Nothing says Christmas baking like a batch of soft, buttery thumbprint cookies filled with bright, festive jam. These Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are simple to make and perfect for getting the whole family involved. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sparkling holiday look, they’re always a hit on dessert tables, cookie platters, and in gift tins.
Why You’ll Love These Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies are rich, soft, and sweet just what holiday memories are made of. The dough comes together quickly, and you can fill the centers with your favorite jam. They’re great for kids to help shape and decorate, making this a fun and cozy holiday activity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples come together to make this holiday favorite:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or strawberry, apricot, or your favorite)
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make Soft Thumbprint Cookies
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Add Flour and Salt
Gradually add flour and salt. Mix until dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Shape and Chill
Scoop out tablespoon-sized pieces of dough. Roll into balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Use your thumb or a spoon to gently press an indent into each.
Chill the dough in the fridge for 20–30 minutes to help maintain their shape during baking.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam. Bake for 12–14 minutes until the edges are just golden.
Step 6: Cool and Dust
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter for easy mixing and a smooth dough.
- Don’t overfill the centers jam will spread a little while baking.
- If the dough cracks when pressing, roll it again to smooth the edges.
- Try different jams for a colorful cookie tray.
Make-Ahead & Storage
These cookies stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dough balls (before adding jam) and bake fresh whenever you’re ready.
Perfect for Gifting and Cookie Swaps
Wrap them in festive bags or cookie tins for a heartfelt homemade gift. These cookies travel well and look beautiful alongside other holiday treats.
Add These Cookies to Your Holiday Baking List
Soft, colorful, and filled with flavor these Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a festive classic. Make a batch (or two) and enjoy the sweet joy of holiday baking with your loved ones.
Print
Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies – Easy Holiday Baking Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, buttery Christmas thumbprint cookies filled with festive jam. An easy, colorful, and delicious holiday baking favorite for families and kids.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup raspberry jam (or other jam of choice)
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add egg yolks and vanilla, then mix until combined.
3. Stir in flour and salt to form a soft dough.
4. Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
5. Gently press a thumbprint or spoon into the center of each ball.
6. Chill dough in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Fill each indent with about 1/2 tsp of jam.
9. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
10. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
11. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
12. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Chill dough to keep cookies from spreading.
Use a variety of jams for visual appeal and flavor.
Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze unbaked dough balls for quick future batches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
