The Joy of Holiday Thumbprints (Featuring My Favorite Land O’ Lakes Recipe!)
The holidays are a magical time of the year. For me, that magic often starts in the kitchen, where the aromas of baking butter, sugar, and just a hint of jam fill the air. One of my favorite traditions? Making holiday thumbprint cookies. These classic treats often take center stage at family gatherings, cookie swaps, or as delightful gifts for friends and neighbors.
And while there are countless recipes out there, the one that truly has my heart is the Land O’ Lakes thumbprint cookie recipe. For years, it has been my go-to guide for creating these tender, buttery cookies with their jam-filled centers. There's simply no better version out there. Attributing the recipe credit to Land O’ Lakes feels only right—they’ve perfected the base, and the results speak for themselves.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just getting started in the kitchen, thumbprints are a joy to make. Not only are they delicious, but they also double as tiny, edible works of art. Join me as I share the magic of making these cookies, along with a few tips and tricks to elevate your holiday baking!
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Why Are Thumbprints a Holiday Favorite?
If there’s one cookie that effortlessly captures the essence of holiday baking, it’s thumbprints. Their delicate, buttery crumb partnered with a pop of sweet jam or chocolate is what dreams are made of. But there’s more to them than just taste. Thumbprints are versatile, easy to customize, and add that nostalgic, homemade touch to your holiday spread.
Interestingly, thumbprint cookies have a rich history. They’re believed to have originated in Sweden, where they’re called "Hallongrottor," which translates to "raspberry caves." The name alone conjures the coziness that we seek during the holiday season. Over time, these cookies have become a global favorite, with variations that reflect personal taste and festive creativity.
The Recipe I Swear By (All Credit to Land O’ Lakes)
When it comes to thumbprint cookies, the Land O’ Lakes recipe is nothing short of perfection. It provides a foundation that’s tender, buttery, and oh-so-easy to work with. Here's what you'll need and how to make them:
Ingredients
1 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
252 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup raspberry jam - Use your favorite jam or preserves (raspberry and apricot are my personal favorites)
Directions
Prep Your Dough - Start by creaming the butter, almond extract and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour and salt until the dough comes together. It’ll feel soft and slightly crumbly—perfect for shaping into cookies. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm.
Form the Cookies - Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Use your thumb (or the back of a teaspoon) to gently press into each ball, creating an indent.
Fill with Love - Spoon a small amount of jam into the center of each cookie. Be careful not to overfill—just a dollop will do.
Bake to Golden Perfection - Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden. Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
The result? Cookie perfection. Every bite is a delightful burst of flavor and texture, guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who tries them.
Why I Love This Recipe (And Some Personal Memories)
Holiday thumbprints aren’t just cookies; they’re memories on a plate. I still remember the first time my girlfriend brought them to one of our annual cookie swaps. She used the Land O’ Lakes recipe, and I was immediately hooked. That tender, buttery base paired with the tangy sweetness of raspberry jam? Heaven. They were the first cookies to disappear from the swap table, and I think we all begged her for the recipe before the night was over.
The tradition only deepened when I started making these cookies myself. One Christmas, I invited my niece to help me bake, and her tiny hands pressing thumbprints into the dough was such a sweet moment. Watching her fill each indentation with her favorite jams (and maybe sneaking a few licks of raspberry preserves) reminded me that baking is as much about the company you keep as it is about the food itself.
And while I’ve experimented with other recipes over the years, I always come back to Land O’ Lakes. It’s consistent, simple, and always yields rave reviews.
Thumbprint Variations You’ll Love
One of the best things about thumbprints is their versatility. Here are a few ideas to make them your own:
Swap the Jam
Try unique flavors like fig preserves, orange marmalade, or even lemon curd.
Go Nutty
Roll the dough balls in finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) before baking for added texture and flavor.
Chocolate Lovers' Delight
Fill the indents with melted chocolate or hazelnut spread instead of jam. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Seasonal Twist
Add a splash of cinnamon or almond extract to the dough for holiday flair.
Presentation Matters
Thumbprints are as visually appealing as they are delicious, which makes them perfect for gifting or serving at gatherings. Here’s how to up your presentation game:
Holiday Packaging
Place cookies in small gift boxes or cellophane bags tied with festive ribbons. Add a handwritten tag for a personal touch.
Cookie Trays
Arrange thumbprints with other holiday treats on a platter for a stunning centerpiece at your next party.
Sharing the Joy of Baking
Baking holiday thumbprints is more than just making cookies—it’s about sharing love, joy, and tradition with friends, family, and neighbors. Whether you’re baking solo or turning it into a group activity, these cookies have a way of bringing people closer together.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you go for classic raspberry jam, or did you create your own twist? Share your stories, photos, and festive memories in the comments below or join our community of baking enthusiasts for more inspiration.
Perfect Holiday Thumbprint Cookies with Land O’ Lakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup Land O Lakes® Butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 252 grams (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam - Use your favorite jam or preserves (raspberry and apricot are my personal favorites)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract
Instructions
- Prep Your Dough - Start by creaming the butter, almond extract and sugar together until light and fluffy. Gradually add flour and salt until the dough comes together. It’ll feel soft and slightly crumbly—perfect for shaping into cookies. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Form the Cookies - Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Use your thumb (or the back of a teaspoon) to gently press into each ball, creating an indent.
- Fill with Love - Spoon a small amount of jam into the center of each cookie. Be careful not to overfill—just a dollop will do.
- Bake to Golden Perfection - Bake at 350°F for 14-18 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Allow the cookies to cool before serving.
- Combine all glaze ingredients in a bowl with whisk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
The nutrition information provided is only estimated based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a dietician. Please consult a doctor for accurate, more personal information about your health and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
Thumbprint cookies hold a special place in my holiday baking lineup, and a big part of that is thanks to the amazing Land O’ Lakes recipe. Their attention to detail and quality ingredients make it the perfect foundation for these iconic cookies. I’m so grateful for the joy their recipe has brought to my kitchen, and hope it brings the same to yours.
Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with sweetness!
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Happy cooking—and happy Thanksgiving!
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