Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat: Christmas thumbprint cookies! There’s just something so magical about these little gems, with their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet jam filling that’s like a burst of holiday cheer in every bite. I remember the first time I baked them with my grandma. We’d spend hours in the kitchen, laughing and sneaking spoonfuls of jam while the cookies baked to golden perfection. It’s a tradition I’ve kept close to my heart, and now, I whip up these delightful cookies every year, filling them with whatever jam I can find—raspberry, apricot, you name it! These cookies are not just a treat; they’re a warm hug of nostalgia and joy that make my holiday season complete. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be just as hooked!
Ingredients for Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fruit jam (your choice, like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry)
How to Prepare Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness! Making Christmas thumbprint cookies is super simple and oh-so-fun! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that’ll make your holiday season sparkle.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for getting those cookies perfectly golden and baked through. While the oven is heating up, you can get all your ingredients ready. It’s like setting the stage for a holiday baking show!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Now, grab a big bowl and cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I’m talking about that lovely, airy texture that makes your cookies melt in your mouth. This step is super important, so take your time—about 3-5 minutes should do the trick. Trust me, it’s worth it!
Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Next up, add in those large eggs and the vanilla extract. Mix it all together until everything is well combined. Make sure you don’t see any streaks of egg or butter; we want a smooth mixture that’s ready to embrace the dry ingredients!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This little step is crucial because it ensures your cookies rise beautifully and taste amazing. Once mixed, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or you’ll lose that tender texture!
Forming the Cookies
Now comes the fun part! Roll the dough into small balls—about 1 inch in diameter—and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, use your thumb (or the back of a spoon if you prefer) to make a nice indentation in each ball. Aim for about ½ inch deep; this is where the jam will go, and we want to make sure there’s plenty of room for that sweet goodness!
Filling with Jam
Speaking of jam, here’s where you can get creative! Fill each indentation with your favorite fruit jam—raspberry, apricot, or even strawberry! Just be careful not to overfill; you want the jam to stay in that cozy little thumbprint while baking. Yum!
Baking the Cookies
Pop those cookies in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—every oven is a little different! Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling time is essential for letting them set perfectly, so try to be patient!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh my goodness, where do I start? These Christmas thumbprint cookies are not only quick to whip up, but the delightful flavors will bring joy to your holiday gatherings! They’re perfect for sharing, making them a festive treat that everyone will adore. Plus, you can get creative with the jam options—mix and match your favorites for a personal touch. Trust me, once you bite into one, you’ll be dreaming of these cookies all year long!
Tips for Success with Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
To ensure your Christmas thumbprint cookies turn out as delightful as they sound, here are some of my best tips! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature—this helps with mixing and creates that fabulous texture we all love. So, take out your butter and eggs ahead of time!
Also, don’t be afraid to get creative with your jam choices! While raspberry and apricot are classics, I’ve had great success with blackberry or even a zesty lemon curd. The flavor combinations are endless, and you might just stumble upon a new favorite!
Another little tip? If your dough feels too sticky while rolling, chill it for a bit in the fridge. This will make it easier to handle. And remember, practice makes perfect—if your thumbprint isn’t quite right the first time, keep at it! Every batch is a step towards cookie perfection!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas thumbprint cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week—if they last that long! Just a little tip: separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Trust me, you’ll want to keep that lovely jam intact!
If you’re looking to make these ahead of time, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste like they just came out of the oven!
As for reheating, it’s not usually necessary since these cookies are delightful at room temperature. However, if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with a gooey mess! Enjoy your delicious holiday treats whenever the craving strikes!
FAQ About Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about these delightful Christmas thumbprint cookies! You’ll feel like a pro in no time!
Can I use different jams?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about these cookies is how versatile they are. You can use any fruit jam you love—think raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or even lemon curd for a zesty twist! The choice is yours, so get creative and have fun with it!
How long can I store these cookies?
Your Christmas thumbprint cookies will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them! They can last up to 3 months in the freezer, which is perfect for enjoying later on.
What if my dough is too sticky?
Don’t worry if your dough feels sticky! That can happen sometimes. Just pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to chill. This will help firm it up and make it much easier to roll into those cute little balls. Remember, a little patience goes a long way in cookie making!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Now, let’s get into the numbers! Each of these delightful Christmas thumbprint cookies has around 150 calories, making them a sweet treat that won’t completely derail your holiday festivities. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values per cookie:
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose, especially when it comes to the type of jam you use. But no matter how you make them, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face during the holiday season!
Print
Christmas Thumbprint Cookies: 5 Steps to Pure Joy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Christmas thumbprint cookies with a sweet jam filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup fruit jam (your choice)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Use your thumb to make an indentation in each ball.
- Fill the indentations with fruit jam.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use any jam flavor you prefer.
- These cookies can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas thumbprint cookies, holiday cookies, jam cookies
