There is something truly magical about Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam. These delightful treats combine a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base with the vibrant sweetness of raspberry jam nestled perfectly in the center. Every bite brings you back to those cozy holiday moments, filled with warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable aromas of festive baking. If you crave a cookie that balances soft texture with a fruity pop, this classic recipe is your new holiday must-have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients ensures your cookies have the perfect balance of buttery richness and fruity brightness. Each one plays a distinct role in creating that signature texture and flavor that makes these Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam so special.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a creamy, tender base and richness for the cookie dough.
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness and helps with that golden edge.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cookies structure and a delicately soft crumb.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the flavor, bringing everything together.
- ½ cup raspberry jam: This jewel-like filling adds a burst of tart, fruity goodness that steals the show.
How to Make Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when your cookies go in. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Preparation here makes the baking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Next, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it aerates the dough, giving your cookies their tender and soft texture. Be patient and let your mixer do the work—it’s the foundation of an amazing cookie.
Step 3: Add Vanilla, Flour, and Salt
Once creamed, mix in the vanilla extract for that warm kiss of flavor. Then gently fold in the flour and salt until everything just comes together to form a smooth dough. Avoid overmixing here; you want the dough just combined to keep your cookies delicate.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Roll the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheets. This step shapes the cookies and sets you up perfectly for the iconic thumbprint.
Step 5: Create the Thumbprints and Add Jam
Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press a gentle indentation right in the center of each ball. This makes the perfect nest for the raspberry jam. Fill each thumbprint with about a teaspoon of jam, letting its vibrant red color peek out beautifully.
Step 6: Bake Until Edges are Set
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges are just firm and lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—the jam might bubble slightly, and that’s a wonderful sign that the cookies are almost ready to come out.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling is key to let the cookies set fully so they hold their shape and the jam sets up nicely without being too runny.
How to Serve Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar over these cookies right before serving adds an extra touch of Christmas magic. You can also dust with finely chopped pistachios or add a tiny mint leaf for a festive green contrast that looks as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These thumbprint cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced tea, hot cocoa, or even a festive mulled wine. Their buttery base and fruity jam center balance rich and spicy drinks perfectly, making any holiday gathering feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping holiday display, arrange the cookies on a festive plate alongside seasonal accents like holly leaves or miniature pine cones. You can even serve them in clear jars tied with a red ribbon as charming homemade gifts that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This helps maintain their soft texture and preserves the jam’s fresh flavor.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Lay them flat in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back the melt-in-your-mouth feeling and slightly softens the jam, just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of jam?
Absolutely! While raspberry jam is classic for Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam, you can swap it for strawberry, apricot, or even a spiced cranberry jam to match your taste or holiday theme.
What if my dough is too sticky to roll?
If your dough feels too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Cooler dough is easier to handle and results in perfectly shaped thumbprints without sticking to your hands.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help keep the dough together.
How do I prevent the jam from spreading too much?
Use a thick jam and fill the thumbprints just before baking. Avoid overfilling, and the jam should stay nicely contained within the cookie indentations as they bake.
Are these cookies suitable for kids to help make?
Definitely. Pressing thumbprints and spooning jam is fun and safe for kids to do under supervision. It’s a wonderful way to get the whole family involved in holiday baking traditions.
Final Thoughts
These Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam truly bring holiday joy with their buttery softness and vibrant, fruity centers. Baking them is as rewarding as sharing them, inviting warm memories around your kitchen table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a holiday tradition you’ll look forward to year after year. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and make some festive magic happen!
PrintChristmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
These Christmas thumbprint cookies are a delightful holiday treat featuring a soft, buttery dough filled with sweet raspberry jam. Perfectly sized for holiday parties or gift-giving, these classic cookies blend simple ingredients into a festive favorite that’s easy to prepare and loved by all ages.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Filling
- ½ cup raspberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a tender texture for the cookies.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and salt to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a soft dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into evenly sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Create Thumbprints: Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press an indentation into the center of each dough ball, creating a small well for the jam.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam into each indentation, taking care not to overfill to prevent spilling during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12–14 minutes or until the edges are set and the cookies are lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle some colored sugar around the jam before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Raspberry jam can be substituted with other flavors like apricot or strawberry for variety.