Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth to any holiday gathering. With their tender texture and sweet filling, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends. These cookies are simple to make and even more fun to decorate. They fill your home with a lovely smell as they bake.

Why You Will Love This Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are easy to whip up, making them perfect for beginners. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create something that tastes amazing. They offer a cozy feeling that brings back sweet memories of the holidays. Plus, the colorful jam in the center adds a festive touch. Everyone will love them!

How to Make Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

Making these cookies is a breeze. You’ll cream the butter and sugar together first, then mix in the dry ingredients. After that, just roll the dough into balls and make little thumbs prints in them. A small dollop of jam adds a sweet burst with every bite.

What You Need

To make Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies, you will need these ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup jam or preserves (such as raspberry or apricot)
Powdered sugar for dusting

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Using your thumb, make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
Fill each indentation with a small amount of jam or preserves.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow to cool, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They’re great for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a cozy afternoon tea. You can even pair them with a cup of hot cocoa or tea for a lovely treat. Dusting them with powdered sugar adds a nice finishing touch that makes them look festive.

How to Store Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to five days this way. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
Don’t overwork the dough; mix until just combined.
Use a teaspoon to measure the jam for tidy filling.
Try different jams to switch up the flavors.
Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake to avoid burning.

Variations & Swaps

Swap the jam for chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a new flavor.
Add nuts to the dough for some crunch, like chopped walnuts or pecans.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just let it sit at room temperature before baking.

Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! They freeze well. Just store them in an airtight container and thaw them when you’re ready to eat.

What kind of jam works best?
Any fruit jam works well, but raspberry and apricot are popular choices. Choose your favorite!

How do I reheat the cookies?
To reheat, place them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes until warm.

What mistakes should I avoid?
Don’t overmix the dough and ensure your oven is preheated for even baking.