4.46 from 71 votes

Thumbprint Cookies

According to the pickiest eater I know, these Thumbprint Cookies are the best cookies ever. If you are looking for cookie recipes to make this Christmas season, this is your recipe. To say they were a huge hit is a massive understatement.

Thumbprint cookies on a wire rack.


I do batch cooking when I make recipes. It’s just easier that way to get them all done and photographed in one shot. I usually end up with more food than my daughter and I can eat.

I end up calling my cousin, Allison, who has two teenage boys with ravenous appetites. Her husband, Darwin, also likes to sample the recipes and give his critique. Allison said it is VERY hard to please him when it comes to food.

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In fact, it’s quite normal for him to say that I should have done this or that. Constructive criticism is always good. I often wondered if I’d ever make a recipe that he didn’t have something to say about it.

Steps to make thumbprint cookies.
Thumbprint cookies ingredients.
Thumbprint cookies ingredients.
Thumbprint cookies ingredients.
Thumbprint cookies on a plate.

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    These Thumbprint Cookies turned out to be that recipe.

    Darwin couldn’t stop raving about them and had ZERO complaints or critiques. The best cookies ever came out of his mouth.

    I was shocked and happy. Finally, I found THE recipe that impressed Mr. Picky Pants.

    You can bet that Allison will be making this cookie recipe over the holidays. Darwin wouldn’t have it any other way.

    Thumbprint cookies on a plate.

    Thumbprint Cookies are a holiday classic that you can expect to see in any cookie exchange. The cookie is sweet and buttery with a bit of a crunch thanks to the chopped pecans. The filling can be whatever jam you like. I used strawberry jam because it’s our favourite.

    How to Make Thumbprint Cookies

    In a large bowl, beat the brown sugar, shortening, butter, vanilla and egg yolk with an electric mixer. Stir in flour and salt.

    Roll the cookie dough into 1 inch balls.

    Place egg white sand pecans in two separate bowls. Dip each ball in egg whites and then roll in pecans. Place about 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Press thumb into the centre of each cookie. Be careful to not press too far down.

    Bake for 13 minutes at 350F. Immediately remove the cookies to a wire rack. Let them cool for 30 minutes and then fill each cookie with 1/2 tsp of jam.

    Thumbprint cookies on a plate.

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    Can you freeze Thumbprint Cookies?

    I know some of you like to freeze recipes so I thought I’d answer this question in advance.

    Yes, you can freeze Thumbprint Cookies! Bake them like the recipe says. BUT…just freeze the cookie portion. Add the jam filling later on when you thaw them out and want to serve them.

    A stack of thumbprint cookies.

    Looking for more cookie recipes? Check out my Sweetened Condensed Milk Cookies, Christmas Cake Mix Cookies, Fudge CookiesWhipped Shortbread CookiesRice Krispie Cookies, Cream Cheese Cookies and White Chocolate Chunk Cranberry Cookies.

    What cookies do you like to make for the holidays?

    4.46 from 71 votes

    Thumbprint Cookies

    Created by Stacie Vaughan
    Servings 12
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Cook Time 13 minutes
    Additional Time 30 minutes
    Total Time 1 hour 3 minutes
    A super simple, but festive classic Christmas cookie! Baked to perfection and topped with jam.

    Ingredients
     
     

    • ¼ cup brown sugar
    • ¼ cup shortening
    • ¼ cup unsalted butter softened
    • ½ tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 egg yolk
    • 1 cup flour
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • 1 egg white
    • 1 cup pecans finely chopped
    • 6 tbsp jam

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350°F.
    • In a bowl, beat together brown sugar, shortening, butter, vanilla and egg yolk. Stir in flour and salt.
    • Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Place egg whites and pecans in two separate bowls. Dip each ball in egg whites and then roll in pecans. Place about 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Press thumb into centre of each cookie. Make sure to not press too far down.
    • Bake 13 minutes. Immediately remove cookies from cookie sheet to a wire rack. Let cool 30 minutes. Fill each cookie with 1/2 tsp jam.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 41.2g | Protein: 3.2g | Fat: 15.1g | Saturated Fat: 4.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.6g | Cholesterol: 41.2mg | Sodium: 65.8mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8.2g

    The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

    Course Desserts
    Cuisine American/Canadian
    Keyword christmas cookies, classic cookies, cookies, jam

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    Recipe Rating




    29 Comments

    1. This is the Betty Crocker recipe that’s been out for many years! Great recipe and a very delicious cookie!

    2. Can I substitute the shortening and use 1/2 cup butter instead?

    3. I like the recipe,but am concerned about how to store the cookies with fresh jam on them. I have to make them ahead a few days to take to a reception and don’t want to freeze them. Any ideas?

      1. I would store them covered in the fridge. Then let them come to room temperature when you’re ready to serve.

    4. Can you use leaf lard instead of shortening? Do they freeze well? (With no jam in them, of course)

    5. Could I sub out the pecans for pretzels? Do you think it’ll still taste good?

    6. Do you have a chocolate recipe?

      1. I don’t, but you could add some cocoa powder to this recipe to make them chocolate.

    7. Patricia A. White says:

      awesome site

    8. 5 stars
      I love these cookies, I used Bob’s Redmill Gluten free flour and they turned out amazing. No shortening all butter and I will freeze rest so I have something to pull out of freezer, thaw and add my jam for a quick desert.

    9. Karen Hessel says:

      Delicious, just like I remembered.

      1. Sherri-Lynn says:

        1 star
        Batter is way to soft to roll

    10. Made these but did caramel instead of jam. Its probably my favourite cookie.

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