Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies (Top 9 Festive Tips)

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The snow was falling softly the first time I baked these cookies with my kids. We had a playlist of holiday classics playing, little fingers pressing into cookie dough, and the kitchen smelled like butter and vanilla. That memory lives in every batch of these Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies I make now. They’re more than just a sweet treat—they’re a moment of togetherness, the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen feel like the heart of the season. Whether you’re hosting, gifting, or simply baking to enjoy a quiet evening by the tree, these jam-filled cookies are the soft, chewy, and festive bite you didn’t know you needed.

Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies on holiday tray — Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies: A Festive Jam-Filled Treat 6

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

They’re incredibly soft with a lightly crisp edge and a chewy center.
The jam adds bright, fruity flavor and a pop of holiday color.
Perfect for kids to help with—rolling, pressing, and decorating.
Festive and giftable. They look beautiful in cookie tins and holiday boxes.
A wonderful non-chocolate option to balance richer cookie assortments.
Easily customizable with different fillings and coatings.

Ingredients:

1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg yolk
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
1/3 cup jam or preserves (raspberry, apricot, strawberry, or your favorite)

Optional: zest of 1 lemon, colored sanding sugar, chopped nuts for edges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment.
Cream butter and sugars until fluffy. Add yolk and vanilla. Mix well.
Whisk dry ingredients (flour, cornstarch, salt) and add to butter mix. Mix until combined.
Shape dough into balls (about 1 tbsp each). Roll in granulated sugar.
Press thumbprint into center of each ball. Chill for 10 minutes to reduce spreading.
Spoon jam into indentations (about 1/4 tsp).
Bake 11–13 minutes, until edges just begin to turn golden.
Cool on pan 5 minutes, then transfer to rack.

How to Serve Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

These cookies look stunning nestled among your holiday favorites. I love placing them alongside our Pumpkin Cookies for a contrast of cozy fall and festive fruit flavors. For parties, stack them in a tiered cookie tray beside our Red Velvet Cake Oreo Cookies. They’re also perfect for edible gift boxes—just layer with parchment in a holiday tin and tie with ribbon.

Kids especially love these! Try offering a trio of jam flavors so they can choose their favorite. Add them to your Christmas morning spread with coffee and hot cocoa. Or enjoy a quiet evening nibble while watching movies with your family, like we do every year.

How to Store Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temp for 4–5 days. To keep them from sticking, place wax paper between layers. They also freeze well—just flash freeze on a tray, then store in zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.

Avoid refrigerating unless necessary, as it can dry them out. If needed, re-crisp in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. You can also freeze unbaked, shaped cookies—just add jam right before baking. That way, you can enjoy freshly baked cookies anytime during the season.

Tips to Make Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

Use room temp butter, not melted—it’s key for proper texture.
Don’t overwork the dough. Mix until just combined.
Roll dough smooth—cracks will split when pressing.
Warm the jam slightly for easy spooning.
Don’t overfill the indent or jam may overflow.
Press gently but deep enough for the indent to hold.
Bake one tray at a time for even results.

I’ve found that making a test batch of two cookies helps you gauge bake time and jam behavior with your oven. It’s a little thing that makes a big difference.

Variations of Eggnog Snickerdoodle Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate Dough: Add 2 tbsp cocoa to dough.
Lemon Curd Fillings: Swap jam for lemon or orange curd.
Nuts or Coconut: Roll edges in chopped pecans or shredded coconut.
Sprinkles & Sugar Coatings: Roll in red or green sanding sugar.
Different Extracts: Try almond or orange in place of vanilla.
Mini Versions: Use 1 tsp dough for bite-size cookies.

These cookies also play well in assorted boxes with our Blueberry Cookies or Best Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re a soft, sweet counterpoint to bolder flavors.

FAQs

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

Warm dough, overmixing, or too little flour. Try chilling the dough.

Can I freeze them?

Yes! Both unbaked (shaped) and baked cookies freeze beautifully.

Do I need to chill the dough?

It’s optional but helps reduce spreading for cleaner shapes.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Results may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

Thumbprint cookies are more than just a sweet—each one feels like a tiny, edible memory. These soft holiday cookies bring cheer, color, and charm to any celebration. Whether they’re part of your gifting, your table, or your traditions, I hope they make your season just a bit more magical.

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