Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 holiday bakers)
📸 1,500+ shares | 🎅 Perfect for cookie trays | ❄️ Freezer-friendly
These Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are the ultimate nostalgic treat—tender, buttery shortbread-style cookies filled with sweet jam and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of icing. Whether you’re baking for a cookie exchange or creating sweet memories with your kids, these classic thumbprint cookies add a cheerful pop of color and taste like pure Christmas magic.
📌 Quick Glance – The Coziest Cookies of the Season
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
- 🍪 Bake Time: 12 minutes
- 🧊 Chill Time: 30 minutes
- 🍽️ Yields: 24–30 cookies
- 💕 Vibe: Buttery, soft, festive, nostalgic
⬇️ Jump Ahead
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
- Flavor Ideas & Decoration Tips
- What Cookie Lovers Say
- FAQ – Thumbprint Cookie Troubleshooting
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need For Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup fruit jam (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, etc.)
- Optional: powdered sugar or icing for decorating
👩🍳 How to Make Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Cream It: Beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks and vanilla, and mix well.
Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly mix in flour and salt until dough forms. Chill dough for 30 minutes to make it easier to roll.
Shape & Press: Scoop 1-inch balls and roll them smooth. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Press your thumb (or the back of a spoon) into each ball to form a well.
Fill & Bake: Add a small spoonful of jam into each cookie. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–14 minutes, or until edges are just turning golden.
Cool & Decorate: Let cookies cool. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with icing for a festive finish!
✨ Flavor Ideas & Decoration Tips
🍓 Try red raspberry jam and green icing for a Christmas color combo
🍋 Lemon curd or apricot jam adds a citrusy twist
🍫 Fill with Nutella or chocolate ganache for an indulgent surprise
🌟 Add festive sprinkles or edible glitter for extra sparkle
💬 What Cookie Lovers Say
“These are a hit at every Christmas party—soft, buttery, and beautiful!” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rachel M.
“Made them with my kids and used different jams. So fun and delicious!” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Carla J.
“I’ve made thumbprints for years, and this is the softest version ever.” – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Denise L.
Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cream butter and sugar
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Add yolks and flavoring
- Mix in egg yolks, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Add flour and salt
- Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Shape cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Make indentations
- Press a thumb or spoon into the center of each cookie to make a small well.
- Fill and bake
- Fill each well with ~½ tsp of jam or jelly. Bake for 11–13 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool and decorate
- Cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or festive sprinkles if desired.
Notes
❓ FAQ – Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Troubleshooting
Planning a Christmas cookie exchange or dessert platter? Add these Colorful Christmas Pretzel Rods alongside your thumbprint cookies for a bright, no-bake treat that’s just as festive and fun.
