Thumbprint Cookies Recipe – Soft, Sweet, and Perfect for Holidays

I still remember standing in the kitchen as a child, watching cookies bake while the house filled with warmth and sweetness. Those moments shaped my love for baking, and these thumbprint cookies bring that feeling back every time. They’re quick, easy, and family-friendly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With soft centers and customizable fillings, these cookies fit right into the comforting, approachable style behind Eminent Recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together everything people love about classic baking, combining tradition with flexibility. These thumbprint cookies are inspired by old fashioned thumbprint cookies that have been passed down for generations, yet they easily adapt to modern tastes and busy schedules. Whether you’re baking thumbprint cookies for Christmas, Halloween, or a simple weekend treat, this recipe fits the moment perfectly.

You’ll love how soft thumbprint cookies come together quickly using simple pantry ingredients, making them ideal for family-friendly baking. The dough is easy to handle, which makes shaping fun for kids and stress-free for beginners. With so many types of thumbprint cookies to choose from, you can fill them with raspberry thumbprint cookies, thumbprint cookies strawberry jam, rich thumbprint cookies chocolate, or even classic thumbprint cookies kisses.

This recipe also celebrates creativity. You can explore chocolate thumbprint cookies, holiday-themed thumbprint cookies Halloween styles, or even experiment with thumbprint cookies sourdough for a unique twist. Rooted in the thumbprint cookies origin of simple home baking, this version delivers comforting flavor, beautiful presentation, and reliable results every time.

Ingredients for This Recipe

The ingredients in this recipe are simple, reliable, and chosen to create soft, flavorful results every time. Unsalted butter forms the rich base that gives these thumbprint cookies their classic tender texture, while granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the filling. The egg yolk helps bind the dough and keeps the cookies soft, making them ideal for both old fashioned thumbprint cookies and modern variations.

Vanilla extract enhances the buttery flavor, while all-purpose flour and a touch of salt provide structure and balance. The fillings are where creativity shines. Raspberry and strawberry jam are perfect for traditional raspberry thumbprint cookies, while chocolate spread or melted chocolate works beautifully for chocolate thumbprint cookies or thumbprint cookies chocolate lovers. Hershey’s Kisses add a fun twist for festive thumbprint cookies kisses, especially during holidays like thumbprint cookies Christmas or Halloween.

🛒 Ingredients:

▢ 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
▢ ⅔ cup granulated sugar
▢ 1 large egg yolk
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ 2 cups all-purpose flour
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt

▢ ½ cup raspberry or strawberry jam
▢ Chocolate spread or melted chocolate
▢ Hershey’s Kisses

▢ Powdered sugar for dusting
▢ Chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)
▢ Sprinkles for holiday themes

How to Make This Recipe

Making these thumbprint cookies is simple and enjoyable, even for beginner bakers. The process starts by creating a rich, buttery dough that forms the foundation of soft thumbprint cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Creaming the butter and sugar properly is key to achieving the classic taste found in old fashioned thumbprint cookies, while gently mixing in the flour ensures the cookies stay tender and not dense. Shaping and filling the centers allows you to explore different types of thumbprint cookies, from raspberry thumbprint cookies to chocolate thumbprint cookies.

As the cookies bake, the dough sets around the filling, creating the signature look associated with thumbprint cookies Christmas and thumbprint cookies Halloween treats. Whether you choose thumbprint cookies strawberry jam, thumbprint cookies chocolate, or festive thumbprint cookies kisses, this method delivers consistent results with beautiful presentation and rich flavor inspired by the thumbprint cookies origin of home baking.

🛒 Steps:

▢ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking.
▢ Cream unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy to create soft thumbprint cookies.
▢ Mix in egg yolk and vanilla extract to enrich the dough and enhance flavor.
▢ Gradually add all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until a smooth dough forms.
▢ Roll dough into small balls and place evenly on the baking sheet.
▢ Press an indentation into each cookie to form the classic thumbprint cookies shape.
▢ Fill centers with raspberry or strawberry jam, chocolate spread, or add thumbprint cookies kisses.
▢ Bake until edges are lightly golden and cookies are set but still soft.
▢ Cool slightly before serving or decorating for thumbprint cookies Christmas or Halloween themes.

Expert Cooking Tips

Mastering thumbprint cookies comes down to a few small techniques that make a big difference in flavor and texture. Using properly softened butter ensures soft thumbprint cookies with a smooth, creamy dough that’s easy to shape. Chilling the dough briefly before baking helps prevent spreading, which is especially important when making old fashioned thumbprint cookies with defined centers. Gentle mixing keeps the crumb tender and highlights the rich, buttery base inspired by the thumbprint cookies origin of classic home baking.

Filling choices also matter. Thick jams work best for raspberry thumbprint cookies and thumbprint cookies strawberry jam, while chocolate spread creates rich chocolate thumbprint cookies with clean edges. For festive occasions like thumbprint cookies Christmas or thumbprint cookies Halloween, decorative toppings and thumbprint cookies kisses add visual appeal without complicating the process. Baking until just set guarantees cookies that stay soft and flavorful.

💡 Expert Tips:

▢ Use room-temperature butter for smooth dough and soft thumbprint cookies
▢ Chill shaped dough 15–20 minutes to prevent spreading
▢ Avoid overmixing to preserve the tender texture of old fashioned thumbprint cookies
▢ Use thick jam to keep raspberry thumbprint cookies from overflowing
▢ Add chocolate after baking for cleaner chocolate thumbprint cookies
▢ Press centers gently to maintain classic thumbprint cookies shape
▢ Decorate with thumbprint cookies kisses for festive Christmas and Halloween versions

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Thumbprint cookies are a timeless dessert that combines simplicity, comfort, and creativity in every bite. Rooted in the tradition of old fashioned thumbprint cookies, this recipe delivers soft thumbprint cookies that are easy to make and endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer raspberry thumbprint cookies, thumbprint cookies strawberry jam, rich chocolate thumbprint cookies, or festive thumbprint cookies kisses, there’s a version for every taste and occasion.

Perfect for thumbprint cookies Christmas gatherings, Halloween treats, or everyday baking, this recipe fits seamlessly into busy schedules while still feeling special. With simple ingredients, reliable steps, and helpful tips, these thumbprint cookies reflect the heart of home baking and the joy of sharing something homemade with the people you love.

Thumbprint Cookies

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Classic old-fashioned thumbprint cookies made with a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dough and filled with sweet jam or chocolate. These soft cookies are perfect for Christmas, holidays, or anytime you want a simple yet elegant treat. Easily customizable with raspberry, strawberry jam, chocolate, or candy kisses.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (makes about 24 cookies):

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• ⅔ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg yolk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Filling (choose one or mix):

• ½ cup raspberry or strawberry jam

• Chocolate spread or melted chocolate

• Hershey’s Kisses (for thumbprint cookies kisses)

Optional Toppings:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

• Chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)

• Sprinkles for holiday themes

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Dough

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie.

Step 3: Fill

Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of jam or chocolate. If using chocolate kisses, add them halfway through baking.

Step 4: Bake

 

Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Soft Thumbprint Cookies: Do not overbake; remove as soon as edges set.
• Holiday Variations: Use red jam for Christmas or chocolate centers for Halloween.
• Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and reduce flour by ¼ cup.
• Make Ahead: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Category: Dessert / Cookies
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American / European-inspired