Description
Buttery, soft, and sparkly with sugar, these Simple Christmas Jam Thumbprint Cookies are filled with sweet jam and baked to golden perfection. A classic holiday cookie that’s simple, festive, and perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cool room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons light brown sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling dough)
2/3 cup thick raspberry jam or other thick jam (strawberry, apricot, or blackberry)
Instructions
1. Mix flour and salt in a bowl and set aside.
2. Beat butter until smooth, then cream with both sugars until fluffy.
3. Add egg yolk and vanilla and mix until fully combined.
4. Gradually add flour mixture and stir just until dough comes together.
5. Roll dough into 1 1/2 teaspoon-sized balls, coat in sugar, and place on a lined baking sheet.
6. Make a deep indentation in the center of each ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon.
7. Chill cookies in the freezer for 30 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of thick jam.
10. Bake one sheet at a time for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
11. Cool completely on the baking sheet before serving or storing.
Notes
Use butter that is firm but not melted to prevent overspreading.
Make indentations before baking to help them hold shape.
Do not overfill with jam or it may bubble over.
Only use thick jams to maintain neat centers.
Let cookies cool fully on the pan so jam sets properly.
Substitute gluten-free flour (1:1), or use milk/cream instead of egg yolk for an egg-free option.
Vanilla can be replaced with almond or lemon extract for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 30–45 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Christmas Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cookies
- Calories: 3400–3700 total
- Sugar: 250 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 165–185 g
- Saturated Fat: 95 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 70 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 450–490 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 28–34 g
- Cholesterol: 420 mg