Published 12/02/2021 Revisted 05/17/2025
These are my favorite cookies to make and my favorite to eat. They are so versatile. You can use so many different variations of thumbprint cookies. The different toppings for the thumbprint is as vast as the days of Christmas. You can use a variety of Christmas candies like Hershy Kisses, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, Dove Promise, Brach’s Chocolate Stars. You might also try other options like chocolate Hugs, Caramel Kisses, or even mini peanut butter cups.
When you think of jams, try stawberry or raspberry or even blackberry or maybe mint for a pop of green. OOH how about a white chocolat kiss with crushed pepermint candies. I am going to try that. I bought some crushed peppermint candies this past Christmas and used it for lots of different recipies. I was surprised at how many different uses I found for it.
Thumbprint Cookies:
What you need for thumbprint cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 8 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature (not too soft)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) or crushed peppermint candy canes
- Filling suggestions for thumbprint: Any Flavor Jam, Hershey’s Kiss, Rollo, Caramel, any other Chocolate Candy
Next: Make the Thumbprint Cookie Dough for thumbprint cookies
- Beat the butter and sugar on high speed with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes.
- Separate the eggs.
- Add the yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture.
- Set aside the egg whites in a separate shallow bowl.
- Add the flour and salt to the mixing bowl and mix until just combined.
Chill the dough:
Place the dough in the fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Shape the Thumbprint cookies:
- Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on the parchment-lined cookie sheets spaced a few inches apart.
- If using nuts and/or crushed Candy Canes, whisk the reserved egg whites until frothy. Dip the dough balls into the egg whites and then, roll them into the nuts/candy canes until covered.
- Arrange them on the baking sheets a few inches apart.
Thumbprint the dough:
Press down on each ball of dough with your thumb to make a small well in the center of the cookie. However, do not press too hard or the cookie will fall apart. Fill each thumbprint with jam, kisses, flavored icing, whatever you can imagine to make them pretty and appetizing. You can also use a tool to make the thumbprint. I have arthritis in my hands so making the thumbprint is getting harder every year so this year I found that using the end of a wooden spoon made a very nice thumbprint and did not wear out my thumbs as it has in the past. Getting old is not for the weak, I can tell you that!!
Bake, then let cool:
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until slightly firm. Allow cooling for a few minutes on the cookie sheet to firm up before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Serve warm or at room temperature.
A Bit Of Trivia:
Thumbprint cookies, also known as hallongrotta in Sweden, have a history tracing back to the 1800s. The name “hallongrotta” translates to “raspberry cave” in Swedish, reflecting the traditional filling of raspberry jam. These cookies, a Swedish favorite, have become a popular American dessert, often enjoyed during the winter holiday season. However, there’s a dispute about its origin.
It is often credited to either the people of Poland, Sweden, or the Jewish people of Eastern Europe. I am not really concerned about who brought this delicious treat to we the people of the United States of America. I am just thankful that they were kind enough to share it with us. So who ever brought the recipe here and shared it, be it Sweden, Poland, or the Jewish people of Eastern Europe, Thank You!!