Holiday Thumbprint Cookies Festive

Holiday Thumbprint Cookies are festive and buttery treats featuring a soft cookie base with a delightful jam or chocolate filling right in the center. They are easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with loved ones during the festive season. The balance of tender dough and flavorful filling makes these cookies a beloved classic that always brings smiles.

These cookies have been a holiday tradition in my family for years. I often find myself making a double batch because they disappear fast at any party we host.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: softened to room temperature for a tender, rich dough
• Granulated sugar: to add sweetness and help create a slight crisp on the outside
• Vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor with warm notes
• Almond extract: optional but adds a lovely nutty aroma that complements the jam
• All-purpose flour: provides structure while keeping the cookies soft and tender
• Salt: balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors
• Baking powder: helps the cookies rise slightly for a delicate texture
• Fruit jam: such as raspberry or apricot for a bright, fruity filling, or chocolate ganache for a decadent alternative
• Chopped nuts: like pecans or walnuts for optional garnish, adding texture and extra flavor
• Powdered sugar: for a light dusting to finish the cookies with a festive touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Cookie Dough:

Cream the softened butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is important because it incorporates air that makes the cookies tender. Add the vanilla extract and almond extract if using, stirring until fully combined. These extracts provide depth and an inviting aroma. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour with salt and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough which can lead to tougher cookies.

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius so it’s ready when the dough is shaped.

Shape the Cookies:

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll each into a smooth ball. Try to keep the sizes uniform to ensure even baking. Place the dough balls about two inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each ball without breaking through the dough.

Fill the Cookies:

Spoon about half a teaspoon of your chosen jam or chocolate ganache into the indentation of each cookie. Be careful not to overfill as the filling may spill during baking.

Bake the Cookies:

Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges just start to turn golden, indicating the cookies are cooked through but still soft. Once baked, allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Garnish and Serve:

Optionally sprinkle chopped nuts over the filling before baking for a crunchy topping or dust with powdered sugar once cooled for a festive finish. Serve with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy holiday treat everyone will love.

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I’ve always loved using raspberry jam because its tartness cuts through the buttery cookie, creating the perfect harmony. One Christmas, my kids proudly helped fill each cookie with jam, making our kitchen smell like a joyful holiday bakery.

Storage Tips

You can keep Holiday Thumbprint Cookies in a single layer inside an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week without losing freshness. If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great option. Just make sure to separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking together. Thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have almond extract, vanilla alone works perfectly fine but consider adding a dash of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy twist. For the filling, any smooth nut butter or lemon curd can be interesting alternatives adding new flavor profiles. To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix that contains xanthan gum for structure.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with warm beverages like hot cocoa, coffee, or spiced tea to bring out their buttery richness and sweet fillings. Arrange them on a decorative holiday platter alongside other festive baked goods for an inviting cookie exchange. They also make thoughtful homemade gifts when packaged in a beautiful tin or jar.

Pro Tips

Make sure your butter is soft but not melted to achieve the best dough consistency and an even bake. Resist the urge to overfill the thumbprint indentations as this can cause the filling to bubble over when baking. I learned the hard way that skipping the step to cool cookies completely results in the filling being too soft to handle without smudging.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can the dough be prepared in advance?

Yes, the dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days, which helps develop flavors and makes baking on short notice easier.

→ What filling options can I use?

Traditional fruit jams like raspberry or apricot work well, but chocolate ganache, caramel, or nut butters add rich, unique flavors.

→ How do I achieve the perfect thumb indentation?

Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to gently press an indentation in each dough ball without breaking the base to hold the filling securely.

→ Can I add nuts for extra texture?

Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or other nuts can be mixed into the dough or sprinkled on top before baking for added crunch.

→ How should these cookies be stored?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze layered with parchment paper for up to three months.