Easy Thumbprint Cookies

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With a buttery shortbread cookie base topped with a chocolate kiss, these easy thumbprint cookies are soft and chewy with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are perfect for the holidays or any Christmas cookie tray!

When it comes to classic cookie recipes, I always rely on recipes that my mom made growing up in Canada. Whether it was shortbread cookies, almond crescent cookies or whipped shortbread, there was always something delicious baking especially during the holiday season.

These easy thumbprint cookies are a bit nostalgic as they remind me of celebrating Christmas with mom! She would make a version of these every year and now I do, too, like these lemon thumbprint cookies filled with lemon pastry cream.

What is a thumbprint cookie? If you have not had this treat before, it is a buttery cookie topped with a filling of choice. I topped mine with a Hershey’s kiss but you can fill them just about anything from jam to pastry cream. They are such a treat!

Why You’ll Love Thumbprint Cookies

Easy to make: These shortbread blossoms are easy to make with only 6 ingredients and ready in 35 minutes!
Amazing texture: What makes a thumbprint cookie so special is the soft, crumbly and not overly sweet texture and flavor. These cookies are amazing!
Customizable: Customize the filling with anything from jam to pastry cream! Roll them in sugar or as the Italian says roll them in cocoa powder.
Classic cookie: This cookie is a holiday favorite and looks great on any Christmas cookie platter!

Recipe Ingredients

Butter: Salted butter that has been softened to room temperature. If using unsalted butter, reduce the added salt.
Sugar: Granulated sugar and packed brown sugar add sweet taste, crispy edges and soft texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is best in this thumbprint cookie recipe. Use a flour with at least 11% protein, this helps keep the cookies from spreading.
Egg yolks: Egg yolks add moisture to the dough creating the best texture.
Vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a rich flavor to the dough.
Additional ingredients: Granulated sugar for rolling cookies and Hershey Kisses for topping.

How To Make Easy Thumbprint Cookies

To start, cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Continue to make dough by adding the egg yolks and vanilla extract.

Beating the eggs into the cookie batter.

Sift in the flour and combine on low speed until the dough comes together. Move the dough to a flat surface and gently knead to form a compact dough.

Sifting in the flour and beating the dough.

Roll dough into balls then roll in granulated sugar. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and make an indentation with your thumb.

Rolled into balls, then in sugar on a baking sheet and indented.

Bake until golden. At the halfway point reindent the cookies, then again when removed from the oven if needed.

Immediately place a chocolate kiss in the center of each cookie. Cool completely before removing to a wire rack.

Variations

Jam thumbprint cookie: This version reminds me of my coconut jam shortbread squares! Raspberry jam is a popular choice but any favorite jam works.
Dulce de leche filling: A caramel filling would be delicious topped with some sea salt.
Pastry cream filling: Instead of kiss, fill with chocolate pastry cream or coffee pastry cream.
Peanut butter cookies dough: This would be your classic peanut butter blossoms.
Drizzle: For a special touch, drizzle with a chocolate glaze or top with some crushed peppermints.

Baking Tips For The Best Cookies

Avoid adding more flour: Your dough may be crumbly at first, but it will come together. Do not add more flour!
Prevent cracking: After you roll the cookie balls in sugar, make an ident in the center. If you wait too long, the edges start to dry and the cookies will crack.
Line your pan: To prevent spreading, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
If the dough gets too warm: If the delicate cookie dough gets too soft or warm, chill for 30 minutes so the cookies hold their shape while baking.

Cookies on a plate and some on a cake plate.

Recipe FAQs

Should I fill my thumbprint cookies before or after baking?

If you are making shortbread blossoms with a Hershey’s kiss you will want to add the chocolate after baking. Same with pastry cream or any other type of filling that will melt during baking. If you are making thumbprint cookies with jam, it is best to fill them before baking.

Why did my cookies crack?

There could be a few reasons! If you added too much flour to the cookie dough it could lead to dry, crackly cookies. Another reason would be if the dough gets too dry.

Why did my cookies spread while baking?

If you grease your baking sheets this may cause the cookies to spread. Your cookies may also spread if the dough gets too warm, also be sure to use a higher protein flour, at least 11% protein.

How To Store Thumbprint Cookies?

Store cooled thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days. Do not stack the cookies. You can also store them in the freeze for up to two months.

Can I Freeze Unbaked Cookies?

Yes! This is great way to get ahead on your holiday baking. To freeze unbaked cookie dough balls, roll it into balls and then make a small indentation in the cookie. Flash freeze on baking sheet until hardened. Once frozen, store in a freezer safe bag. Either thaw before baking or bake from frozen, increasing baking time by a minute or two.

So however you wish to top these off with, such as a kiss of choice, some chocolate chips or even your Favourite Filling, I hope you enjoy and have fun baking these tasty Easy Thumbprint Cookies! Enjoy!