Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam

Save this recipe on:

Delicate, buttery, and filled with festive raspberry jam, these Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam are the epitome of holiday cheer in every bite. With their vibrant jewel-toned centers and soft melt-in-your-mouth texture, they instantly brighten up any dessert tray or cookie exchange box.

Baked to golden perfection, these cookies are a family tradition that spans generations. Whether you’re whipping them up for Santa, sharing with neighbors, or enjoying them with a mug of cocoa by the fireplace, their nostalgic charm and fruity center make them an irresistible classic.

---

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

These cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, thanks to the buttery shortbread base and the tangy raspberry jam filling. They’re not just gorgeous to look at—they’re also incredibly easy to make, making them ideal for holiday baking with kids.

Their versatility shines too. You can customize them with different jams, sprinkle them with powdered sugar, or even drizzle with white chocolate for an elegant finish. And since they store beautifully, they’re a go-to make-ahead treat for the busy holiday season.

---

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the mixing and shaping, having the right tools on hand will make your cookie-baking smooth and enjoyable:

• Mixing Bowls: Use a medium bowl for the dry ingredients and a large one for creaming butter and sugar. This helps keep the steps clean and organized.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: Creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy is key for the cookie texture. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment speeds up the process.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements matter in baking. Dry and liquid ingredients should be measured properly to ensure perfect dough.
• Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and promotes even baking, plus easy cleanup.
• Small Cookie Scoop: For evenly sized cookies, which bake uniformly.
• 1/2 Teaspoon or Thumb: To make the center indentation for the jam—your thumb works, but a measuring spoon gives consistent results.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Cools the cookies evenly and prevents sogginess.

---

Ingredients for the Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam

• Unsalted Butter: Provides the soft, rich base of the cookie dough. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the salt content.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies achieve a light, tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of the dough, creating a delicate crumb.
• Salt: A small pinch balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Raspberry Jam: The star of the show—adds a burst of color, tartness, and fruity flavor in every bite.
• Powdered Sugar (Optional): A gentle dusting on top adds a snowy, festive touch.

---

How To Make the Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This creates a soft base for the dough.

Step 2: Add the Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This gives the dough a cozy, aromatic lift.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and blend just until a soft dough forms.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. This step helps the dough firm up and prevents spreading during baking.

Step 5: Preheat and Prep

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

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop to portion the dough, then roll each piece into a smooth ball. Place on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Make the Indentations

Using your thumb or a 1/2 teaspoon, press gently into the center of each dough ball to create a well.

Step 8: Fill with Jam

Spoon a small amount of raspberry jam into each indentation. Be careful not to overfill.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 10: Optional Finishing Touch

Once cooled, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a festive look.

---

How to Serve and Store Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam

These cookies are best served at room temperature when the shortbread is soft and the jam center is set but still slightly chewy. Arrange them on a festive platter for a stunning holiday centerpiece, or place them in decorative tins for a beautiful edible gift.

To store, let the cookies cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They keep well at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies (without powdered sugar) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and dust with sugar before serving.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other flavors of jam?

Absolutely! Apricot, strawberry, blackberry, or even fig jam all work beautifully. Just make sure the consistency isn’t too runny.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Yes, chilling the dough helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking and prevents them from spreading too much.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. The texture may vary slightly but the flavor remains delightful.

How do I prevent the jam from running over?

Be careful not to overfill the indentations. Just a small dollop (about 1/4 teaspoon) is enough. Also, avoid using jam that’s too liquidy.

Can I freeze the cookie dough instead of baking it right away?

Definitely! Roll the dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once solid, store in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly, make the indentations, add jam, and bake as directed.

Should I dust with powdered sugar before or after baking?

Always after. Dusting before baking will cause the sugar to melt and lose its snowy appearance.

---

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Christmas Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam, don’t stop here! Try out these delicious and creative takes on cookies from my kitchen:

• Simple Apricot Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies for a creamy, tangy variation.
• Quick and Easy Fudgy Chocolate Brownie Cookies for rich chocolate lovers.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Cups if you’re craving a peanut butter twist.
• Cinnamon Sugar French Toast Muffins for a breakfast-meets-cookie treat.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for a fruity, creamy indulgence.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic with raspberry or try something new like apricot or lemon curd? Maybe a drizzle of white chocolate on top?

I love hearing how others bring these cookies to life in their own kitchens. Share your tips or questions—let’s inspire each other this holiday season!

Explore more cozy seasonal baking ideas on my Pinterest: Kitchen By Kate

---

Print

Save this recipe on: