These Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are a fun twist on a classic treat! With a spicy gingerbread base and a sweet jam filling, they’re perfect for the holidays.
They look fancy but are super easy to make. I love to snack on these with a cup of tea while cozying up on the couch! Who can resist that delicious jam surprise? 🍪❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookie dough. If you need a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free flour blend. It may alter texture a bit but will still taste great!
Spices: Ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg give these cookies their warm flavors. If you’re missing one, you can use pumpkin pie spice or increase another spice for a personalized taste. I love adding a pinch of black pepper for an unexpected warmth!
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter helps create a tender cookie. If you’re in a pinch, you can use margarine or coconut oil, but it may affect the taste and texture slightly.
Molasses: This adds depth and that traditional gingerbread flavor. If you don’t have molasses, honey or maple syrup works but will slightly change the flavor. Brown sugar is great in a pinch, too!
Jam: Raspberry or strawberry jam is suggested, but you can swap this with any flavor you love. Try apricot or even a citrus curd for something unique!
How Do I Make Perfect Thumbprints in the Dough?
Creating the perfect thumbprint is key to a beautiful cookie! Here’s how you do it:
- After rolling your dough balls, make the indentation gently with your thumb or a spoon’s back. Do this while the dough is soft to get a nice deep imprint.
- Don’t press too hard! The cookie will spread while baking, which might make the impression disappear if pressed too much.
- If the thumbprint puffs up during baking, press it again gently just after taking them out of the oven for a perfect shape!
Following these tips will help you achieve beautiful thumbprints that hold that delicious jam filling, making your cookies both yummy and pretty!
Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (optional for a slight warmth)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry or raspberry jam (or your favorite jam)
For the Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or cream (optional, for smooth drizzle)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, plus cooling time. Altogether, you’ll need about an hour to have these scrumptious cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare to Bake:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper (if using). This creates a lovely spice blend for your cookies. Set this mixture aside for later!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step helps give your cookies a nice texture.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Add the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed just until everything is incorporated. The dough might be a little sticky, and that’s just fine!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll each one into a ball. Roll these balls in granulated sugar for a sparkling finish! Place them on the baking sheets about 2 inches apart.
7. Make the Thumbprints:
Using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie ball to create the classic thumbprint shape.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the cookies into the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. If they puff up, press the thumbprints again as soon as you take them out of the oven!
9. Fill with Jam:
After the first baking, fill each thumbprint with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam. Return to the oven and bake for another 2-3 minutes, until the jam is set. Carefully remove the cookies and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Drizzle with Chocolate:
For the chocolate drizzle, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, adding vegetable oil or cream if you’d like. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth. Drizzle over your cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag for a fancy touch!
11. Optional Sparkle:
If you’d like, sprinkle a little coarse sugar over the cookies before the drizzle sets for extra texture and sparkle.
12. Store & Serve:
Allow the drizzle to harden completely before serving or storing your cookies in an airtight container. Enjoy the festive flavors of these delicious Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies!
They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Happy baking!
Can I Substitute the Jam?
Absolutely! While raspberry or strawberry jam is traditional, feel free to use any flavor you prefer. Apricot, cranberry, or even a lemon curd would add a delightful twist to these cookies!
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store your Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
What If My Dough is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels excessively sticky, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and shape into balls before baking!
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best results, or add a teaspoon if it doesn’t!
