Easy Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies

I make these Easy Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies because life is short, the holidays are shorter, and we all deserve a buttery, spiced cookie with a jammy center that makes you forget you burned dinner (or that you forgot to buy more coffee). They’re cozy, forgiving, and don’t require the kind of precision that makes me cry into a piping bag. Try them if you like cookies that taste like seasonal cheer and questionable life choices.

My husband once proudly announced he was “helping” by rolling dough into perfect balls. He flattened them so hard they looked like hockey pucks. The kids then insisted on using the thumbprint as a “sticker” and smeared jam everywhere but the cookies. I pretended to be annoyed while secretly delighted — until I remembered I had to wash all the sticky spoons. Yes, this pan is too small. No, I won’t wash fewer dishes.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Use store-bought jam. I’ll pretend you didn’t.
– Make the dough in a stand mixer so you can scroll your phone with both hands.
– Chill the dough in a shallow pan to save space and avoid another bowl.
– If short on time, skip chilling entirely and roll smaller cookies — they bake faster and look intentionally rustic.
– Keep one cookie sheet lined with parchment; bake multiple batches and only wash one tray because who are we kidding about more dishes?

Serving Ideas

– Pair with a mug of hot cocoa if you want to feel like a wholesome holiday Instagram.
– Serve with black coffee if someone else burned the roast and you need bitterness for balance.
– Offer a small plate of assorted jams and call it a “cookie bar.” Fancy words hide an easy setup.
– Serve with wine if the kids drove you nuts — therapeutic and delicious.
– Or just pile them on a plate and let people fend for themselves. Honesty is underrated.

What to Serve It With

✔Tips & Mistakes

– Don’t over-press the thumbprint; you want a little crater, not a cookie pancake.
– Underbake slightly if you like chewy centers. Overbake and they become holiday biscuits (read: sad).
– If the jam bubbles over, gently wipe the pan while it’s warm — fewer cleanup regrets later.
– Mistake I make weekly: leaving dough out and blaming the cat for taste-testing.

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.

✔Variations and Substitutions

– Swap jam flavors: raspberry, apricot, or lemon curd for a tangy surprise.
– Use molasses-heavy gingerbread for a deeper spice kick, or dial back the ginger if you’re on team milder.
– Make them with gluten-free flour if needed — they’re forgiving.
– Add chopped nuts to the dough for crunch, or sprinkle sea salt on top for drama.
– Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies

These Easy Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat, combining spicy gingerbread with a sweet filling, perfect for the holiday season.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 24

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
• ▢ 0.5 cups brown sugar packed
• ▢ 0.5 cups unsalted butter softened
• ▢ 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• ▢ 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ▢ 1 tablespoon baking soda
• ▢ 0.25 cups sugar for rolling
• ▢ 0.5 cups jam or preserves for filling

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
• Add in the spices, baking soda, and sifted flour gradually until combined.
• Roll the dough into small balls and roll them in sugar.
• Place them on a baking sheet and use your thumb to create an indent in the center of each cookie.
• Fill each indent with jam or preserves.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Notes

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.