Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam

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I always find that the holiday season brings out my inner baker, and these Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam are one of my favorite festive traditions. There’s something deeply nostalgic about pressing your thumb into soft, buttery dough and filling the center with a jewel-toned spoonful of raspberry jam. The aroma that fills the kitchen is warm, sweet, and undeniably joyful—just like the memories I associate with them.

These cookies aren’t just beautiful; they’re incredibly satisfying to make. The dough comes together with minimal effort, and the contrast between the tender cookie base and the tart raspberry jam is absolutely perfect. Whether you’re gifting them in a holiday tin or sharing them over coffee, these cookies will quickly become part of your seasonal must-bakes.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam

These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft, buttery richness and fruity brightness. They’re simple yet elegant, and they freeze well, making them ideal for prepping ahead of the holiday rush. Plus, they’re a fun project to make with kids or friends—everyone loves pressing the thumbprints and choosing their jam flavors.

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What Kind of Jam Should I Use?

Raspberry jam is the classic choice because of its rich color and tart flavor, which cuts through the sweetness of the cookie dough. However, any smooth fruit preserve will work well—apricot, strawberry, or blackberry are all delicious alternatives. Just make sure to use a seedless jam for the smoothest texture and best bite.

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Options for Substitutions

If you’re looking to mix things up or cater to dietary needs, this recipe is quite flexible. Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version. Almond extract can replace vanilla for a nuttier note, and lemon or orange zest can be added to the dough for a citrusy twist. Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and you’re good to go.

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Ingredients for this Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam

Unsalted Butter – This forms the rich, tender base of the cookies. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming.

Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create the light, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Egg Yolks – Only the yolks are used here for richness and to bind the dough without adding too much moisture.

Vanilla Extract – Provides warmth and flavor depth. You can swap this with almond extract for variation.

All-Purpose Flour – Gives the cookies their structure while keeping them soft and tender.

Salt – Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Raspberry Jam (seedless) – The signature filling! Its sweet-tart flavor pairs beautifully with the buttery dough.

Powdered Sugar (optional) – For dusting the cookies at the end, adding a touch of snowy, festive charm.

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Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming properly helps create that soft, delicate crumb we love in thumbprint cookies.

Step 2: Add the Egg Yolks and Vanilla Extract

Add in the egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then pour in the vanilla extract. The dough will start to look smooth and slightly glossy.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—just enough for the ingredients to come together cleanly.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. This makes it easier to handle and helps prevent spreading during baking.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a smooth ball. Place it on the baking sheet and gently press your thumb into the center to create a well.

Step 6: Add the Raspberry Jam

Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam into each indentation. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam will spread slightly during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. The centers should remain soft and not brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Dust and Serve

Once fully cooled, lightly dust with powdered sugar if desired. This final touch makes the cookies look even more festive and holiday-ready.

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How Long to Prepare the Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam

Prep Time: Preparing the dough, shaping the cookies, and filling them with jam will take around 25–30 minutes. Chilling the dough adds another 30–60 minutes, but this step is essential to keep the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.

Baking Time: Each batch takes 12–14 minutes in the oven. Depending on your oven size and baking trays, you may need to bake in two rounds. Cooling takes an additional 10–15 minutes.

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Tips for Perfect Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam

• Use room temperature butter: This makes creaming easier and results in a lighter cookie texture.
• Chill the dough: Don’t skip this step. It helps the cookies hold their shape and prevents spreading.
• Indent gently: Press your thumb or a rounded teaspoon into the dough without cracking the sides too much.
• Don’t overfill with jam: A small dollop is enough. Too much will cause overflow during baking.
• Bake just until the edges turn golden: This keeps the centers soft and tender.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the chill time – Warm dough leads to flat cookies.
• Overbaking – They’ll lose their soft bite if left too long in the oven.
• Using jam with seeds – It can alter the smooth mouthfeel of the cookies.
• Pressing too hard when shaping – This can cause the dough to crack or split.
• Not rotating your baking tray – Uneven baking can occur if hot spots aren’t managed.

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What to Serve With Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam?

1. Hot Cocoa

The richness of cocoa pairs beautifully with the bright jam and buttery base.

2. Spiced Chai Tea

Warm spices from chai balance the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

3. Creamy Eggnog

A festive classic that brings out the holiday spirit in every bite.

4. Fresh Berries and Whipped Cream

Serve with a side of tart berries and a dollop of whipped cream for an elevated dessert plate.

5. A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

The contrast of warm cookies with cold, creamy ice cream is irresistible.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. Place parchment between layers to avoid sticking.

Refrigerator: If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to 10 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the dough before baking.

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Estimated Nutrition (per cookie, approx.)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 45mg
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugar: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of jam?

Yes! Strawberry, apricot, or blackberry jam work great. Just make sure they are seedless and not too watery.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can chill the dough overnight or freeze it for up to 3 months.

What if my dough is too crumbly?

Add a teaspoon of milk at a time until the dough holds together. Don’t overdo it.

Do these cookies spread much during baking?

Not if you chill the dough properly. This helps them keep their thumbprint shape.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly but they’ll still be delicious.

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Conclusion

Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a bite-sized celebration of holiday warmth and tradition. With their tender, buttery base and fruity center, they bring joy to every table. Whether you’re baking for loved ones, a holiday party, or simply to enjoy with a cozy cup of tea, these cookies are sure to be a festive favorite year after year.

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