These Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, tender, and sparkling with jewel-toned jam. No-chill dough means you can go from mixing bowl to merry in about 30 minutes. Cozy, festive, and reliably soft every time.
Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies (No Chill, So Soft!)
Equipment
- 2 Baking Sheet lined with parchment
- 1 Parchment Paper for lining pans
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 hand mixer or stand mixer
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 1-tablespoon cookie scoop for uniform portions
- 1 Cooling rack
- 1 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to make indents
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 0.67 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 0.25 tsp almond extract optional
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
Filling & Finishing
- 0.5 cup jam or preserves raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or cherry; choose thick/seedless if possible
- 0.25 cup red and green sanding sugar or nonpareils optional, for rolling
- 0.75 cup powdered sugar optional, for glaze
- 1 tbsp milk 1 to 2 tbsp, for glaze
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract for glaze, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. If your kitchen is very warm, keep a small space in the fridge ready for the dough between scoops.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Proper creaming creates that soft, tender texture.
- Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract (if using), scraping down the bowl until smooth.
- Whisk flour, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the wet ingredients and mix on low just until a soft dough forms and no dry streaks remain.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon portions (about 20 g) and roll into smooth balls. For a festive rim, lightly roll in sanding sugar or nonpareils.
- Press the center with your thumb or the back of a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to form a well. If the dough cracks, gently press the edges back together. Fill each well with 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon jam.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are set and the tops look matte but still pale. If the indents puff slightly, press gently again with the spoon within 1 minute of removing from the oven.
- Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Once cool, drizzle with vanilla glaze if desired, or dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
- Truly soft and tender with a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- No-chill dough for quick holiday baking.
- Classic buttery flavor with festive jam centers.
- Foolproof method with tips to prevent cracking.
- Endlessly customizable with different fillings and sprinkles.
Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Ingredients & Substitutions
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (226 g), softened. Substitute salted butter and reduce added salt to a pinch.
- Granulated sugar: 2/3 cup (135 g) for sweetness without grittiness.
- Large egg yolk: 1 yolk for richness and tenderness. Egg-free option: replace with 2 tablespoons milk or cream for a slightly more delicate cookie.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons for warmth. Optional almond extract: 1/4 teaspoon for classic bakery aroma.
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (240 g). Gluten-free: use a 1:1 cup-for-cup baking blend.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons (16 g) for extra softness and a fine crumb.
- Fine sea salt: 1/2 teaspoon to balance sweetness.
- Jam or preserves: about 1/2 cup. Raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or cherry work beautifully. Choose a thicker, seedless jam for neat centers.
- Optional holiday extras: 1/4 cup red and green sanding sugar or nonpareils for rolling. Simple glaze: 3/4 cup powdered sugar + 1 to 2 tablespoons milk + 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Preheat and Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 2 baking sheets with parchment. If your kitchen is very warm, keep a small space in the fridge ready for the dough between scoops.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until pale and fluffy. Proper creaming creates that soft, tender texture.
Add Egg Yolk and Extracts
Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla, and almond extract if using, scraping down the bowl until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk flour, cornstarch, and salt in a separate bowl. Add to the wet ingredients and mix on low just until a soft dough forms and no dry streaks remain.
Portion and Roll
Scoop 1 tablespoon portions (about 20 g) and roll into smooth balls. For a festive rim, lightly roll in sanding sugar or nonpareils.
Make the Thumbprint
Press the center with your thumb or the back of a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon to form a well. If the dough cracks, gently press the edges back together. Fill each well with 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon jam.
Bake
Bake 10 to 12 minutes, until edges are set and the tops look matte but still pale. If the indents puff slightly, press gently again with the spoon within 1 minute of removing from the oven.
Cool and Finish
Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Once cool, drizzle with vanilla glaze if desired, or dust lightly with powdered sugar.
Tips for Success
- Measure accurately. Weigh flour if possible. Too much flour makes dry cookies.
- Use room temperature butter for proper creaming. Too cold or too melty butter affects texture.
- Choose thick jam. If your jam is runny, simmer 2 to 3 minutes to reduce and cool before filling.
- Uniform scoops ensure even baking. A 1 tablespoon cookie scoop is ideal.
- Do not overbake. Pull them when edges set and centers are still soft for the perfect tender bite.
Variations of Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
- Peppermint Chocolate: Fill after baking with a 1:1 warm ganache and top with crushed candy canes.
- Almond Raspberry: Keep almond extract and use seedless raspberry jam, then dust with powdered sugar.
- Orange Apricot: Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the dough and fill with apricot jam.
- Lemon Snow: Fill with lemon curd after baking and chill to set. Dust with powdered sugar.
- Gluten-Free: Swap in a cup-for-cup GF blend and bake on the longer end of the time range.
- Dairy-Free: Use high-quality vegan butter sticks. Check salt levels and adjust to taste.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
- Hot cocoa with whipped cream and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Freshly brewed coffee or a vanilla chai latte.
- A festive dessert board with citrus slices, nuts, and dark chocolate squares.
- Warm cookies served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and extra jam drizzle.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight tin up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze baked cookies: Layer with parchment in a freezer container up to 2 months. Thaw uncovered at room temperature.
- Freeze dough: Roll and indent dough balls, freeze on a tray, then bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F, adding 1 to 2 minutes. Fill with jam just before baking.
- To refresh: Warm on a baking sheet at 300°F for 4 to 5 minutes to restore that just-baked softness.
Memories Made Around the Table
Every December, my little helper claims the job of pressing the centers with a tiny measuring spoon, then deciding which cookie gets raspberry and which gets apricot. We always sneak one warm, and it tastes like the holidays.
FAQs
Why do my thumbprints crack? Usually the dough is too dry or cold. Measure flour carefully, use room temperature butter, and smooth any small cracks right after shaping.
Can I chill the dough? Yes, but it is not required. If your kitchen is warm, a quick 10-minute chill helps keep the shape. Let dough sit a few minutes if it becomes too firm.
Should I fill before or after baking? For jam, fill before baking. For chocolate or lemon curd, fill after baking and let set.
Can I use salted butter? Yes. Reduce added salt to a pinch and taste the dough.
How do I keep them soft for days? Do not overbake, store airtight, and add a slice of sandwich bread to the container to maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts
These Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are the sweet spot of easy and elegant. With a no-fuss dough and bright, jammy centers, they bring classic holiday warmth to every cookie tray. Happy baking.