dough for a day, or freeze shaped dough balls. Thaw in the fridge before baking if frozen.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: Butter gives the best flavor and texture. Using margarine can change taste and may make cookies less tender.
Q: What size jam fill should I use?
A: Use a small amount, about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon per cookie. Too much jam can spill over while baking.
Final Thoughts
These Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a classic and simple treat for the holidays. They come together with everyday ingredients and little fuss. The soft dough and jam center make them a favorite for kids and adults. With a few small swaps you can make many variations. They are great for gift boxes, cookie exchanges, or a cozy night in.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your butter, jam, and a sweet spirit for baking. Make a small test batch first to find your preferred jam and baking time. Once you taste these, you will find how easy they are to repeat and share. Happy baking and enjoy the warm, soft cookies with family and friends.
Conclusion
For one more detailed guide and extra tips on thumbprint cookies, see this helpful resource: a trusted thumbprint cookie guide.
Print
Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender cookies with a sweet jam center, perfect for holiday gifting and cookie trays.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup jam (your choice, e.g., raspberry or apricot)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill each indentation with a small amount of jam.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.
Notes
Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze baked cookies for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg