Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are a fun twist on a classic favorite! They’re soft and spicy, with a delightful center filled with sweet jam or frosting that adds extra yumminess.
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights. You’ll love making little indentations with your thumb—it’s like giving each cookie a personal touch! And who can resist those warm gingerbread flavors? 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base for the cookies, providing structure. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Ground Spices: Ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg give a warm flavor. For a twist, try using pumpkin pie spice instead if you have it on hand.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for better control over salt levels. If you want to make it dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based buttery spread works well.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cookies, leaving them nice and crispy. You can also use brown sugar for a richer flavor. It will make the cookies chewier!
Molasses: It adds a deep flavor and moisture. If you don’t have molasses, honey or maple syrup can be used, but keep in mind it will change the flavor slightly.
Fruit Jam: Any fruit jam works great, but raspberry and apricot are top picks. If you’re looking for something less sweet, try using unsweetened fruit preserves.
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Hold Their Shape?
Getting that perfect shape for your gingerbread thumbprint cookies is crucial! Here are some tips:
- Make sure to chill the dough if it feels sticky. This will help it firm up for easier handling.
- When baking, don’t overmix the dough—just blend until combined to keep the cookies tender.
- Press gently but firmly with your thumb to create the indentation. It should hold the jam without spilling over.
li>Watch the baking time closely. Pull them out just as they start to crack, so they maintain their shape.
Using these simple techniques, you’ll have beautifully shaped cookies ready to fill with delicious jam and chocolate!
Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry, apricot, or cherry)
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips or white chocolate melts (for the center)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 15 minutes to bake. You’ll spend some time mixing and shaping the dough before letting the cookies bake and cool. In no time, you’ll have these delightful gingerbread cookies ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You want to set the stage for delicious cookies!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. This mix of spices will make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter with 1/2 cup of sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This might take a few minutes, but it’s worth it for that great texture.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract until everything is well mixed together. The molasses adds that rich, warm flavor that makes gingerbread cookies special.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, no worries! Just chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Once your dough is ready, roll it into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar for a nice sweet coating. This will help them bake up beautifully!
7. Make Indentations:
Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each ball. Now, using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press an indentation in the center of each ball. This is where the jam will go!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, until the edges are set and just starting to crack. Keep an eye on them—they’re almost done!
9. Add the Jam:
When the cookies come out of the oven, quickly fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam. The cookies will be warm, so the jam will spread slightly.
10. Final Bake:
Put the cookies back in the oven for another 2-3 minutes to set the jam. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
11. Finish with Chocolate:
As soon as they come out of the oven, top each jam-filled cookie with 1-2 white chocolate chips. They will melt just enough for a creamy topping.
12. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This waiting is the hardest part! But it will be worth it when you bite into a chewy gingerbread cookie with a sweet jam center and a creamy chocolate finish.
Now, gather your friends and family to enjoy these delicious warm gingerbread thumbprint cookies! Happy baking!
Can I Substitute the Jam in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While raspberry and apricot are classic choices, feel free to use any fruit jam or preserves you love. Try flavors like strawberry, peach, or even orange marmalade for a unique twist!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them in a single layer, separated by parchment paper, for up to 3 months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for stability. This will keep the texture and taste similar to the original recipe.
What If My Dough is Too Sticky?
If your dough feels sticky and hard to handle, don’t worry! Just chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm it up, making it easier to shape into balls for baking.
