Name: Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); ½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup brown sugar (packed); ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 1 large egg; 2 ½ cups all purpose flour (300g); 1 teaspoon baking powder; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons dutch processed cocoa powder; ½ cup granulated sugar for coating (or your preferred topping such as coarse sugar, powdered sugar, finely chopped roasted nuts, or desiccated coconut); ½ cup seedless jam (such as raspberry) or preferred fillings including lemon curd, fruit curd, hard candies, Nutella, chocolates, or Hershey kisses

There’s something magical about these little treats—the crisp edges, the soft centers, and that colorful jam nestled right in the middle. This Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is a festive classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for sharing and gifting during the holidays.

A wooden box lined with printed parchment paper holds four different kinds of cookies arranged in layers. On the top left, there are dark brown cookies with a chocolate center, one tied with a red and white string. Below them, round cookies have a red jelly center with a rough texture, stacked with peppermint candies tucked in between. To the right, light beige cookies with yellow jelly centers are stacked in a layer on top of more of the red jelly center cookies, some with heart shapes, interspersed with small peppermint candies. The bottom right corner shows dark brown cookies topped with chocolate swirls and sprinkled with nuts, some tied with red and white string, next to a few bright red sugar-coated cookies with peppermint candy centers. Outside the box on the right, three cookies are placed on a white marbled surface, and two candy canes are shaped into a heart. Red and white beaded garlands with golden bells and a red ribbon decorate the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made countless Christmas cookies over the years, but thumbprint cookies hold a special place in my heart. They’re a perfect balance of buttery, soft, and jammy sweetness that always gets gobbled up fast at holiday parties.

Easy to customize: You can mix and match jams, toppings, and even dough flavors for endless variations.
No chill time required: You can whip these up quickly, even last-minute, which is a lifesaver during hectic holiday seasons.
Soft inside, crisp outside: The texture contrast is just heavenly and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Great for gifting: These cookies stay fresh and travel well, making them perfect for cookie exchanges or homemade gifts.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, crowd-pleasing ingredients that come together to create that perfect balance of rich flavor and soft texture.

Flat lay of a smooth stick of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of packed brown sugar, a small white bowl of fine sea salt crystals, one large whole uncracked brown egg, a neat mound of all purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of clear pure vanilla extract, a small white bowl of rich dark dutch processed cocoa powder, a small white bowl of seedless raspberry jam placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Unsalted butter: Using softened unsalted butter ensures you control the saltiness and get maximum creaminess.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, crisp texture.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that deepens the cookie’s richness.
Sea salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for softness inside.
All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cookies structure without heaviness.
Baking powder: Provides a subtle lift, so the cookies stay tender, not dense.
Vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and aroma, elevating the whole batch.
Dutch processed cocoa powder: Makes a rich, chocolatey half of the dough for a fun flavor twist.
Granulated sugar for coating: Adds a pretty, sparkly crunch and locks in moisture.
Seedless jam: I love raspberry jam for its vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor, but you can swap with lemon curd, apricot, or whatever you like!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this cookie dough. Half chocolate, half vanilla means I get to make two slightly different cookies from one batch — how convenient is that? Feel free to swap jams or toppings to suit your vibe or the season.

Variation: Trying a lemon curd filling is a zesty change I started last year, and everyone raved about it—especially next to the cocoa dough.
Dietary swaps: For a gluten-free twist, I’ve had luck using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but watch dough texture and add a bit more butter if needed.
Festive toppings: Coating cookies in coarse sugar feels extra Christmassy, but chopped pistachios or coconut flakes offer a delightful crunch and color pop.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

A variety of cookies are closely packed together on a wooden tray over a white marbled surface. In the center, there are pale beige round cookies with a shiny red jam filling in the middle, with a smooth soft texture. Surrounding these are deep brown cookies coated with chopped nuts and topped with swirls of dark chocolate, tied with a red and white string around them. At the bottom, two bright red cookies covered in coarse sugar have a small candy cane piece and white drizzle on top. Behind the cookies, small candy canes wrapped in red and white stripes are placed in a small white dish filled with chocolates and more cookies, creating a festive look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy

Start by beating the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a stand mixer or a bit longer by hand. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything blends evenly — this step is key for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Add Egg, Salt, and Vanilla

Drop in the egg, salt, and vanilla extract, then beat again until smooth and combined. The egg adds moisture and helps bind the dough, while salt and vanilla enhance the cookie’s flavors delicately.

Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour and baking powder right into your wet mixture and gently fold everything until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here—you want it combined but still tender. Then, divide the dough: set half aside and mix cocoa powder gently into the other half for that lovely chocolate variation.

Step 4: Shape, Coat, and Create Indents

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out 1½ tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Roll each ball smooth in your hands, then roll in granulated sugar or your favorite topping. To make that iconic thumbprint, press a small indent in the center using your thumb or a teaspoon. For an extra festive touch, try gently pushing with your index finger twice at a slight angle to form a heart shape.

Step 5: Fill, Bake, and Finish

Fill each indent with your chosen jam—seedless raspberry is my go-to because it sets nicely and tastes amazing. Arrange cookies spaced about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 355°F (180°C) for 8-10 minutes. Resist the temptation to overbake; you want soft centers, not crunchy rocks. Once out of the oven, you can add special toppings like Nutella or Hershey’s kisses while the cookies are still warm for that gooey, melty magic.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few things that really make this Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe shine and ensure your batch is perfect every time.

Perfect Dough Texture: If your dough feels too sticky, chill it for 10 minutes—it’s easier to handle but remember, no long chill needed overall!
Indent Technique: Pressing gently but firmly in the center before baking creates a nice well for fillings without cracking the cookie edges.
Baking Time Watch: Take your cookies out as soon as edges turn golden; the centers will stay soft and finish baking on the tray.
Cooling Matters: Let cookies fully cool on a rack before adding delicate toppings like Nutella or chocolates to keep their shape and appearance intact.

How to Serve Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of coarse sugar or powdered sugar dusted over the tops for that snowy effect. For special occasions, I love adding a little chopped pistachio or edible glitter—the kids absolutely adore it!

Side Dishes

Pair these sweet bites with a hot cup of cocoa, mulled wine, or a spiced chai tea. They’re also fantastic alongside a cheese platter if you want to offer guests a mix of sweet and savory during holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

Last Christmas, I arranged these thumbprint cookies in the shape of a Christmas tree on a platter, using green sugar on some cookies to match. It’s a fun conversation starter and makes your dessert table feel extra festive and inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and fresh for up to 5 days—a blessing when you want to make cookies ahead for holiday events.

Freezing

You can freeze the dough balls before baking (rolled in sugar and pressed) on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to baking time. I’ve also frozen baked cookies with jam filling with great results—just thaw at room temperature!

Reheating

If your cookies lose a bit of their fresh-baked softness, pop them into a warm oven (about 300°F) for 3-4 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds. Just be gentle so the jam doesn’t get too hot and messy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use homemade jam for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade jam works wonderfully and adds a personalized touch to your Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. Just make sure the jam isn’t too watery, as very runny fillings can spread during baking.

Why do my thumbprint cookies crack around the edges?

Cracking often happens if the dough is too dry or if you press the indent too hard. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and gently create the indents without pushing too deeply. Also, avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft and intact.

Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

It’s possible to substitute vegan butter and an egg replacer in this recipe. Texture and flavor will be a bit different, so I recommend testing small batches to find the right balance that works for you.

How do I prevent the jam from spreading too much?

Using a seedless, thicker jam helps keep the filling in place. Also, pressing a firm but shallow indentation before baking creates a nice well to hold the jam, minimizing spreading. Avoid very watery fillings, which tend to run during baking.

Final Thoughts

Sharing this Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe with you feels like passing along a little holiday magic. It’s one of those recipes that brings smiles, pairs perfectly with warm drinks, and fills your kitchen with that unmistakable festive aroma. Give these a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and fun it is to create your own cookie traditions.