Thumbprint cookies are a holiday favorite, beloved for their buttery, crumbly texture and sweet jam-filled centers. With their beautiful jewel-like appearance, these cookies are a must-have for Christmas cookie platters and make wonderful homemade gifts. In this post, we’ll explore the history behind these classic cookies and share a recipe that’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for the holiday season!
In the mid-20th century, thumbprint cookies gained popularity in America as an easy and adaptable holiday treat. Their simple, classic look and endless flavor possibilities made them a staple for Christmas cookie trays. Today, they’re often filled with festive flavors like raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jam, adding a colorful and delicious touch to holiday gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup all-purpose
- 1 1/2 cups seedless raspberry jam
Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies
- Chill the Dough – Chilling the dough for 30 minutes helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- Make Even Indentations – Use the back of a measuring spoon or your thumb to make uniform indentations, pressing gently to avoid cracks.
- Fill After Baking (Optional) – For an extra glossy finish, you can add jam after the cookies have cooled.
Recipe Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Place the brown sugar, butter, and peanut butter in a mixing bowl and beat at medium speed with a handheld mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, baking soda, and salt and beat for 1 minute. With the mixer running on low, add the flour and beat until a soft dough forms.
- Form tablespoons of the dough into balls and place them on the baking sheets. Use your index finger to make a large depression in the center of each ball. Place the cookies into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are brown. Remove the cookies from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheets before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, place the raspberry jam in a saucepan and warm over medium heat. Bring to a boil, while stirring frequently, and cook until the jam has been reduced by one-quarter. Spoon a teaspoon of the jam into each cookie and let it set before serving.
Why We Love Thumbprint Cookies for the Holidays
Thumbprint cookies are a perfect holiday treat because they’re beautiful, easy to customize, and have a timeless appeal. The contrast of buttery cookie and fruity jam is festive and flavorful, making these cookies a delight for both the eyes and taste buds. They’re also a fun recipe to make with family, as kids can help press the dough and fill with jam. Thumbprint cookies look stunning on holiday trays and make a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or teachers.
Thumbprint cookies bring a touch of elegance to any holiday celebration, combining simple ingredients with delicious results. Whether you’re making them as part of a Christmas tradition or sharing them as gifts, these classic cookies are sure to be a hit. Try this recipe to add a bit of sweetness to your holiday season, and enjoy the warmth and nostalgia that thumbprint cookies bring to the table. Happy baking, and happy holidays!
For more recipes like this, be sure to check out The Christmas Cookie Cookbook with over 100 recipes to celebrate the season. Whether you are creating memories while baking with your children or grandchildren or looking to bake the best cookies for the cookie swap, The Christmas Cookie Cookbook guide to all things Christmas cookies and is sure to bring a hint of sweetness to your holiday celebration.
