Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam

Name: Crisp and Chewy Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup molasses; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup cranberry jam

December 13, 2025 by Mae

Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with cranberry jam filling on a festive plate

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Crisp and Chewy Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam: A Cozy Holiday Treat

When the air turns crisp and the scent of spices wafts through your kitchen, it’s time to embrace the season with joys that warm the heart. Picture the enchanting atmosphere of a holiday gathering, adorned with twinkling lights and laughter echoing against the walls. It’s during these delightful moments that Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam beckon with both nostalgia and indulgence. As the rich aroma of ginger and spices fills the air, followed by the sweet-tart scent of cranberry jam, these cookies transform a simple afternoon into a festive occasion.

Perfect for cozy afternoons with friends or as a comforting treat after a brisk walk in the snow, these cookies will not only satiate your sweet tooth but also collect smiles and laughter around your table. Gift them as homemade treasures, enjoy them with a warm cup of cocoa, or serve them during festive celebrations—the possibilities are as endless as the joy they bring. Each bite resonates with the comforting flavor of the holidays, making you want to savor every crumb and share its warmth.

What You’ll Need

Ready to embark on this fragrant adventure? Let’s gather our ingredients and tools, ensuring you have everything you need to create these delectable floury delights.

Ingredients

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cranberry jam

Tools

Before diving into the baking process, gather these essential kitchen tools to make your cookie-making adventure smoother:

Mixing bowls (large and medium)
Whisk
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Measuring cups and spoons
Cookie scoop or tablespoon
Cooling rack

How to Make It

With everything ready, let’s dive into the delightful process of crafting Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam. The joy starts with the comforting rhythm of your kitchen as you mix, scoop, and bake.

Prep the Base

First, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The familiar sound of sizzling air will soon fill your kitchen. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. Feel the fine grains of flour glide through your fingers, releasing the earthy, warm scents that transport you straight to holiday mornings. It’s in this moment that you know you’re creating something magical.

Build the Flavor

Now, it’s time to cream together your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in another bowl until the mixture is impossibly light and fluffy. As you whisk, the sound of the ingredients coming together is music to your ears. The sweet aroma of sugar and butter harmonizes beautifully, promising richness in every bite of cookie. Once the mixture resembles clouds of sweetness, beat in the egg, molasses, and vanilla, letting the deep, sweet notes mingle perfectly. The dark molasses and the fragrant vanilla lend a lovely complexity that dances through the air like a holiday waltz.

Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. You’ll feel the dough come together, thick and inviting, its spicy aroma blossoming in your kitchen. Don’t worry if the dough feels a bit sticky; that’s just the magic waiting to unfold. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and lovingly shape them into balls. Each one feels like a little promise of warmth, hope, and cheer.

Create the Thumbprint

Place the balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them to grow in the oven. The anticipation builds as you make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb, creating perfect little nests for the tangy cranberry jam that lies ahead. This moment is pure joy; your thumbs create a cozy cradle to cradle the sweet surprise.

Fill & Bake to Perfection

Generously fill each thumbprint with cranberry jam, watching as the vibrant red glistens against the brown dough. Slip the cookies into the oven, and listen to the gentle bubbling and the soft sizzle as they bake. In just 10 to 12 minutes, you’ll have golden-edged cookies that fill your home with an irresistible combination of spice and sweetness. The edges turn slightly crisp while the centers remain tender, a beautiful contrast that defines these delightful cookies. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few moments, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, releasing their comforting aroma into the air.

Creative Twists

While these classic Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam are irresistible as is, consider trying a few fun variations to keep the flavors fresh and exciting:

Spiced Citrus: Add zest from an orange or lemon to the cookie dough for a bright, zesty twist, echoing holiday cheer with added freshness.
Nutty Additions: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a delightful crunch that complements the chewy texture beautifully.
Different Jams: Switch out the cranberry jam for raspberry, blueberry, or even apple butter, each bringing their own unique flavor profile and color.
Seasonal Flavors: During spring, swap in fresh berries for the jam. In the fall, consider adding a pinch of pumpkin spice to the dough for a seasonal twist.
Chocolate Drizzle: After the cookies cool, drizzle them with melted dark chocolate for a luxurious finish to each bite.

Final Inspiration

As the last cookie emerges from the oven, take a moment to appreciate not only the delicious results of your efforts but also the gatherings and memories that will surround them. Each bite of these Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies with Cranberry Jam is an invitation to slow down, cherish, and share the joy of the season. Their warmth is not just in their flavor but in the stories they carry—stories of friendship, laughter, and a cozy kitchen filled with scents that echo memories of years past.

So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and make this delightful recipe a staple for your holiday celebrations. Your loved ones are waiting to indulge in the comforts of your kitchen, and each bite of sweet, spicy goodness is bound to create lasting warmth and joy. Happy baking!

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