Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies for Festive Holiday Baking Fun

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat for festive holiday baking fun. I remember one Christmas when my son, Jake, accidentally used too much chocolate and ended up with a gooey mess. But hey, that’s what makes baking with family so memorable! These cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for sharing during the holidays.

Why You’ll Love It

• They’re easy to make and perfect for kids to help with.
• The combination of chocolate and jam is simply irresistible.
• They look beautiful on any holiday cookie platter.

Pure Comfort

Nothing says holiday cheer like a batch of warm Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies fresh from the oven. The rich chocolate paired with a fruity jam filling makes for a comforting treat that brings everyone together.

What You Need

• 2 sticks 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Use margarine for a dairy-free option.
• 200 g 1 cup granulated sugar – Brown sugar can add a deeper flavor.
• 2 2 large eggs – Egg replacer can be used for a vegan option.
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Use almond extract for a twist.
• 240 g 2 cups all-purpose flour – Gluten-free flour can work as a substitute.
• 50 g 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Carob powder can be used for a caffeine-free option.
• 1 tsp 1 teaspoon baking powder – Baking soda can be used in a pinch.
• 1/4 tsp 1/4 teaspoon salt – Skip if using salted butter.
• 160 g 1/2 cup fruit jam (raspberry or apricot) – Any flavor of your choice works well.

Time to Cook

Prep: 20 minutes | Cook: 12 minutes | Total: 32 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Steps to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350 °F. As the oven warms up, you’ll smell that lovely buttery aroma filling your kitchen. This step is crucial for even baking.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture looks pale and airy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and creamy, with a lovely vanilla scent wafting through the air.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The dough will be thick and chocolatey, so don’t worry if it seems a bit heavy.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You’ll want to leave some space between each cookie as they spread a little while baking.
6. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make an indentation in the center of each ball. This is where the jam will go, so make it nice and deep but not all the way through. It should look like a little chocolate cup.
7. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite jam. The vibrant color of the jam will contrast beautifully with the dark chocolate cookie.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They should look slightly puffed and the jam will bubble just a bit. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. Enjoy your cookies warm or let them cool completely. Either way, they’re sure to be a hit during your holiday gatherings!

Make It Perfect

• For a fun twist, try using different flavored jams like cherry or orange.
• If you want a richer chocolate flavor, add a few chocolate chips to the dough.
• Make sure to chill the dough if it feels too sticky to handle.

Mix It Up

• Substitute the cocoa powder with ground almonds for a nutty flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the jam for a sweet and salty combo.

Perfect Partners

• Pair with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of cocoa.
• Serve alongside other holiday cookies for a festive treat platter.

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FAQs

Conclusion

These Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking lineup. With their rich chocolate flavor and sweet jam filling, they make the perfect festive treat. So gather your family, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy some holiday baking fun!

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies for Festive Holiday Baking Fun

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies combine rich chocolate dough with a sweet jam center for a delightful holiday treat that’s easy to make and perfect for sharing during festive gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Large bowl
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

Main

• 2 sticks unsalted butter softened; use margarine for a dairy-free option
• 200 g granulated sugar brown sugar can add deeper flavor
• 2 large eggs egg replacer can be used for vegan option
• 1 tsp vanilla extract use almond extract for a twist
• 240 g all-purpose flour gluten-free flour can substitute
• 50 g unsweetened cocoa powder carob powder can be used for caffeine-free option
• 1 tsp baking powder baking soda can be used in a pinch
• 1/4 tsp salt skip if using salted butter
• 160 g fruit jam raspberry or apricot; any flavor works

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F for even baking.
• Cream softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each; then stir in vanilla extract.
• Whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to wet ingredients and mix until combined.
• Roll tablespoon-sized dough portions into balls; place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Make an indentation in center of each ball using thumb or spoon back.
• Fill indents with about 1/2 teaspoon jam of choice.
• Bake 10 to 12 minutes until edges set and jam bubbles; cool briefly on baking sheet then transfer to wire rack.
• Enjoy warm or cooled; perfect for holiday gatherings.

Keyword Baking, chocolate, Cookies, holiday, jam, thumbprint