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Nothing says holiday magic quite like a batch of beautifully colorful, festive thumbprint cookies! These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats are filled with vibrant jams that not only look stunning but add a delightful burst of fruity flavor in every bite. And did I mention the irresistible dusting of powdered sugar on top? Each cookie is a tiny masterpiece, adding that extra sparkle to your holiday dessert table.
Invite your friends and family to get baking with this easy-to-follow recipe. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love These Thumbprint Cookies
Festive and Colorful
These thumbprint cookies bring color to any table! Whether you’re using classic strawberry, apricot, or vibrant raspberry jam, each cookie has a pop of color that feels like the holidays.
Perfect for Gifting
Pack these cookies up in holiday tins or cellophane bags for a homemade gift that’s as sweet as it is beautiful. Your friends and neighbors will love them!
A Treat for All Ages
These thumbprint cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat! Get the kids involved in creating the thumbprints and filling them with jam. Baking memories that are just as sweet as the cookies themselves!
Ingredients for Holiday Thumbprint Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Assorted fruit preserves or jam (e.g., strawberry, apricot, raspberry)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Thumbprint Cookies
Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it becomes light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes on medium speed with an electric mixer.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the cookies tough.
Shape the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball to create a small well for the jam.
Fill and Bake
- Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam into each indentation, filling it almost to the top.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn a light golden color. Keep an eye on them, as they can quickly go from golden to overly brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Dust with Powdered Sugar
- Once the cookies are completely cool, use a fine mesh sieve to dust them lightly with powdered sugar. This adds a delicate “snowy” look that’s perfect for the holidays.
Tips for Making Perfect Thumbprint Cookies
Jam Choices
Experiment with different jams to create a vibrant, colorful assortment. Apricot, raspberry, and strawberry are classic choices, but you could also try blackberry or blueberry for a twist!
Dough Chill
If your dough feels too soft or sticky, pop it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before rolling it into balls. Chilled dough is easier to handle and will hold its shape better when you make the thumbprint indentation.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, but they’re so irresistible that they probably won’t last that long!
Freezing the Dough
If you’d like to prepare these cookies in advance, you can freeze the dough balls (before adding the jam). When you’re ready to bake, let the dough thaw slightly, add your jam, and bake as directed.
Decorating and Serving Ideas
Add a Festive Touch
Give your cookies a snowy holiday vibe by dusting them with powdered sugar right before serving. This simple step adds sweetness and a lovely, wintry finish.
Holiday Plating
Arrange the thumbprint cookies on a rustic wooden or red and green holiday plate for a cozy presentation. This makes them the star of any dessert spread.
Extra Sparkle
For a holiday party, add a touch of edible glitter or a tiny sprinkle of gold dust to make these cookies shimmer. It’s a beautiful finishing touch that guests will love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your jams are gluten-free too.
Can I use whole eggs instead of just yolks?
For this recipe, egg yolks provide a rich, tender texture. Using whole eggs can change the consistency, making the cookies less tender.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s too firm to handle when you’re ready to roll it out.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading, it could be because the butter was too soft or the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Pop the dough in the fridge for a few minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 100
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
Wrap Up and Happy Baking!
These colorful holiday thumbprint cookies are a perfect addition to any festive gathering, bringing both a pop of color and a deliciously fruity surprise in each bite. They’re straightforward to make, fun for the whole family, and easy to adapt with your favorite flavors and toppings. I can’t wait for you to try these and see them light up your holiday table!
For even more holiday cheer, check out these recipes:
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a review below and tag your photos on Pinterest – we’d love to see your holiday creations!
Print
Colorful Thumbprint Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bring the magic of the holidays to your kitchen with Colorful Thumbprint Cookies! These buttery, jam-filled cookies are a treat for the eyes and taste buds alike, featuring bright flavors like strawberry, apricot, and raspberry. Perfectly tender and lightly dusted with powdered sugar, these festive treats are ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or gifting. Fun and easy to make, they’ll be a hit with family and friends of all ages!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Assorted fruit preserves or jam (e.g., strawberry, apricot, raspberry)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. - Shape the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or a spoon to press an indentation into each ball. - Fill and Bake
Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of jam into each indentation. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Dust with Powdered Sugar
Once cool, dust cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a festive, snowy finish.
Notes
- Jam Varieties: Try different jams for a colorful assortment. Strawberry, apricot, and raspberry are classic choices, but blackberry or blueberry can add a unique twist!
- Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 10-15 minutes before rolling. This makes shaping easier and helps the cookies keep their form.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Freezing Option: The dough can be made ahead and frozen. Simply thaw, fill with jam, and bake as directed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
