Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies: Cinnamon, Sugar, and Holiday Perfection

Last Updated on November 11, 2025 by Chef Josie

If you love the warm, cozy flavor of a classic snickerdoodle, get ready to fall for these Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies. They take everything you adore about the traditional cookie: buttery dough, cinnamon-sugar coating, soft centers, and give it a festive twist with a creamy vanilla filling.

Perfect for holiday baking, these cookies are easy to make, beautifully spiced, and incredibly addictive. Whether you’re baking for a Christmas cookie exchange or a cozy night by the fire, these thumbprints are the kind of cookie everyone reaches for first.

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Why You’ll Love These Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

• Soft and chewy: Perfect balance between tender and buttery.
• Warm holiday flavor: Cinnamon and sugar make every bite taste like Christmas.
• Beautiful presentation: The thumbprint filling adds an elegant touch.
• Simple ingredients: Easy to whip up with pantry staples.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gifting, parties, or cookie platters.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Filling:

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp butter, softened
• 1½ tbsp milk (as needed for consistency)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat together until light and fluffy.
3. Add wet ingredients: Mix in egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine dry ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to wet mixture.
5. Form cookies: Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
6. Coat in cinnamon sugar: Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl; roll each ball until evenly coated.
7. Shape thumbprints: Place cookies on sheet and press the center with your thumb.
8. Bake: Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool and fill: Let cookies cool, then fill centers with vanilla icing.

Notes and Top Tips

• Use softened butter for the perfect cookie texture.
• If the dough cracks when pressing the thumbprint, gently smooth edges before baking.
• Chill dough for 15–20 minutes if it feels too soft to roll.
• Add a touch of cream cheese to the filling for extra richness.
• Store in airtight containers up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for holiday dessert tables, cookie swaps, or festive gifts.

Delicious Variations:

• Eggnog Thumbprints: Replace milk in filling with eggnog for a seasonal twist.
• Caramel Filling: Use dulce de leche or salted caramel sauce for a rich version.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap filling for tangy cream cheese icing.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add melted chocolate over the filling for extra indulgence.

Storage and Freezing Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerated: Keeps up to 7 days for maximum freshness.
• Freeze Dough: Roll into balls, freeze on trays, and bake straight from frozen (add 1–2 minutes).
• Freeze Baked Cookies: Store unfrosted cookies in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Why You’ll Make Them Again

These Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect mix of cozy and festive. The cinnamon-sugar coating gives that classic holiday flavor, while the creamy vanilla center adds a sweet surprise. Simple to make yet bakery-level impressive, these cookies are destined to become a new family favorite for every Christmas season.

FAQs

1. Why did my thumbprints lose shape while baking?
The dough may be too warm. Chill it briefly before baking to hold the indentation.

2. Can I make these without the filling?
Yes! They’re delicious as plain cinnamon-sugar cookies too.

3. What kind of filling works best?
Any thick frosting, glaze, or even melted white chocolate sets beautifully in the center.

4. How do I keep my cookies soft?
Store with a slice of bread in the container; it helps maintain moisture.

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