Irresistible Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe Delight

Name: Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Holiday
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/4 cup molasses; 1 large egg yolk; 1/2 cup jam or fruit preserves (raspberry or apricot recommended)

Published: November 24, 2025

by Mia Hanry

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are easy to make, perfect for both novice bakers and pros
The flavor profile offers a delightful mix of spice and sweetness, making them irresistible
Visually stunning with their glossy icing, they add charm to any dessert table
Versatile enough for holiday gatherings or cozy family nights, they’re sure to be a hit

Everyone in my family lights up when I whip up these Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies. Last year at our holiday party, my cousin claimed he would eat them all—if only we hadn’t had two dozen!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; make sure it’s sifted for light and fluffy cookies.
Ground Ginger: Use fresh ground ginger if possible for an extra kick of flavor.
Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise beautifully while keeping them soft.
Unsalted Butter: Always choose unsalted for better control over the saltiness in your cookies.
Brown Sugar: It adds moisture and a lovely caramel flavor that complements the spices.
Molasses: Use robust molasses for deep flavor and that signature gingerbread taste.
Egg Yolk: This helps bind everything together and gives richness to your cookie dough.
Jam or Fruit Preserves: Choose your favorite flavor; raspberry or apricot works wonders!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Kitchen Space: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt until well combined. The smell will immediately transport you to gingerbread heaven.

Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, cream together unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes—don’t rush it; your patience will pay off.

Add Molasses and Egg Yolk: Beat in the molasses and egg yolk until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and glossy—like a little pool of chocolatey goodness.

Combine Mixtures : Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep those cookies soft.

Create Thumbprints: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb (or any finger) to create an indentation in each ball—this is where the jam will go!

Bake Them Up: Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden but centers remain slightly soft. Let them cool on the sheet before transferring them to wire racks.

Now comes the fun part! Fill each thumbprint with your chosen jam or fruit preserve once cooled down—watch as they transform from simple cookies into something spectacular!

Feel free to get creative with toppings too; maybe sprinkle some crushed nuts or drizzle white chocolate over these beauties before serving!

These Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for sharing at holiday parties or enjoying solo while binge-watching your favorite shows wrapped in blankets. Each bite is an explosion of festive flavors that’ll have you dreaming of sugarplums long after you’ve polished off the last cookie! For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Orange Custard Squares recipe.

You Must Know

Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are not just festive treats; they evoke holiday memories with every bite
The aroma of spices wafting through the kitchen makes everyone feel cozy and nostalgic
Perfect for sharing, these cookies will steal the show at any gathering

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the gingerbread dough first, then chill it while you make the filling. This ensures the flavors meld beautifully and the dough is easy to handle.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different fillings like raspberry jam or chocolate ganache to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg can also enhance that warm, spicy flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw when ready to enjoy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh spices for a vibrant flavor; stale spices dull your cookies
Keep your dough chilled for easier handling and better texture
Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a flavor boost that contrasts beautifully with sweetness

Baking these gingerbread thumbprint cookies brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where we would spend hours creating delightful treats together. nostalgic hot cocoa recipes