Description
Craving a holiday treat that’s both festive and foolproof? Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam are just what your dessert table needs! These buttery cookies are rolled into perfect rounds, pressed gently to cradle sweet raspberry jam, then baked until tender and golden. With their beautiful appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re a top pick for easy holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or creative food gift ideas. Whether you’re hunting for quick breakfast bakes, elegant dessert bites, or classic cookie recipes, this easy recipe delivers charm and flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raspberry jam
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Add egg yolks and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix just until a soft dough forms.
5. If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Press a gentle indentation into the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a 1/2 teaspoon measuring spoon.
9. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon raspberry jam.
10. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
11. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
12. Dust with powdered sugar after cooling, if desired.
Notes
Let the butter fully soften before mixing for the best tender texture.
Do not overfill the jam centers or they may bubble over during baking.
If the dough cracks while making the thumbprint, gently smooth and reshape it with your hands.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg