These Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are a fun twist on a holiday classic! With warm spices and a sweet jam filling, they bring cozy vibes to any gathering.
Who doesn’t love a cookie that looks as cute as it tastes? I enjoy watching my friends steal the last one—they just can’t resist that sweet jam surprise! 😄
Making these cookies is so easy! Just mix the dough, shape them, and add your favorite jam. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself—no judgment here!
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This flour works best for structure, but you can use a gluten-free blend if needed. Just ensure it includes xanthan gum for better texture!
Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg give that classic gingerbread flavor. If you run out of nutmeg, a pinch of allspice can be a good substitute!
Molasses: Traditional for gingerbread, but if you don’t have any, dark corn syrup can work in a pinch for sweetness and color.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used to control salt levels, but if you only have salted, just skip any extra salt in the recipe!
Cream cheese: For the filling, if you want a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. It won’t be the same, but still delicious!
Jam: While raspberry or strawberry is a classic choice, feel free to use any flavor you enjoy—blueberry, apricot, or even citrus jams can add a fun twist!
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Shaped Cookies?
Shaping these thumbprint cookies is key to ensuring they bake evenly and hold the jam well. Here’s how to do it:
- Scoop equal amounts of dough using a tablespoon to ensure uniformity.
- Roll the dough into smooth balls in your hands. This helps create an even surface.
- After baking, use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to firmly press the center, creating a well for your filling. Don’t press too hard, as the cookies could break!
For an extra touch, roll the balls in sugar *before* baking. This adds a nice sparkle and extra sweetness!
Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (for the cream cheese filling)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for the cream cheese filling)
- 2 tablespoons milk (for the cream cheese filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the cream cheese filling)
- 1/3 cup raspberry or strawberry jam (or your favorite red jam)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus 10 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let the cookies cool for a while before filling them! Overall, plan for about 1 hour including some cool-down time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these ingredients first ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. This step is important for making your cookies nice and tender!
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until everything is combined. This is where your cookies start to take shape and smell heavenly!
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined; don’t over-mix or your cookies may turn out tough.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoonfuls of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in some granulated sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and sparkle! Place the balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the edges look slightly cracked.
8. Create Indentations:
Once they come out of the oven, immediately press your thumb or the back of a teaspoon into the center of each cookie to create a little well. Be gentle so they don’t break!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and be easier to fill.
10. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
While the cookies cool, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Beat until smooth and creamy.
11. Fill the Cookies:
Once the cookies are completely cool, fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of the cream cheese filling.
12. Add the Jam:
Top the cream cheese filling in each cookie with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam. You can be creative here—mix and match flavors!
13. Let Set and Enjoy:
Allow the filling to set for 15-20 minutes before serving. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container. Enjoy your delightful, spiced thumbprint cookies!
These gingerbread thumbprint cookies are not only delightful in taste, but they also look beautiful on any dessert platter—perfect for the holiday season!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for These Cookies?
Absolutely! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum to maintain the cookies’ texture and structure.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you want a lighter option or don’t have cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. They will provide a tasty filling, though the flavor and creaminess will be slightly different.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re concerned they might become too soft, you can refrigerate them, but they may lose some of their texture.
How Can I Make the Jam Filling Less Runny?
If you find your jam is too runny, consider using a thicker jam or fruit preserve. Alternatively, you can simmer the jam on low heat for a few minutes to reduce it and thicken its consistency before using it in the cookies.
