Jolly Holly Thumbprint Cookies a Christmas Classic

Festive Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Bake a Batch of Joy

By Emily CollinsSeptember 7, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some seriously festive baking? Ever wondered what makes Festive Christmas Thumbprint Cookies so addictive? It's that buttery melt-in-your mouth goodness! These are the perfect Holiday Baked Treats.

Brief Overview

These delightful cookies hail from old-world Christmas traditions. These are Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes! They are surprisingly easy to make.

We're talking about an hour total, including chill time. This recipe yields about 24 cookies perfect for sharing, maybe even a Holiday Cookie Exchange Recipes.

Main Benefits

Honestly, who doesn't love a good cookie? The slight almond flavour is chef's kiss. The best part? They're a great Christmas Cookie Baking with Kids and a really fun Baking Gift Ideas Christmas.

Plus, these Festive Holiday Cookie Ideas are sure to impress everyone. So, let's get started on these amazing Christmas Goodies Recipes Easy.

Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear, Shall We?

Right then, let's chat about what you'll need for these Festive Christmas Thumbprint Cookies . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward stuff. We are diving into some Christmas Baking Ideas 2024 here!

Main Players in This Holiday Baked Treats Extravaganza

First off, the cookie dough. You’ll need 1 cup (226g) of softened butter. Make sure it's proper soft, not melted! Then ½ cup (100g) of granulated sugar and ¼ cup (50g) of light brown sugar.

Next, 1 large egg . Also add 1 teaspoon (5ml) of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) of almond extract.

Now for the dry bits: 2 ¼ cups (281g) of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) of salt. For the jammy centre, ½ cup (150g) of seedless raspberry jam does the trick.

For the butter, quality matters. Use a good brand; you'll taste the difference. It needs to be soft so it gets beaten to a smooth paste with sugar.

This makes for a light cookie. I remember one year, I used cold butter and the cookies were a disaster! Hard as rocks!

Seasoning Secrets for Christmas Goodies Recipes Easy

Almond extract is key. It gives that subtle, festive flavour. If you fancy, add a pinch of cinnamon. If you don’t have almond extract, vanilla's fine.

Kit You'll Actually Use

You don't need fancy gear for these Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes . Just a mixer, either stand or handheld. Measuring cups and spoons are necessary.

Baking sheets and parchment paper are next. Alternatively, you can use silicone mats. A small spoon or piping bag is also necessary for jam.

I've baked these Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes a million times. You can totally use a fork instead of a mixer.

It'll just take a bit longer to cream the butter and sugar. These are ideal Baking Gift Ideas Christmas . I often bring these to Holiday Cookie Exchange Recipes .

I even get my little ones helping, so it's ideal Christmas Cookie Baking with Kids . These are definitely one of the best Festive Holiday Cookie Ideas .

Right then, let's get baking! I'm channelling my inner Mary Berry and crafting a proper recipe outline for some smashing Festive Christmas Thumbprint Cookies.

These little gems are always a crowd pleaser, and this will make sure even a novice baker can whip up a batch that'd impress Santa himself.

Making these Holiday Baked Treats is way easier than you think.

Jolly Holly Thumbprint Cookies: Baking 101

These buttery, melt-in-your mouth Festive Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a festive twist on a classic. Perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Or even leaving out for Father Christmas, if you're feeling generous. Seriously, these Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes are gonna become your new go-to.

Prep Steps for Christmas Baking

This Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes starts with a good plan. Mise en place is key, my friends. Get everything measured out.

Essential Mise en Place

Soften 1 cup (2 sticks/226g) of unsalted butter. Measure out ½ cup (100g) of granulated sugar and ¼ cup (50g) of brown sugar.

Crack 1 large egg. Have 1 teaspoon (5ml) of vanilla extract and ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) of almond extract ready.

Combine 2 ¼ cups (281g) of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) of salt. Finally, grab ½ cup (approximately 150g) of your favourite jam.

I swear by raspberry! This might sound like hard work but the Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipes are so worth it

Time Saving Organization Tips

Honestly, prepping ahead saves my sanity. Weigh your ingredients the day before. Seriously though, do it. Place the jam in a piping bag for easy filling.

It's so quick and saves on mess. Making these Christmas Goodies Recipes Easy is all about being organised.

Let's Get Baking: step-by-step

Okay, deep breaths. Let's do this.

Cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. It should only take about 3- 4 minutes .
Beat in the egg and extracts until combined.
Mix the flour and salt in a separate bowl.
Gradually add the dry to the wet, mixing until just combined . This is crucial. Don't overmix!
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes .
Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roll into 1 inch balls. Make an indentation in the centre of each.
Fill with jam. Bake for 10- 12 minutes , until lightly golden.

Pro Tips for Pro Cookies

Want to level up your Festive Holiday Cookie Ideas ? Here's the stuff they don't tell you on telly. I learned these the hard way, trust me.

Don't skip the chilling! It prevents spreading.
Use softened , not melted, butter.
Avoid overbaking. Aim for lightly golden edges.
You can totally make the dough ahead. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days . Perfect for Christmas Cookie Baking with Kids . These also make great Baking Gift Ideas Christmas .

Recipe Notes for Jolly Holly Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

Right then, let's talk about making these Festive Christmas Thumbprint Cookies sing! Honestly, even the best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipes can benefit from a few insider tips.

I've baked hundreds of these over the years. So, trust me, I've learned a thing or two!

Serving Up Smiles: Plating and Presentation

These aren't just cookies, they're little edible works of art! For Christmas Baking Ideas 2024 , think beyond a simple plate.

Try layering them on a tiered stand. Dust with icing sugar for a snowy effect. They also look amazing in little cellophane bags tied with ribbon.

Serve with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or a cheeky glass of sherry for the grown ups.

Keeping it Fresh: Storage Tips

Pop any leftover Holiday Baked Treats into an airtight container. They'll keep for about 3 days at room temperature. Or, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.

For longer storage, these Classic Christmas Cookie Recipes freeze brilliantly. Just wrap them well in cling film then foil. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Warm them for 5-10 seconds in the microwave for that just baked feel.

Variations: Making it Your Own

Fancy a twist? For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. It's a great shout, it will allow everyone can enjoy some Christmas Goodies Recipes Easy .

You can swap the raspberry jam for lemon curd. It gives a zingy, citrusy edge. Another idea is using chocolate hazelnut spread.

For something a little different, Holiday Cookie Exchange Recipes , try a salted caramel filling!

Nutrition Know How: A Little Bit About What You're Eating

Each cookie is roughly 90 calories. It’s got about 5g of fat, 1g of protein, and 10g of carbs. They’re not exactly health food.

But they are a delicious treat. And let's be honest, Christmas Cookie Baking with Kids isn’t about counting calories! It’s about making memories and the pure joy of baking! They are one of the great Baking Gift Ideas Christmas

So go on, give these Easy Christmas Cookie Recipes a whirl! Have a go and create some fantastic Festive Holiday Cookie Ideas .

Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun. Happy baking, and Merry Christmas!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Festive Christmas Thumbprint Cookies spreading too much during baking?

Cookie spreading is a common baking woe! The most likely culprit is not chilling the dough for long enough. Aim for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to firm up the butter. Also, make sure your oven temperature is accurate, and avoid greasing the baking sheet if you're using parchment paper or a silicone mat, as this can encourage spreading.

Can I make these Festive Christmas Thumbprint Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dough can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days.

Hold off on filling them until just before serving if you're using a very moist filling, to prevent the cookies from getting soggy. Much like preparing for the Boxing Day sales, a little forward planning helps.

What are some good filling alternatives for my Thumbprint Cookies besides raspberry jam?

Get creative! Chocolate ganache is always a winner, or you could try lemon curd for a zesty twist. Salted caramel is another delicious option. You could even use Nutella or a homemade fruit compote. Think of it like choosing toppings for your Sunday roast variety is the spice of life!

How do I keep the jam from bubbling over and making a mess while baking these Festive Christmas Thumbprint Cookies?

A thick, high-quality jam is key to preventing overflow. Avoid overfilling the thumbprints less is more! You can also try brushing the edges of the thumbprint with a little egg white before filling; this creates a barrier.

If the jam does bubble over slightly, don't panic; just trim the edges with a knife after they've cooled a bit. It's a bit like tidying up after the kids have been crafting a bit of mess is part of the fun!

Can I freeze these Festive Christmas Thumbprint Cookies, and if so, what's the best way to do it?

Yes, you can absolutely freeze these! For best results, freeze the baked cookies before filling them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature and then fill them. It's like having a stash of emergency biscuits, but much fancier!