These Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are a tasty treat that combines warm spices and sweet jam. With a cozy gingerbread flavor, they are perfect for the holidays or any festive day!
They smell amazing while baking, it’s hard not to sneak one fresh out of the oven! I love adding a dollop of my favorite jam in the middle. Sweet and spiced, what a combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is a must for these cookies, providing structure. If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead. I’ve had good results with these blends, and they can work well in cookies!
Spices: This recipe uses ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and optional black pepper for warmth. If you want a milder flavor, reduce the spices or try a pre-made gingerbread spice mix. I often stick with just ginger and cinnamon for a simpler taste.
Molasses: Unsulphured molasses adds depth and moisture. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with honey or maple syrup, though the flavor will change slightly. I prefer to stick with molasses for the best traditional flavor!
Jam: Raspberry or strawberry jam works wonderfully, but feel free to use any fruit preserve you love. If you’re avoiding sugar, sugar-free jams can be a great alternative. I tend to mix it up depending on what’s in my pantry!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Thumbprint?
Creating the thumbprint indentation is key for the cookie’s look and function! To master this step, make sure to do it right after baking—while the cookies are still warm and slightly soft. Here’s how:
- Once the cookies come out of the oven, use the back of a teaspoon or your thumb gently to press down in the middle.
- Be careful not to press too hard, or you might break the cookie. Aim for a deep enough well to hold the jam.
- If the edge of the cookie cracks, don’t worry! You can reshape it slightly while it’s warm.
Taking your time with the thumbprint will ensure each cookie captures the jam beautifully, making them look as delightful as they taste!
Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (optional, for warmth)
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsulphured molasses
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Ring:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
For the Jam Filling:
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (such as raspberry or strawberry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes for prep and around 15-18 minutes baking time. Plan for an additional 10-15 minutes for cooling, making it a great choice for a fun baking session that results in a flavorful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper (if using). This simple step brings all those warm spices together—so fragrant!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 3 minutes. Softening your butter ahead of time makes this step super easy!
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, add in the egg, molasses, and vanilla extract. Beat well until everything is smoothly mixed together. The molasses will give the dough its lovely color and depth!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix your dry ingredient blend into the wet mixture, beating on low speed until fully combined. The dough will be a little sticky, which is just right!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, and then roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat them. This gives a lovely texture and a bit of sweetness on the outside!
7. Arrange on Baking Sheets:
Place the sugar-coated dough balls about 2 inches apart on the lined baking sheets. Give them space to spread!
8. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies should be set but still nice and soft in the middle.
9. Create the Thumbprint:
Remove the cookies from the oven and immediately use the back of a teaspoon or your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Be gentle yet firm!
10. Make the Cream Cheese Ring:
In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. This will be your lovely and creamy border around the jam.
11. Add the Cream Cheese Mixture:
Use a piping bag or a spoon to fill the thumbprint with a small ring of the cream cheese mixture around the edges.
12. Fill with Jam:
Next, fill the center with about 1/2 teaspoon of your favorite fruit jam. This adds a vibrant splash of color and flavor!
13. Final Bake:
Return the cookies to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes to set the cream cheese and slightly warm the jam. Smelling fantastic already!
14. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Now they’re ready to enjoy, or to share with friends and family!
These Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies will warm your heart and fill your home with sweet aromas! Enjoy the cozy flavors of gingerbread in every bite!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! A 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend will work as a great substitute. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture, or add it separately if needed!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you’d like them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, but they may lose some of their freshness.
Can I Freeze These Cookies?
Definitely! You can freeze the baked cookies (without the jam) in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and add the cream cheese and jam filling before serving.
What Other Jams Can I Use Besides Raspberry or Strawberry?
Feel free to experiment! Any fruit jam or even chocolate ganache can work well. Try apricot, blueberry, or even a citrus curd for a different flavor twist!
