Thumbprint Christmas Treats

Featured in: Desserts

These buttery thumbprint cookies are versatile and can be made with vanilla or chocolate dough. With easy filling options, they're quick to bake and great for holiday gift boxes.
Twistytaste.com
Updated on Sun, 27 Apr 2025 16:42:54 GMT
Golden cookies with a rich red-jam center on a festive plate, surrounded by holiday trim. Pin it
Golden cookies with a rich red-jam center on a festive plate, surrounded by holiday trim. | twistytaste.com

Every time I make these thumbprint treats for Christmas, memories flood back. I bake them yearly - that butter-rich dough with its crispy outside and soft inside simply dissolves when you bite into it. The best part? They're super quick to throw together, don't need any time in the fridge, and stay good for several days. Whenever I include them in gift boxes or homemade presents, I see faces light up instantly.

Why These Treats Stand Out

What's wonderful about these treats is how adaptable they are. You can turn one simple mix into tons of different goodies - from rich chocolate mint to classic berry versions, whatever you fancy. During the holiday madness, these are my trusty backup plan because they're so fast to make. They've got just the right firmness to wrap as gifts but won't be too hard when eating. Try them once and they'll become your holiday must-have.

Your Ingredient List

  • Butter: This gives you that wonderful richness that feels so good in your mouth.
  • Brown and Granulated Sugar: Together they create just the right sweetness and amazing bite.
  • Flour: Simple all purpose works perfectly to hold everything nicely together.
  • Cocoa Powder: Only needed if you want to make the chocolate version.
  • Baking Powder: This little addition keeps your treats delightfully soft.
  • Egg and Vanilla: They bind everything while adding fantastic flavor.
  • Fillings: Get creative with jams, fruit spreads, hazelnut paste or whatever you like best.
  • Toppings: Dust with sugar, chopped nuts, shredded coconut or candy bits for extra flair.

Baking Instructions

Get Your Mix Ready
Mix butter, sugars and vanilla until soft and puffy. Drop in the egg, then stir in flour and baking powder. Want dark ones? Just blend cocoa into half your mix.
Form Your Treats
Take small amounts and roll into balls, dip them in sugar or your chosen bits, then push down with your thumb to make that classic dent.
Add Fillings and Cook
Put your favorite jams in now but wait on things like hazelnut spread. Stick them in a 355°F oven for about 8-10 minutes.
Last Steps
Let them sit on a cooling rack then add any extra toppings. Good luck not finishing them right away.

Smart Baking Shortcuts

Want my top tricks for amazing thumbprints? Don't stir the mix too much - we want them tender and soft. Take them out while they still look a bit undone in the middle as they'll finish firming up while cooling. A sugar coating before making the dents stops sticking, and always wait until after baking to add any chocolate.

Storage Solutions

These goodies will stay tasty in a sealed box in your fridge for about 4 days. Need them to last longer? Stick them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just don't chill the raw mix before shaping - it gets way too solid and might split when you try to form it.

Holiday Treats With A Twist

The true wonder of these thumbprints is how many different versions you can whip up from just one basic mix. Fill gift boxes with lots of flavors or arrange a tray that amazes your visitors. Since they don't need chilling time, you can have warm treats ready whenever you want some. That winning mix of crunchy edges with soft middles makes everyone grab seconds.

Tasty Flavor Ideas

Try different taste combos - chocolate with mint always works well and tangy lemon curd brings brightness. Sprinkle with broken candy canes, coconut or colorful sugar bits to match your holiday look. My kids go crazy when I fill them with chocolate spread or cookie butter, though traditional raspberry jam never fails.

Great Companions

These treats look fantastic on any holiday sweet tray, particularly next to a warm cup of cocoa or spicy heated wine. Put them alongside ginger cookies and butter shortbread for the best Christmas cookie mix. Pack them in cute containers with ribbons and they'll make lovely presents.

Handy Hints

Leave about 2 inches between each ball on your tray so they can spread. Keep all your dough balls the same size so they cook evenly. Always start with your oven already hot and put parchment on your baking sheets for super easy cleanup. Have a blast trying different toppings to make them extra festive.

A plate of golden-brown cookies topped with raspberry jam and coated in sugar sits in a cozy, festive setting. Pin it
A plate of golden-brown cookies topped with raspberry jam and coated in sugar sits in a cozy, festive setting. | twistytaste.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why isn't it good to prep the dough early?
Chilled dough isn't easy to shape – sugar doesn't stick well, cracks form, and they bake less soft. It's best to make and bake on the same day.
→ When do I add different fillings?
Filling like jams or curds—add before baking. For chocolate, Nutella, or kisses—press them into hot cookies fresh from the oven to avoid burning or hardening.
→ How long will these last?
Pack them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Longevity depends on the type of filling used.
→ Can I make an all-chocolate version?
Yep, you can either split the dough for vanilla and chocolate halves, or stir in cocoa powder for fully chocolate cookies.
→ Why coat before making the thumbprint?
Rolling the dough in sugar or toppings stops it from sticking while pressing in the thumbprint shape.

Thumbprint Christmas Treats

Buttery and chewy festive cookies that can be filled with jams, chocolates, or curds. Perfect for sharing or holiday cookie gifts—no chilling needed!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 28 Servings (28 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 stick unsalted butter, brought to room temp.
02 1/2 cup white sugar.
03 Packed 1/4 cup brown sugar.
04 A pinch (1/4 tsp) of fine sea salt.
05 1 egg, large.
06 2 and 1/2 cups plain all-purpose flour.
07 1 tsp of baking powder.
08 2 tsp vanilla extract.
09 2 tbsp of processed cocoa powder.
10 1/2 cup extra white sugar for rolling.
11 1/2 cup seedless fruit jam to fill.

Instructions

Step 01

Whip up the butter with both sugars till creamy and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla, and salt, and beat until smooth.

Step 02

Sift the flour with baking powder into the bowl. Gently fold until you’ve got a dough.

Step 03

Take half the dough out. Mix the cocoa powder thoroughly into what’s left.

Step 04

Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons at a time, roll into neat balls, coat the balls, and press them to create thumb indents.

Step 05

Place jam or any filling you like into the indents. Bake in the oven at 355°F for 8–10 minutes. Add toppings like chocolate right after baking while cookies are warm.

Notes

  1. Best to bake and eat on the same day.
  2. Watch baking time to keep them soft, not hard.
  3. Top them with chocolate as soon as they come out warm.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking tray.
  • Non-stick parchment sheet.
  • Wire rack for cooling.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Includes eggs.
  • Contains gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 124
  • Total Fat: 7 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 14 g
  • Protein: 1 g