There are so many delicious types of unique thumbprint cookies recipes. This post includes 60 tasty thumbprint cookie recipes, in a wide variety of flavor combinations. Which one will you try first?
Traditional Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies are one of the must-haves on our holiday cookie tray. They are so easy to make, and absolutely mouthwatering.
But jam thumbprints aren’t the only thumbprint game in town. There are TONS of delicious varieties you’ll want to add to your Christmas baking agenda.
How Do You Make Thumbprint Cookies
Thumbprint cookies are cookies with a little indentation in the middle, that is filled with a yummy filling.
Traditional thumbprint cookies are a buttery cookie filled with jam, but as you’ll see in this post, cookie bakers like to get creative and have many delicious twists on the classic!
In most all cases, regardless of flavor and filling, thumbprint cookies are made by rolling the dough into balls, and then pressing your thumb, finger, or even the back of a small measuring spoon into the center of the dough to create that little pool for the filling.
How Do I Keep My Thumbprint Cookies from Spreading
Thumbprint cookies are generally small, and if they spread out too much, can you have difficultly keeping the filling contained to the center indentation.
To keep thumbprint cookies from spreading, make sure your dough is well-chilled. Warm dough (or dough made with butter that is too warm and soft) is more likely to spread.
Consider using a silicone baking mat, and make sure you cool down your mats and your cookie sheets between batches. Don’t put a new batch of cookies to be baked on an already-hot baking sheet!
Can I Freeze Thumbprint Cookies?
Thumbprint cookies can be frozen just as you would any other cookie. I store mine in airtight containers between layers of wax paper.
Take out only what you need and allow them to thaw for a few minutes when you’re ready to serve.
They will keep for up to 3 months (but they’d never last that long in my house!).
Thumbprint Cookies Recipes
With so many different varieties, there’s a thumbprint cookie in here for everyone! I can’t wait to try a few of these this holiday season to add to our regular cookie baking rotation.
Did you know there were so many different kinds of thumbprint cookies recipes? They all look festive and delicious, the perfect addition to your Christmas cookie baking list.
Below you'll find 60 absolutely delicious thumbprint cookie recipes, each one perfect for a cookie exchange or to add to your own holiday cookie tray.
Raspberry Jelly Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
This Raspberry Jelly Thumbprint Cookie Recipe requires only 4 basic ingredients and is really simple to make. They are delicious, too - buttery and sweet! The perfect Christmas cookie to share.
Photo Credit: www.beyondthechickencoop.com
Toasted Pecan and Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Use a variety of jams to make these colorful thumbprint cookies that are made with toasted pecans.
Photo Credit: homemadeheather.com
Salted Caramel Turtle Thumbprint Cookies
Salted chocolate and caramel is always a winning combination, and these cookies combine those flavors for a burst of deliciousness in one bite!
Photo Credit: zardyplants.com
Vegan Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies
These slightly crispy, slightly soft Vegan Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies are a quick and tasty dessert. This is a classic cookie made with a delicious fall twist, and they’re just as easy to make as any others. They’re fun for kids to help make, too!
Photo Credit: www.serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com
Peanut Butter Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Peanut butter and chocolate. Need we say more? This cookie is delicious with that classic flavor combination.
Photo Credit: www.gritsandpinecones.com
Blueberry Thumbprint Cookies with Lemon Glaze
A classic combination of buttery shortbread filled to the brim with luscious blueberry jam, and topped with a tart lemon glaze makes Blueberry Thumbprint Cookies with Lemon Glaze irresistible. They are impossible not to like, and resistance is futile.
Photo Credit: www.cookingwithcarlee.com
Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprints
Take the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly and turn it into scrumptious thumbprint cookies. They are a fun back to school treat, perfect for holiday cookie trays or just because!
Photo Credit: www.frieddandelions.com
Vegan Thumbprint Cookies
These vegan thumbprint cookies might just be your favorite Christmas cookie of the season! Simple ingredients, quick to make, and festive too! Vegan, soy free, and nut free!
Photo Credit: www.bakedbyanintrovert.com
Lemon Thumbprint Cookies
Lemon Thumbprint Cookies are buttery vanilla shortbread cookies filled with lemon curd and drizzled with white chocolate. They are so amazing, you'll want more than one batch!
Photo Credit: www.deliciousobsessions.com
Gluten Free Jam-Filled Thumbprint Cookies
These jam-filled thumbprint cookies are delightfully light and flaky. Created for those on restricted diets, the recipe is free of the most common allergens. But don't let that fool you! They're still delicous!
Photo Credit: livinglifeasmoms.com
Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
You can't go wrong with any cookie recipe when you use Nutella. Enjoy these delectable Nutella thumbprint cookies, they look as good as they taste.
Photo Credit: 2cookinmamas.com
Thumbprint Turtle Cookies with Pecans
Calling all chocolate and caramel lovers! These Pecan Thumbprint Turtle Cookies are like everyone’s favorite turtle candies in cookie form. Soft, chewy cookies with a center of caramel & a drizzle of chocolate are so decadent and delicious you might not want to share.
Photo Credit: itsavegworldafterall.com
Classic Thumbprint Cookies with Carrot Jam
These Thumbprint Cookies with Carrot Jam are a unique twist on a classic! The carrot jam is colorful, sweet, and delicious.
Photo Credit: www.spabettie.com
Sparkly Apricot Rosemary Jewels
These sparkly apricot rosemary thumbprints are buttery shortbread topped with a bright punch of flavor. Jeweled apricot jam with a festive sparkle and a hint of rosemary makes these cookies holiday perfect!
Photo Credit: www.upstateramblings.com
Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies
Chocolate thumbprint cookies are a fun twist on these traditional holiday cookies. Thumbprint cookies are filled with melted chocolate and topped with crushed peppermint pieces for a sweet and festive chocolate peppermint cookie
Photo Credit: ofbatteranddough.com
Peppermint Hot Fudge Thumbprints
Hello chocolate lover. Meet your new favorite cookie. Buttery chocolate thumbprint cookies filled with a dollop of peppermint spiked hot fudge and a sprinkling of crushed candy canes.
Photo Credit: ofbatteranddough.com
Peach Almond Thumbprint Cookies
Tender little balls of buttery shortbread cookie dough rolled in roasted almonds, filled with a dollop of peach preserves, and adorned with a drizzle of almond glaze. These thumbprint cookies are melt-in-your-mouth tender and positively addicting.
Photo Credit: www.bonappeteach.com
Keto Peanut Butter Blossoms
The perfect low carb, keto holiday cookie made with the classic peanut butter blossom in mind! This low carb Christmas classic was recreated to be sugar free, gluten free, and only 1 net carb each!
Photo Credit: beplantwell.com
Vegan Thumbprint Cookies
The tastiest vegan thumbprint cookies recipe with almond flavor and a sweet glaze on top. The best shortbread jam cookies ever!
Photo Credit: www.plattertalk.com
Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are easy holiday cookies that our kids love to make, and eat!
Photo Credit: nourishedkitchen.com
Spelt Thumbprint Cookies with Sesame Seeds
Rolled in sesame seeds, and spiked spiced rum and nutmeg, these little whole grain Spelt Thumbprint cookies are excellent served with a mug of dark, inky black tea or tucked away in tins to give to friends for the holidays.
Photo Credit: thefarmgirlgabs.com
Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
Soft and chewy, these Coconut Thumbprint Cookies are a great addition to your Christmas Cookie recipe routine.
Photo Credit: www.everydayfamilycooking.com
Easy Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Toffee Bits
Chocolate Thumbprint cookies just got an upgrade! These cookies have a fun texture using toffee bits for an added unique crunch!
Photo Credit: familyaroundthetable.com
Mint Chocolate Thumbprints
Mint Chocolate Thumbprints marry the popular flavors of chocolate and peppermint. The festive colors look so pretty and make a lovely addition to a holiday cookie tray.
Photo Credit: flavormosaic.com
Christmas Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies
Make a batch of these Christmas Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies and get ready for a holiday party to break out. They are so cheerful and colorful and delicious that they will instantly get everyone in the mood for a festive holiday party!
Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com
Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies
These Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies are reminiscent of pecan sandies and are filled with pretty, naturally dyed, pastel icing.
Photo Credit: pintsizedtreasures.com
Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies
Peanut butter and jelly thumbprint cookies are perfect for baking with kids during the holidays!
Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com
Orange Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies
Orange Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies are simple cookies perfect for Christmas. They’re easy, addictive, festive, and fun for kiddos to make.
Photo Credit: www.theoliveblogger.com
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Cherries
A delicious chocolate thumbprint cookies with ooey cherry filling! These are a must make cookie this holiday season
Photo Credit: foodmeanderings.com
Butter Tart Thumbprint Cookies: Love & Obsession
These Butter Tart Thumbprint Cookies are filled with ooey gooey rich butter tart filling, nestled in a pecan sugar cookie. If you don't love raisins, you can easily substitute pecans in the filling. But if you love butter tarts, you will love this scrumptious cookie with an easy butter tart filling!
Photo Credit: www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com
Chocolate Cherry Thumbprints
These Chocolate Cherry Thumbprints are perfect for cookie trays! Chocolate cookies are topped with a maraschino cherry and a chocolate drizzle for a unique treat.
Photo Credit: mooreorlesscooking.com
Low-Carb Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies
These low-carb cookies take their flavor cues from the lunch-box favorite. Use any jam flavor that is your favorite. Ready in just 20 minutes!
Photo Credit: www.simplystacie.net
Jam Thumbprint Cookies
A super simple, but festive classic Christmas cookie! Baked to perfection and topped with jam.
Photo Credit: www.tessadomesticdiva.com
Paleo Chocolate Peppermint Cookies
These chocolate mint cookies are festive and delicious! Gluten free and easy to make!
Photo Credit: saltandbaker.com
Turtle Cookies
Turtle cookies are the cutest, most delicious thumbprint cookie recipe! They feature a soft chocolate cookie base that's rolled in nuts, then topped with gooey caramel.
Photo Credit: kellystilwell.com
Pumpkin Spice Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
What pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice? Peanut butter! These peanut butter pumpkin spice thumbprint cookies are delicious all year long!
Photo Credit: www.raegunramblings.com
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
Make delicious classic chocolate thumbprint cookies with a shortbread like base and delicious chocolate center.
Photo Credit: www.texanerin.com
Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies (grain-free, gluten-free)
These lemon thumbprint cookies are fun to make and full of lemon goodness! They use almond flour, making them gluten-free.
Photo Credit: www.littlesugarsnaps.com
Espresso, Hazelnut & Nutella Thumbprint Cookies
These Espresso, Hazelnut & Nutella Thumbprint Cookies are well dressed cookies that exquisitely combine Nutella, coffee, extra hazelnut & white chocolate.
Photo Credit: tikkido.com
Peanut Butter Nutella Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
Peanut butter and Nutella go together like...peanut butter and Nutella. A delicious combination no one can resist. These are perfect for a cookie tray!
Photo Credit: www.anallievent.com
Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
These chocolate and walnut thumbprint cookies are topped with a delicious vanilla icing and a candy kiss.
Photo Credit: www.curlyscooking.co.uk
Mincemeat Thumbprint Cookies
All the tasty flavors you’d expect from a mince pie but quicker and easier! These Mincemeat Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect treat to rustle up over Christmas.
Photo Credit: tinandthyme.uk
Almond Thumbprint Cookies with Amaretto Chocolate Ganache
Almond thumbprint cookies made with wholemeal spelt flour and ground almonds with a good dollop of amaretto chocolate ganache in the middle. Fabulous at any time of the year.
Photo Credit: www.runningtothekitchen.com
Almond Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
These chocolate thumbprint cookies have a buttery almond flavor, are gluten and grain free and guaranteed to please everyone!
Photo Credit: kitchenmason.com
Cheesy Rosemary & Thyme Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
This Incredibly moreish Cheesy Rosemary & Thyme Thumbprint Cookie Recipe will literally blow your mind! A world apart from it’s sweet counterpart, this savoury thumbprint cookie recipe is the perfect snack to keep hunger at bay.
Photo Credit: glutenfreeonashoestring.com
Gluten Free Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
With a soft, brownie-like texture, these gluten free chocolate thumbprint cookies are finished with a smooth caramel, rich chocolate, or sweet white chocolate filling.
Photo Credit: bakingmischief.com
Butterscotch Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies
Classic shortbread thumbprint cookies with delicious homemade butterscotch filling.
Photo Credit: www.mysequinedlife.com
Mocha Almond Caramel Thumbprint Cookies
These thumbprint cookies combine the flavors of mocha cookie dough, roasted almonds and salted caramel for unique spin on a classic cookie. There are several make-ahead steps you can take to simplify your holiday baking!
Photo Credit: www.centsablemomma.com
Hot Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
You'll be thinking about sitting down with a nice cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day with each bite of these Hot Chocolate Thumbprint cookies - with hints of cocoa and vanilla.
Photo Credit: pastryandbeyond.com
Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies
You'll love these lemon curd thumbprint cookies that are deliciously spiced with ginger and cinnamon.
Photo Credit: www.eastewart.com
Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies w/ Sea Salt Caramel Rum Raisin Filling
These Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies with Sea Salt Caramel Rum Raisin Filling are absolutely scrumptious. Soft, moist, and delicately spiced, they’re a delicious holiday treat!
Photo Credit: pintsizedbaker.com
Easy Cherry Pie Thumbprint Cookies
These thumbprint cookies filled with cherry pie filling are great - but they are spectacular with blueberry, apple, or strawberry pie filling too!
Photo Credit: muybuenocookbook.com
Double Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
These classic and delicious Double Pecan Thumbprint buttery shortbread cookies are made with a simple sugar cookie dough studded with chopped pecans and topped with homemade caramel icing and a toasted pecan.
Photo Credit: muybuenocookbook.com
Cajeta Thumbprint Cookies
Adding orange extract and orange zest to the dough gives these soft and tender cookies a subtle citrus flavor. Perfect for the holidays!
Photo Credit: www.theflavorbender.com
Savory Cheese Thumbprint Cookies with Bourbon Tomato Jam
A savory twist on your classic jam-filled sweet thumbprint cookie – Savory Cheese Thumbprint Cookies with Bourbon Tomato Jam are truly the PERFECT party appetizer. These Savory Cookies are insanely flavorful, easy to make and vegetarian!
Photo Credit: www.theorganickitchen.org
Orange Cranberry Holiday Thumbprint Cookies
Orange and cranberry combine in a sweet little thumbprint cookie with a hint of cardamom!
Photo Credit: www.goodforyouglutenfree.com
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Thumbprint Cookies Made with Cassava Flour
These cassava flour pumpkin thumbprint cookies are a cake-like cookie with a delicious pumpkin-spiced frosting in the middle. The combination of flavors and textures work well together for a mouth-pleasing cookie treat. And the best part? They’re grain free because they’re made with cassava flour.
Photo Credit: livingsweetmoments.com
Passion Fruit Thumbprint Cookie Recipe
This delicious thumbprint cookie recipe is made with homemade passion fruit curd in a shortbread cookie dough. Perfect for dessert and tea. Yummy!
Photo Credit: www.theroastedroot.net
Paleo Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies (Vegan)
Paleo chocolate thumbprint cookies made with almond flour, coconut oil, and pure maple syrup. This simple and clean cookie recipe is entirely dairy-free, naturally sweetened, and vegan.
Photo Credit: www.theroastedroot.net
Cardamom Almond Flour Paleo Thumbprint Cookies
These grain-free, sugar-free paleo thumbprint cookies are warmly spiced with cardamom, and make excellent holiday gifts. Plus they’re healthy!