Is there anything that screams “the holidays are HERE!” more than the smell of cookies baking? I don’t think so! And for me, it just *has* to include a batch of Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam. There’s just something so simple and elegant about them, don’t you think?
I remember baking these with my grandma every year. I was always in charge of making the little thumbprints (obviously!), and sometimes, okay, *most* times, I’d make them a little TOO deep and the jam would overflow *everywhere*. Oops! But Grandma never minded. She’d just laugh and say it meant there was extra love in those cookies. And honestly, that’s what these little gems are all about – love, tradition, and a whole lot of deliciousness. So, let’s get baking some Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam, shall we?
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Simple and Delicious Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Seriously, these are SO easy to whip up! And the taste? Wow! That buttery cookie with the sweet-tart raspberry jam? Trust me, it’s a match made in heaven. You don’t need to be a pro baker to nail this one!
Perfect for Holiday Baking
Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s… honestly, any holiday is the *perfect* excuse to bake these. They’re festive, fun, and everyone loves them. Plus, they look gorgeous on a cookie platter!
A Classic Christmas Cookie Recipe
These aren’t some trendy, here-today-gone-tomorrow cookie. Nope! These Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam are a classic for a reason. They’ve been around for ages, and for good reason – they’re simply the best!
Ingredients for Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too fancy here, promise! But listen, the *quality* of your ingredients really shines through in these Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam, so try to use the best you can get your hands on, okay?
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: This is key, guys! Make SURE your butter is nice and soft. I usually leave mine out on the counter for about an hour before I start baking. You want it soft, but not melted!
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Just regular white sugar here. Nothing complicated!
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Don’t skimp on the vanilla! It adds such a warm, cozy flavor. I always use pure vanilla extract, but imitation works in a pinch.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Yep, just your standard all-purpose flour. Make sure you measure it correctly! I like to spoon it into my measuring cup and then level it off with a knife.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A little salt balances out the sweetness. Don’t skip it!
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam: Oh, the star of the show! I’m a raspberry jam kinda gal, but hey, you do you! Use your favorite flavor (we’ll chat about swaps later!).
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): This is totally optional, but I think a little dusting of powdered sugar makes these cookies look extra festive. Plus, it adds a touch of sweetness. Yum!
How to Make Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam – Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, time to get down to business! Don’t worry, these Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam are super easy to make, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be munching on deliciousness in no time!
Preparing the Dough for Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). You don’t want to forget this step! Now, in a large bowl (I love using my stand mixer for this, but a hand mixer works great too!), cream together your softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in that vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour and salt. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until *just* combined. This is super important: DO NOT OVERMIX! Overmixing will make your cookies tough, and nobody wants that!
Shaping and Filling Your Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Alright, time to get our hands a little dirty! Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on ungreased baking sheets. Now, here comes the fun part: use your thumb (or the back of a teaspoon, if you’re feeling fancy) to make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Be careful not to go *all* the way through the cookie! Then, fill each indentation with about 1/4 teaspoon of your yummy raspberry jam. Don’t overfill, or it’ll make a mess! (Oops, been there, done that!)
Baking Your Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Pop those babies into the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are *lightly* golden. Keep a close eye on them, because they can go from perfect to burnt pretty quickly! (Trust me on this one!)
Cooling and Finishing Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Once the cookies are done, let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up a bit. Once they’re completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar, if desired. And that’s it! You’ve just made the most delicious Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam! Give yourself a pat on the back!
Tips for Perfect Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Want to take your Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam from “good” to “OMG AMAZING!”? Of course you do! Here are a few of my top tips to help you bake the perfect batch every single time.
Ingredient Quality for Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Okay, I already mentioned this, but it’s worth repeating: use good stuff! Seriously, splurge on the good butter – it makes a HUGE difference in the flavor and texture. And the raspberry jam? Go for a high-quality one with lots of real fruit. You’ll taste the difference, I promise!
Preventing Cracks in Your Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Nobody wants cracked cookies, right? So, here’s the secret: don’t overmix the dough! And make sure your butter isn’t *too* soft. If your dough seems too dry, add a tiny splash of milk, like 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until it comes together. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading and cracking. For more baking tips, check out these baking tips and tricks.
Dough Consistency for Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
The dough should be soft and pliable, but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too dry, add that tiny splash of milk I mentioned. You want a dough that’s easy to roll into balls and holds its shape when you make the thumbprint. You’ll get the hang of it, I promise!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Okay, so maybe you’re not a huge raspberry fan, or maybe you’re out of flour (gasp!). Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few easy swaps you can make for these Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam.
Raspberry Jam Substitutions for Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Alright, so raspberry isn’t your thing? No problem! Strawberry jam is a classic choice and works beautifully. Apricot jam is also delicious and adds a slightly different flavor profile. Heck, you could even use cherry jam or fig jam! Just pick your favorite and go for it! You can find some great homemade Christmas jam recipes if you’re feeling ambitious.
Flour Options for Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Okay, so for this recipe, I really recommend sticking with all-purpose flour. It gives the cookies the perfect texture. I haven’t tested it with gluten-free flour, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you could try a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Just keep in mind that the texture might be a little different. Let me know how it goes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Got questions about these Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe. Don’t see your question here? Just leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to help!
Can I use a different type of jam for these Christmas Thumbprint Cookies?
Absolutely! While I’m partial to raspberry (it’s just so festive!), you can totally use your favorite jam. Strawberry, apricot, cherry… they all work great. Just make sure it’s a good quality jam with a nice, thick consistency. You don’t want anything too runny, or it’ll make your cookies soggy!
How do I store Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam?
These cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. But honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! They’re just too tempting!
Can I freeze Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam?
Yep, you sure can! If you want to make these ahead of time, just bake them as directed, let them cool completely, and then pop them into a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw them at room temperature for a few hours. They might lose a *tiny* bit of their crispness, but they’ll still be delicious!
Serving Suggestions for Your Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Okay, so you’ve got your Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam… now what? Well, they’re pretty amazing all on their own, but if you want to get fancy, try serving them with a glass of cold milk (duh!), a cup of hot cocoa (so cozy!), or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream (yum!). They’re also the perfect addition to any holiday dessert platter. Enjoy!
Storing Your Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store these Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days… if they last that long! Honestly, they’re usually gone in a flash at my house! Reheating isn’t really necessary, but a few seconds in the microwave won’t hurt if you want ’em warm and gooey!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Okay, so here’s the deal: the nutritional information I’ve provided is just an estimate. It can vary *a lot* depending on the specific ingredients you use (different brands, etc.). So, please don’t take it as gospel! It’s just a general guideline to give you a rough idea. Enjoy your Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam!
Enjoy Your Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam!
Alright, friends! Go bake up a batch of these Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam and let me know what you think! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your pics on social media! Happy baking!
Christmas Thumbprint Cookies: Grandma’s Flawless Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic Christmas Thumbprint Cookies filled with sweet raspberry jam.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Place the balls on ungreased baking sheets.
- Use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill each indentation with about 1/4 teaspoon of raspberry jam.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Notes
- For best results, use high-quality raspberry jam.
- You can substitute other flavors of jam, such as strawberry or apricot.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
