There’s something magical about the aroma of warm spices wafting through the kitchen, especially when they lead to a batch of Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie with a sweet surprise nestled in the center—it’s pure bliss for your taste buds. Christmas Fruitcake Cookies These delightful treats are not just any cookies; they are little bursts of holiday joy that can bring back memories of cozy family gatherings and cheerful laughter.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use other types of jam in this gingerbread thumbprint cookies recipe?
- How do I prevent my thumbprint from losing shape while baking?
- Can these cookies be frozen for later enjoyment?
- 📖 Recipe Card
As you roll out the dough, you might find yourself whisked away to childhood memories of decorating gingerbread houses and sipping hot cocoa. Perfect for holiday parties or simply as a sweet pick-me-up during chilly afternoons, these cookies promise to elevate your dessert game. Grinch Sugar Cookies So grab your apron and get ready for an incredible flavor adventure! For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Orange Custard Squares recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies recipe is super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy bakers
- The combination of spices gives these cookies a warm and inviting flavor profile
- Visually appealing with their jam-filled centers, they’re sure to impress!
- Versatile enough to customize with any jam you have at home
I once brought these Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies to a potluck, and they disappeared faster than my hopes of winning the best-dressed award. Everyone raved about them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of your cookie dough; make sure it’s fresh for the best texture.
- Baking Soda: This helps your cookies rise perfectly; use it wisely! For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Cookies recipe.
- Ground Ginger: A must-have for that signature gingerbread flavor; don’t skimp on this spice.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and sweetness; choose fresh cinnamon sticks for maximum flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Use light or dark brown sugar for extra moisture and depth in flavor.
- Butter: Allow it to soften at room temperature; this helps create a creamy dough.
- Egg Yolk: Just one yolk will enrich the dough with moisture and richness.
- Your Favorite Jam or Preserves: Use raspberry, apricot, or whatever tickles your fancy—this is where you can get creative!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Dough: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, and cinnamon until combined.
Cream It Up!: In another bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes—use those muscles!
Add the Egg Yolk: Beat in the egg yolk until fully incorporated. You’ll notice the mixture turning even more velvety—yum!
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing gently using a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing if you want soft cookies!
Shape Your Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Make an indentation in each ball using your thumb or the back of a spoon—this is where all that delicious jam will go!
Bake and Fill!: Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and immediately fill each thumbprint with your chosen jam while still warm.
Now let these beautiful Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies cool completely before devouring them—or don’t; I won’t judge! They pair perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
Enjoy this flavorful journey as you share these delightful cookies with friends and family! They’ll not only be delicious but also create lasting memories that may just bring everyone back for seconds.
You Must Know
- These gingerbread thumbprint cookies are not just delicious; they fill your kitchen with festive aromas and warmth
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in, they combine chewy gingerbread with sweet jam, creating an irresistible treat that everyone will love
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then mix the dough while it warms up. Shape and fill the cookies before placing them on a baking sheet, ensuring even baking and perfect results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the jam for chocolate hazelnut spread or caramel for a unique twist. You can also sprinkle some sea salt on top for that sweet-salty combination we all crave.
Storing & Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For softer cookies, you can briefly warm them in the microwave before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing into the dough, ensuring a smooth texture
- Be careful not to overbake; keep an eye on them to maintain chewy goodness
- Experiment with different jams for fun flavor combinations that delight your taste buds
Sharing gingerbread thumbprint cookies with friends made me realize how much joy simple treats bring during the holidays. Everyone loved the unexpected jam surprise!
FAQ
Can I use other types of jam in this gingerbread thumbprint cookies recipe?
Red Velvet Thumbprint Cookies.
Yes, any fruit-based jam or chocolate spread works beautifully in these cookies. Chocolate Covered Oreo Cookies.
How do I prevent my thumbprint from losing shape while baking?
Make sure to create deep indentations before baking; they’ll hold their shape better!
Can these cookies be frozen for later enjoyment?
Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months for later treats.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect festive treat that combines a soft, chewy gingerbread base with a sweet jam-filled center. These delightful cookies evoke cozy holiday memories and are sure to impress at any gathering. With warm spices like ginger and cinnamon, they make an irresistible addition to your dessert table. Easy to make and customizable with your favorite jams, these cookies are bound to become a seasonal favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 cup jam or preserves (your choice)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ground ginger, and cinnamon.
- 3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- 4. Beat in the egg yolk until fully incorporated.
- 5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing for soft cookies.
- 6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls onto a lined baking sheet; create indentations in each ball with your thumb.
- 7. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden; fill each cookie with jam while warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 112
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 13mg
