The aroma of spices fills the air, transporting me back to cozy kitchens filled with laughter and warmth. My Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam are not just a recipe; they’re a festive experience that beckons you to share it with loved ones. With a delightful blend of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, these cookies are a quick to prepare, making them perfect for those last-minute holiday gatherings. Each soft, chewy bite comes alive with a burst of tangy cranberry jam that contrasts beautifully with the spiced dough, promising to become a cherished tradition in your home. Are you ready to indulge in a baking adventure that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe? What Makes These Cookies So Special? Festive Flavor: Each bite is a delightful blend of spices like ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, perfectly paired with tangy cranberry jam for a taste that screams holiday cheer. Quick Preparation: With a straightforward method, you can whip up these cookies in no time, ideal for those last-minute gatherings or unexpected guests. Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Loved by both kids and adults, they make a perfect addition to a dessert table alongside festive favorites like Lemon Sugar Cookies or Kitchen Sink Cookies. Memorable Moments: Baking these cookies creates a cozy atmosphere, turning your kitchen into a warm hub of deliciousness and joy. Perfectly Chewy Texture: The cookies maintain a soft, slightly chewy consistency that pairs beautifully with the crispness of the edges and the luscious jam filling. Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Ingredients For the Cookie Dough • All-purpose flour – Structure; can be substituted with a gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions. • Baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent; essential for achieving the right texture. • Ground ginger – Provides warm spice; fresh ginger can enhance the flavor even more. • Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth; feel free to swap with cardamom for a different aromatic twist. • Ground nutmeg – Infuses spice; optional if you prefer a simpler flavor. • Ground cloves – Introduces a unique depth of flavor; can be replaced with allspice or omitted entirely. • Salt – Essential for balancing sweetness; never skip it! • Unsalted butter – Delivers a rich flavor; margarine or coconut oil works as alternatives. • Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and texture; cane sugar is an effective substitute. • Brown sugar – Contributes moisture and deeper sweetness; light brown sugar is a great alternative. • Molasses – Adds unique flavor and moisture; honey or agave syrup can be used, altering the taste slightly. • Large egg – Functions as a binding agent; use a flax egg for a vegan option. • Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor; almond extract offers a lovely change if desired. For the Filling • Cranberry jam – The delightful jam that’s the star filling; feel free to swap it with raspberry or apricot jam for different flavors. For the Coating • Additional granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the cookie surface; can be reduced or switched with powdered sugar for rolling. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam don’t stick during baking. This prep creates a smooth surface for the cookies, ready for baking when the dough is formed. Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients is crucial for the flavor and structure of your cookies. Set the bowl aside for a moment as you prepare the butter mixture. Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This step helps incorporate air, ensuring your Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies have a soft and chewy texture that’s perfect for the holiday season. Step 4: Mix in Wet Ingredients Beat in the molasses, large egg, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until everything is well blended. You want a smooth, cohesive mixture that shows a rich brown color from the molasses, which adds depth to your cookies’ flavor profile. Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should come together in a soft dough, showcasing the beautiful spices that characterize your Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam. Step 6: Chill the Dough Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes. Chilling the dough not only firms it up for easier handling but also enhances the flavors, making your cookies even more delightful. This step is vital for achieving the right consistency before baking. Step 7: Shape the Cookies Once chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. Roll each ball in granulated sugar to coat evenly, adding a touch of sweetness to the outer layer of your Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies. Arrange the sugar-coated balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them a couple of inches apart. Step 8: Create Indentations Using your thumb, gently press down on the center of each ball to create an indentation for the filling. Be careful not to push all the way through; you want a nice well to hold the cranberry jam, which will bake beautifully and burst with flavor. Step 9: Fill with Jam Spoon cranberry jam into each indentation, filling them generously without overflowing. This vibrant jam will add a tangy contrast to the spicy gingerbread and will create a stunning visual appeal as they bake. Be cautious, as too much jam may bubble over during baking. Step 10: Bake the Cookies Slide the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden. This is the moment where your kitchen will fill with the warm, inviting scents of gingerbread, signaling the delightful treats nearing completion. Step 11: Cool the Cookies Once baked, remove the sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 10 minutes. This cooling time helps the cookies set up perfectly while keeping a soft interior. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Step 12: Serve and Share Your Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam are now ready to brighten your holiday gatherings! These festive cookies are delightful served warm or at room temperature, perfect for sharing with family and friends who will surely love them. How to Store and Freeze Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This helps maintain their soft and chewy texture while keeping them fresh. Fridge: If you prefer a slightly firmer cookie, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Just remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, layered with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy. Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will refresh the Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam, making them taste freshly baked. Make Ahead Options These Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients, then cover and refrigerate it. This chilling not only allows flavors to meld but also keeps the dough easy to shape. If you’re planning further ahead, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just portion it out into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and continue with creating the indentations, filling them with cranberry jam, and baking as per instructions. This ensures that your cookies are just as delicious when you finally serve them, saving you time while still delivering a festive treat! Expert Tips for Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies Perfect Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming, contributing to a light, fluffy texture. Avoid Tough Cookies: Mix the dough until just combined; overmixing after adding flour can lead to tough cookies. Chill for Success: Don’t skip chilling the dough! It makes shaping easier and enhances flavors, leading to delightful Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies. Jam Precautions: Fill the thumbprint with a moderate amount of cranberry jam to prevent bubbling over during baking—less is often more! Cool Down: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to maintain their soft, chewy interior. What to Serve with Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam These delightful cookies create a festive centerpiece for any gathering, inviting warm connections and joyful flavors that completely embody the holiday spirit. Creamy Hot Chocolate: A rich, velvety hot chocolate pairs wonderfully, balancing the spiced cookies with comforting sweetness. It’s a classic drink that tugs at the heartstrings, warming both body and soul. Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai enhance the gingerbread flavors, creating a delightful experience. Sipping on this warm beverage while enjoying your cookies adds layers of cozy nostalgia. Classic Eggnog: The creamy, spiced drink harmonizes beautifully with the chewy texture of the cookies, making each bite feel like a holiday embrace. Consider garnishing it with nutmeg for an extra festive touch. Apple Cinnamon Crisp: This warm dessert brings a contrasting texture, with its crunchy topping and tender apples. The sweetness of the fruit complements the rich cookies perfectly, offering a duo that delights the palate. Cranberry Orange Salad: A refreshing salad with tart cranberries and zesty oranges can cut through the sweetness of the cookies, balancing the meal. Bright colors and flavors make it an appealing addition to your holiday spread. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream melting against the warm thumbprint cookies creates a nostalgic dessert moment that everyone will cherish. This combination is sure to enchant both young and old, making it a memorable treat. Peppermint Bark: For those who enjoy a cool crunch, this festive candy adds a pleasant contrast. The refreshing peppermint flavor dances with the spices in the cookies, making them perfect for holiday treat platters. With these suggestions, your Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam will shine as a star among many delicious delights, creating lasting memories around your holiday table. Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam Indulge your creative spirit with these delightful cookies that invite you to make them uniquely your own. Fruit Swap: Replace cranberry jam with raspberry, apricot, or even orange marmalade for a fun flavor twist. Each alternative brings a different fruity brightness to your cookies. Nutty Crunch: Roll the dough balls in chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for added texture and a wonderful crunch. This small adjustment adds a delightful surprise in every bite. Spice it Up: For a bolder flavor, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some ground cardamom. This will elevate the spice profile and delight those who enjoy a little heat in their treats. Vegan Delight: Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use coconut oil instead of butter to create a vegan version of these tasty cookies without sacrificing flavor. They’ll still be just as soft and chewy! Herbal Infusion: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the dough for an aromatic twist that pairs beautifully with the sweet jam filling. It’s an unexpected yet delightful surprise for your senses! Sugary Coating: Instead of regular granulated sugar, try rolling the dough in powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for a different, sweet finish that adds a playful touch. By experimenting with these variations, you can create a batch of Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam that reflects your family’s taste and traditions, making it your own special creation! And if you want to explore other exciting flavors, don’t miss out on checking out White Chocolate Cranberry or Fudgy Cookies Cream! Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam Recipe FAQs What should I look for when choosing cranberries for the jam? When selecting cranberries for your jam, pick fresh, firm berries with a bright red color. Avoid any that have dark spots or are shriveled, as these can indicate overripeness or spoilage. Frozen cranberries also work well if you can’t find fresh ones—they’re often harvested at peak ripeness! How should I store my Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies? Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and chewy. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks, but remember to let them return to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely! To freeze your Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies dough, first wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with shaping and baking the cookies as usual. What if my cookies spread too much while baking? If your cookies spread excessively during baking, it may be due to the butter being too warm or not chilling the dough adequately. Always start with softened butter but not melted. Chill the dough for adequate time (15-20 minutes is ideal) before baking to help maintain their shape. Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies? Yes, these cookies can be adapted for various dietary needs! For a vegan option, substitute the large egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). Additionally, if allergenic ingredients like nuts are a concern, be sure to check your jam labels and any toppings you decide to use. How can I tell when my cookies are perfectly baked? Your Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, and the centers look set but slightly soft. The cookies will continue to firm up while cooling, so don’t overbake them—12-15 minutes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) should do the trick! Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam Bliss Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam are a delightful holiday treat filled with spices and tangy jam. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsChilling Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 24 cookiesCourse: CookiesCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookie Dough2 cups all-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour blend1 teaspoon baking soda essential for achieving the right texture1 tablespoon ground ginger fresh ginger enhances flavor1 teaspoon ground cinnamon can swap with cardamom1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg optional for simpler flavor1/2 teaspoon ground cloves can be replaced with allspice or omitted1/4 teaspoon salt essential for balancing sweetness3/4 cup unsalted butter or margarine/coconut oil1/2 cup granulated sugar cane sugar is an effective substitute1/2 cup brown sugar light brown sugar works well1/4 cup molasses honey or agave syrup can be used1 large egg use flax egg for vegan option1 teaspoon vanilla extract almond extract is a nice changeFor the Filling1/2 cup cranberry jam or raspberry/apricot jamFor the Coating1/4 cup additional granulated sugar can switch with powdered sugar Equipment Mixing bowlsBaking SheetsParchment paperStand Mixermeasuring cupsMeasuring spoons Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt.In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.Beat in the molasses, large egg, and vanilla extract until well blended.Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes.Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and coat with granulated sugar.Using your thumb, gently press down on the center of each ball to create an indentation for the filling.Spoon cranberry jam into each indentation without overflowing.Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden.Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.Serve warm or at room temperature, perfect for sharing! Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 0.5mg NotesMake sure butter is softened to room temperature for the best texture. Chilling dough enhances flavors. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
