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Home » Desserts » Cookies

November 8, 2022

Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookie

Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookie
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Soft, chewy Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies filled with cream cheese frosting and topped with caramel drizzle. The perfect paleo, dairy-free, and grain-free holiday dessert.

I’ve been obsessed with thumbprint cookies –these Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies are festive, bite-sized, and filled with creamy goodness.

Have your kids help you press a hole into the cookies themselves – a mess-free option to get them involved in baking with you!

Gingerbread is one of my favorite holiday flavors. Without a doubt, this recipe will leave your kitchen smelling like a Hallmark movie.

If you like this recipe, you’ll also probably love my Pumpkin Thumbprint Cookies and my Gingerbread Coffee Cake.

Why are they called thumbprint cookies?

Image is showing the gingerbread thumbprint cookies drizzled with an icing on parchment paper with cinnamon sticks and star anise

Originally, this cookie’s name comes from the way it is prepared. You roll the cookies into balls and then flatten them with your thumb.

Afterward, they are typically filled with some sort of jam and topped with nuts and powdered sugar. Yum!

What is another name for thumbprint cookies?

Markedly, thumbprint cookies are a very popular holiday cookie.

Specifically, they seem to originate from Sweden where they are called Hallongrotta, which means “raspberry cave” in Swedish – referring to the jam filling in the middle.

What is gingerbread?

Generally, gingerbread is a baked dessert that contains ginger and is often accompanied by other spices like cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.

Typically, gingerbread pairs well with brown sugar, molasses, and honey.

Ingredients in Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients are laid out for the gingerbread thumbprint cookies

The ingredients for these holiday cookies are not only delicious, but also wholesome:

Eggs

Almond butter

Blackstrap molasses

Vanilla extract

Coconut sugar

Coconut flour

Baking soda

Gingerbread spices

Cinnamon

Ginger, ground

All spice

How to Make Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients are being mixed together for the gingerbread thumbprint cookies

First, mix all the eggs, almond butter, blackstrap molasses, vanilla extract, and coconut sugar in a bowl.

Then, add in the coconut flour, baking soda, and gingerbread spices and combine well. Sift the dry ingredients if they’re clumpy.

Next, cover the dough and freeze for 20 minutes.

Ingredients are being mixed together for the gingerbread thumbprint cookies

Following, preheat the oven 350F

Then, scoop into balls, press down with the palm of your hands, and use your thumb to print a hole in the middle

Lastly, sprinkle some extra coconut sugar on top if desired.

Then, bake 10 – 12 minutes

Image is showing the gingerbread thumbprint cookies on parchment paper with no filling yet

Finally, the hole will puff up a bit after baking, so press it down a bit more after baking while it’s still warm.

Fill it with vegan cream cheese frosting or if you’re feeling extra spicy, drizzle it with caramel sauce.

Frequently Asked Question

Why are my thumbprint cookies so crumbly?

In this case, dry cookies are likely due to overmixing or using too much of an ingredient. For this reason, I recommend gently combining the ingredients and measuring them as well.

How do I keep my thumbprint cookies from spreading out?

Similarly, you want to make sure you do not overmix the dough! Overmixing causes too many air pockets that deflate and lead to spreading.

What is the difference between speculoos and gingerbread?

These 2 cookies are made with very similar spices, but ginger is not the predominant flavor in speculoos.

Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Thumbprint Cookies

Image is showing the gingerbread thumbprint cookies drizzled with an icing on parchment paper with cinnamon sticks and star anise

In summary, here are a few tips to make these cookies extra delicious:

  • Measure with a food scale! Certainly, this will prevent any error in measurement! Otherwise, I recommend packing the flour when measuring.
  • Don’t overmix!
  • Drizzle with your favorite topping: white chocolate sauce, caramel, cookie butter, and more!

How to store Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies

Image is showing the gingerbread thumbprint cookies drizzled with an icing on parchment paper with cinnamon sticks and star anise

Generally, you can store these cookies on the kitchen counter covered for a day.

After, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can you freeze Gingerbread Thumbprint cookies?

In truth, I have not tried freezing them!

However, you can absolutely freeze the cookie dough and they will be ready to bake the day before/of your holiday gathering.

How to Serve Pumpkin Thumbprint Cookies

Without a doubt, my favorite way to enjoy these cookies is with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Additionally, they’re the perfect bite-size dessert – sometimes I sneak a few as I am passing through the kitchen or pack a couple for the road for the family.

Enjoy them any way you desire!

What other fall recipes would you like to see?

Other delicious holiday recipe

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Pecan Pie Energy Bites

Pumpkin Blondies

I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS

Image is showing the gingerbread thumbprint cookies drizzled with an icing on parchment paper with cinnamon sticks and star anise
Image is showing the gingerbread thumbprint cookies drizzled with an icing on parchment paper with cinnamon sticks and star anise
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Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies

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Soft, chewy Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies filled with cream cheese frosting and topped with caramel drizzle. The perfect paleo, dairy-free, and grain-free holiday dessert.
Shuang Shuang Liang
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 40 mins

Ingredients
  

  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1/2 cup almond butter 150 grams
  • 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses 70 grams
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup coconut sugar 60 grams
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour 65 grams
  • 1 tsp baking soda

Gingerbread Spices

  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp all spice

Instructions
 

  • Mix all the eggs, almond butter, blackstrap molasses, vanilla extract, and coconut sugar in a bowl.
  • Add in the coconut flour, baking soda, and gingerbread spices and combine well. Sift the dry ingredients if they’re clumpy.
  • Cover the dough and freeze for 20 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven 350F.
  • Scoop into balls, press down with the palm of your hands,and use your thumb to print a hole in the middle.
  • Sprinkle some extra coconut sugar on top if desired.
  • Bake 10 – 12 minutes.
  • Press the hole down after baking, while still warm.
  • Fill it with vegan cream cheese frosting or if you’re feeling extra spicy, drizzle it with caramel sauce. Enjoy!

The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe, which may vary.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This does not result in any extra cost for you, but it does mean that I make a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Did you make this recipe?Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

Season: Christmas, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter Dietary Preference: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian, Whole30 Key Ingredients: Apples, Bananas, Berries, Chocolate, Oats, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato Recipe Style: Air Fryer, Instant Pot, Kid Friendly, No Bake

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