Description

These buttery, jam-filled Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a timeless holiday classic that combines rich flavor, festive charm, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Perfect for cookie exchanges, gifting, or family baking traditions, these cookies come together effortlessly and deliver picture-perfect results every time.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup jam (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
1/4 cup powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Substitution Tips:
Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version
Substitute butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs for vegan option
Experiment with different jams or preserves for variety

Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar — In a large bowl, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients — Mix in egg yolks one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients — In a separate bowl, whisk flour and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 4: Chill the Dough — Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to prevent spreading.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies — Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Use your thumb or spoon to create indentations in each cookie.
Step 6: Fill and Bake — Fill indentations with 1/2 teaspoon of jam. Bake 12–15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on wire racks.
Optional: Dust cooled cookies with powdered sugar for a festive touch.

Notes

Ensure your butter is at room temperature for proper creaming. Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading and achieve perfectly shaped cookies. For a fun twist, drizzle cooled cookies with melted white chocolate before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 120
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 20mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3.5g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: Christmas cookies, thumbprint cookies, holiday baking, jam cookies, festive desserts