Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies: Buttery, Jam-Filled, and Irresistibly Festive

Last Updated on November 11, 2025 by Chef Josie

There’s nothing quite as classic and comforting as Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies; tender, buttery cookies with a jewel-like center of sweet jam. These cookies are a holiday staple for good reason: they’re simple, elegant, and melt in your mouth with every bite.

Perfect for Christmas cookie platters, holiday gift boxes, or cozy nights by the tree, these cookies combine nostalgic flavors with festive flair. Whether you fill them with raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam, they’re sure to be a hit at every celebration.

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Why You’ll Love These Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

• Soft and buttery texture: The perfect melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Festive and versatile: Fill with your favorite jam or preserve.
• No-fail recipe: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Classic holiday favorite: A must-have for cookie exchanges.
• Make-ahead friendly: Dough and baked cookies freeze beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup raspberry jam (or any preferred jam)
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Add wet ingredients: Mix in egg yolks and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine dry ingredients: Add flour and salt, mixing until dough forms.
5. Shape cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
6. Make thumbprints: Press your thumb (or the back of a spoon) into the center of each ball.
7. Add jam: Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of jam.
8. Bake: Bake 12–14 minutes or until edges are just golden.
9. Cool: Allow to cool on wire racks, then dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes and Top Tips

• For perfect thumbprints, chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping.
• If the jam sinks during baking, add a small spoonful more while cookies are warm.
• Try using different jams; raspberry, apricot, and strawberry are all festive favorites.
• Add almond extract for a subtle, nutty flavor.
• Store in airtight containers for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies pair perfectly with hot cocoa, tea, or coffee. They’re an elegant addition to holiday dessert trays and can easily be customized for any celebration.

Delicious Variations:

• Lemon Thumbprints: Use lemon curd for a bright, tangy twist.
• Nutty Version: Roll dough balls in chopped pecans or almonds before baking.
• Glazed Finish: Drizzle cooled cookies with a light vanilla glaze.
• Jam Variety Pack: Make several batches using different jam flavors for a colorful platter.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps for up to 7 days for longer freshness.
• Freeze Dough: Shape into balls, freeze on a tray, then store up to 2 months. Add jam after thawing.
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Cool completely and freeze in layers separated by parchment paper.

Why You’ll Make Them Again

These Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies combine the buttery richness of shortbread with the sweetness of jam, creating a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. They’re simple to make, fun to decorate, and timelessly festive. Once you bake them, they’ll become a must-have cookie in your holiday tradition.

FAQs

1. Why did my thumbprint cookies crack?
That’s normal; a few small cracks add to their rustic charm. Chilling the dough helps reduce cracking.

2. Can I use store-bought jam?
Absolutely! Choose thick jams or preserves so they don’t run while baking.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for traditional flour.

4. How do I prevent the jam from over-baking?
Add jam halfway through baking or top off while cookies are still warm for the perfect glossy finish.

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