Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Do you have any fun Christmas family traditions?? For us, we always love to bake cookies together during the holiday season. Whether it be tried and true hand me down recipes, or new recipes like these yummy raspberry thumbprint cookies, we always love to bake and decorate them together!

Y’all know I have shared my top 5 Christmas cookies that I bake every year on here before, and although these didn’t make the list back then, they are totally worth making! I haven’t ever made raspberry thumbprint cookies before, but they are absolutely delicious!

And it is so much fun baking them together and decorating them during the holiday season! Plus, since the raspberry jelly is a nice red color, they are super festive and fun too!

Be sure to keep on reading to get the full recipe below! Trust me friends, you are definitely going to want to add these to your Christmas cookie rotation!

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What Type of Raspberry Jelly Should I Use?

If you’re wondering what the best type of raspberry jelly is for this recipe, then you should know I am going to say homemade! Even though it is not necessarily a “Christmas Tradition”, every year, we get together with my Meme and make fresh, homemade raspberry jelly.

Then, we can it and store it to use later all throughout the year. Just like for these cookies. It’s one of my most favorite things to do, and the jelly tastes out of this world! And lucky for you all, I shared her homemade raspberry jelly recipe a few years ago, so be sure to go check that out if you want to try your hand in homemade jelly!

Trust me, once you try homemade jelly, you will never go back to store bought again! Although, I totally understand that you may not have time to make homemade jelly on top of homemade cookies too. So if you’re in a pinch, just use any kind of seedless raspberry jelly you can find at your local grocery store!

What Is The History Behind Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies?

Raspberry thumbprint cookies have a history that’s tied to the broader tradition of thumbprint cookies. The thumbprint cookie itself is a classic treat, believed to have originated in Sweden, where they are known as “Hallongrotta,” meaning “raspberry cave.” The name refers to the signature thumbprint indentation made in the center of the cookie to hold the jam or filling.

The specific history of raspberry thumbprint cookies is a variation that likely evolved as a way to incorporate raspberry jam into the traditional thumbprint cookie recipe. Raspberries have been enjoyed for centuries and were used in various culinary applications. The pairing of raspberry jam or jelly with the buttery, crumbly cookie dough created a delightful combination, leading to the creation of raspberry thumbprint cookies.

The cookies gained popularity in the United States as part of the broader assortment of holiday cookies and became a cherished addition to many households’ baking traditions. The simplicity of the recipe and the burst of fruity flavor from the raspberry jam made these cookies a hit for gatherings, especially during festive seasons.

Over time, variations of thumbprint cookies emerged, featuring different types of jams, preserves, or even alternative fillings like chocolate ganache or Nutella. However, the raspberry version remains a classic favorite due to its sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color. Raspberry has always been one of my favorite flavors, so pairing that with a cookie is just perfect for me!

Why Are My Thumbprint Cookies Cracking When Putting The Thumbprint In?

I think one of the most common issues you run into when making any kind of thumbprint cookie is cracking. This usually happens when you are making indentations in the dough balls.

To prevent this from occurring, make sure you haven’t added too much flour to the mixture. Be precise when measuring out the ingredients for the dough. That way, the cookies will come out perfectly every time.

I did run into a few issues with cracking, but I just re did it each time. So if I placed a “thumbprint” down into a cookie and the sides cracked, I just re-rolled it into a ball. Then, re-did the thumbprint and it turned out just fine!

How Do You Get The Perfect Thumbprint?

If you want to use your actual thumb, that’s totally fine! And, these would be super fun to make with kids and let them place their thumbprint into the dough as well!

But, if you’re wanting a more aesthetically pleasing cookie, I have a tip for you! Just use the back of a 1/2 teaspoon and you will get the perfect “thumbprint” every single time!

Does The Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies Really Need The Icing?

If you prefer no icing, you can definitely leave that step out if you wanted. I tried the cookies both ways, but I do have to say I love it with icing.

It makes it a tad bit sweeter in my opinion. Especially since I used my homemade vanilla extract to make it with too!

Enjoy Your Cookies!

If you try this recipe out and love it, please let me know below! And I hope you enjoy making these yummy cookies with your family as a fun, new Christmas tradition too!

Also, be sure to check out all my Christmas cookie display ideas too. Especially if you are planning on making these for a party or cookie exchange!

If you have any other fun family Christmas traditions that you do every year, I would love to hear about them too! And be sure to check out all the other lovely ladies in our Cozy Creative Collaborative Blog Hop and see what their favorite Christmas Traditions are too:

Our Tiny Nest– Christmas movie night basket and free printable movie ticket

Eleanor Rose Home– 6 Ingredient Edible Sugar Cookie Dough Recipe

The Tattered Pew– 25 Christmas Traditions and Activities for Families