60 Unique Thumbprint Cookie Recipes (2024)

There are so many delicious types of unique thumbprint cookies recipes. This post includes 60 tasty thumbprint cookie recipes, in a wide variety of flavor combinations. Which one will you try first?

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Traditional Raspberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies are one of the must-haves on our holiday cookie tray. They are so easy to make, and absolutely mouthwatering.

But jam thumbprints aren’t the only thumbprint game in town. There are TONS of delicious varieties you’ll want to add to your Christmas baking agenda.

How Do You Make Thumbprint Cookies

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Thumbprint cookies are cookies with a little indentation in the middle, that is filled with a yummy filling.

Traditional thumbprint cookies are a buttery cookie filled with jam, but as you’ll see in this post, cookie bakers like to get creative and have many delicious twists on the classic!

In most all cases, regardless of flavor and filling, thumbprint cookies are made by rolling the dough into balls, and then pressing your thumb, finger, or even the back of a small measuring spoon into the center of the dough to create that little pool for the filling.

How Do I Keep My Thumbprint Cookies from Spreading

Thumbprint cookies are generally small, and if they spread out too much, can you have difficultly keeping the filling contained to the center indentation.

To keep thumbprint cookies from spreading, make sure your dough is well-chilled. Warm dough (or dough made with butter that is too warm and soft) is more likely to spread.

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Consider using a silicone baking mat, and make sure you cool down your mats and your cookie sheets between batches. Don’t put a new batch of cookies to be baked on an already-hot baking sheet!

Can I Freeze Thumbprint Cookies?

Thumbprint cookies can be frozen just as you would any other cookie. I store mine in airtight containers between layers of wax paper.

Take out only what you need and allow them to thaw for a few minutes when you’re ready to serve.

They will keep for up to 3 months (but they’d never last that long in my house!).

Thumbprint Cookies Recipes

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With so many different varieties, there’s a thumbprint cookie in here for everyone! I can’t wait to try a few of these this holiday season to add to our regular cookie baking rotation.

Did you know there were so many different kinds of thumbprint cookies recipes? They all look festive and delicious, the perfect addition to your Christmas cookie baking list.

Below you'll find 60 absolutely delicious thumbprint cookie recipes, each one perfect for a cookie exchange or to add to your own holiday cookie tray.

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Raspberry Jelly Thumbprint Cookie Recipe

This Raspberry Jelly Thumbprint Cookie Recipe requires only 4 basic ingredients and is really simple to make. They are delicious, too - buttery and sweet! The perfect Christmas cookie to share.

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Photo Credit: www.beyondthechickencoop.com

Toasted Pecan and Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Use a variety of jams to make these colorful thumbprint cookies that are made with toasted pecans.

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Photo Credit: homemadeheather.com

Salted Caramel Turtle Thumbprint Cookies

Salted chocolate and caramel is always a winning combination, and these cookies combine those flavors for a burst of deliciousness in one bite!

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Photo Credit: zardyplants.com

Vegan Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies

These slightly crispy, slightly soft Vegan Apple Butter Thumbprint Cookies are a quick and tasty dessert. This is a classic cookie made with a delicious fall twist, and they’re just as easy to make as any others. They’re fun for kids to help make, too!

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Photo Credit: www.serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com

Peanut Butter Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Peanut butter and chocolate. Need we say more? This cookie is delicious with that classic flavor combination.

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Photo Credit: www.gritsandpinecones.com

Blueberry Thumbprint Cookies with Lemon Glaze

A classic combination of buttery shortbread filled to the brim with luscious blueberry jam, and topped with a tart lemon glaze makes Blueberry Thumbprint Cookies with Lemon Glaze irresistible. They are impossible not to like, and resistance is futile.

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Photo Credit: www.cookingwithcarlee.com

Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprints

Take the classic combination of peanut butter and jelly and turn it into scrumptious thumbprint cookies. They are a fun back to school treat, perfect for holiday cookie trays or just because!

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Photo Credit: www.frieddandelions.com

Vegan Thumbprint Cookies

These vegan thumbprint cookies might just be your favorite Christmas cookie of the season! Simple ingredients, quick to make, and festive too! Vegan, soy free, and nut free!

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Photo Credit: www.bakedbyanintrovert.com

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies

Lemon Thumbprint Cookies are buttery vanilla shortbread cookies filled with lemon curd and drizzled with white chocolate. They are so amazing, you'll want more than one batch!

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Photo Credit: www.deliciousobsessions.com

Gluten Free Jam-Filled Thumbprint Cookies

These jam-filled thumbprint cookies are delightfully light and flaky. Created for those on restricted diets, the recipe is free of the most common allergens. But don't let that fool you! They're still delicous!

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Photo Credit: livinglifeasmoms.com

Nutella Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

You can't go wrong with any cookie recipe when you use Nutella. Enjoy these delectable Nutella thumbprint cookies, they look as good as they taste.

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Photo Credit: 2cookinmamas.com

Thumbprint Turtle Cookies with Pecans

Calling all chocolate and caramel lovers! These Pecan Thumbprint Turtle Cookies are like everyone’s favorite turtle candies in cookie form. Soft, chewy cookies with a center of caramel & a drizzle of chocolate are so decadent and delicious you might not want to share.

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Photo Credit: itsavegworldafterall.com

Classic Thumbprint Cookies with Carrot Jam

These Thumbprint Cookies with Carrot Jam are a unique twist on a classic! The carrot jam is colorful, sweet, and delicious.

These sparkly apricot rosemary thumbprints are buttery shortbread topped with a bright punch of flavor. Jeweled apricot jam with a festive sparkle and a hint of rosemary makes these cookies holiday perfect!

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Photo Credit: www.upstateramblings.com

Chocolate Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies

Chocolate thumbprint cookies are a fun twist on these traditional holiday cookies. Thumbprint cookies are filled with melted chocolate and topped with crushed peppermint pieces for a sweet and festive chocolate peppermint cookie

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Photo Credit: ofbatteranddough.com

Peppermint Hot Fudge Thumbprints

Hello chocolate lover. Meet your new favorite cookie. Buttery chocolate thumbprint cookies filled with a dollop of peppermint spiked hot fudge and a sprinkling of crushed candy canes.

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Photo Credit: ofbatteranddough.com

Peach Almond Thumbprint Cookies

Tender little balls of buttery shortbread cookie dough rolled in roasted almonds, filled with a dollop of peach preserves, and adorned with a drizzle of almond glaze. These thumbprint cookies are melt-in-your-mouth tender and positively addicting.

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Photo Credit: www.bonappeteach.com

Keto Peanut Butter Blossoms

The perfect low carb, keto holiday cookie made with the classic peanut butter blossom in mind! This low carb Christmas classic was recreated to be sugar free, gluten free, and only 1 net carb each!

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Photo Credit: beplantwell.com

Vegan Thumbprint Cookies

The tastiest vegan thumbprint cookies recipe with almond flavor and a sweet glaze on top. The best shortbread jam cookies ever!

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Photo Credit: www.plattertalk.com

Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

Cherry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are easy holiday cookies that our kids love to make, and eat!

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Photo Credit: nourishedkitchen.com

Spelt Thumbprint Cookies with Sesame Seeds

Rolled in sesame seeds, and spiked spiced rum and nutmeg, these little whole grain Spelt Thumbprint cookies are excellent served with a mug of dark, inky black tea or tucked away in tins to give to friends for the holidays.

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Photo Credit: thefarmgirlgabs.com

Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

Soft and chewy, these Coconut Thumbprint Cookies are a great addition to your Christmas Cookie recipe routine.

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Photo Credit: www.everydayfamilycooking.com

Easy Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Toffee Bits

Chocolate Thumbprint cookies just got an upgrade! These cookies have a fun texture using toffee bits for an added unique crunch!

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Photo Credit: familyaroundthetable.com

Mint Chocolate Thumbprints

Mint Chocolate Thumbprints marry the popular flavors of chocolate and peppermint. The festive colors look so pretty and make a lovely addition to a holiday cookie tray.

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Photo Credit: flavormosaic.com

Christmas Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

Make a batch of these Christmas Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies and get ready for a holiday party to break out. They are so cheerful and colorful and delicious that they will instantly get everyone in the mood for a festive holiday party!

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Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com

Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies

These Gluten Free Thumbprint Cookies are reminiscent of pecan sandies and are filled with pretty, naturally dyed, pastel icing.

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Photo Credit: pintsizedtreasures.com

Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

Peanut butter and jelly thumbprint cookies are perfect for baking with kids during the holidays!

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Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com

Orange Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies

Orange Cranberry Thumbprint Cookies are simple cookies perfect for Christmas. They’re easy, addictive, festive, and fun for kiddos to make.

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Photo Credit: www.theoliveblogger.com

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies with Cherries

A delicious chocolate thumbprint cookies with ooey cherry filling! These are a must make cookie this holiday season

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Photo Credit: foodmeanderings.com

Butter Tart Thumbprint Cookies: Love & Obsession

These Butter Tart Thumbprint Cookies are filled with ooey gooey rich butter tart filling, nestled in a pecan sugar cookie. If you don't love raisins, you can easily substitute pecans in the filling. But if you love butter tarts, you will love this scrumptious cookie with an easy butter tart filling!

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Photo Credit: www.lovebakesgoodcakes.com

Chocolate Cherry Thumbprints

These Chocolate Cherry Thumbprints are perfect for cookie trays! Chocolate cookies are topped with a maraschino cherry and a chocolate drizzle for a unique treat.

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Photo Credit: mooreorlesscooking.com

Low-Carb Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

These low-carb cookies take their flavor cues from the lunch-box favorite. Use any jam flavor that is your favorite. Ready in just 20 minutes!

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Photo Credit: www.simplystacie.net

Jam Thumbprint Cookies

A super simple, but festive classic Christmas cookie! Baked to perfection and topped with jam.

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Photo Credit: www.tessadomesticdiva.com

Paleo Chocolate Peppermint Cookies

These chocolate mint cookies are festive and delicious! Gluten free and easy to make!

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Photo Credit: saltandbaker.com

Turtle Cookies

Turtle cookies are the cutest, most delicious thumbprint cookie recipe! They feature a soft chocolate cookie base that's rolled in nuts, then topped with gooey caramel.

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Photo Credit: kellystilwell.com

Pumpkin Spice Thumbprint Cookie Recipe

What pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice? Peanut butter! These peanut butter pumpkin spice thumbprint cookies are delicious all year long!

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Photo Credit: www.raegunramblings.com

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookie Recipe

Make delicious classic chocolate thumbprint cookies with a shortbread like base and delicious chocolate center.

These lemon thumbprint cookies are fun to make and full of lemon goodness! They use almond flour, making them gluten-free.

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Photo Credit: www.littlesugarsnaps.com

Espresso, Hazelnut & Nutella Thumbprint Cookies

These Espresso, Hazelnut & Nutella Thumbprint Cookies are well dressed cookies that exquisitely combine Nutella, coffee, extra hazelnut & white chocolate.

Peanut butter and Nutella go together like...peanut butter and Nutella. A delicious combination no one can resist. These are perfect for a cookie tray!

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Photo Credit: www.anallievent.com

Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

These chocolate and walnut thumbprint cookies are topped with a delicious vanilla icing and a candy kiss.

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Photo Credit: www.curlyscooking.co.uk

Mincemeat Thumbprint Cookies

All the tasty flavors you’d expect from a mince pie but quicker and easier! These Mincemeat Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect treat to rustle up over Christmas.

Almond thumbprint cookies made with wholemeal spelt flour and ground almonds with a good dollop of amaretto chocolate ganache in the middle. Fabulous at any time of the year.

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Photo Credit: www.runningtothekitchen.com

Almond Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

These chocolate thumbprint cookies have a buttery almond flavor, are gluten and grain free and guaranteed to please everyone!

This Incredibly moreish Cheesy Rosemary & Thyme Thumbprint Cookie Recipe will literally blow your mind! A world apart from it’s sweet counterpart, this savoury thumbprint cookie recipe is the perfect snack to keep hunger at bay.

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Photo Credit: glutenfreeonashoestring.com

Gluten Free Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

With a soft, brownie-like texture, these gluten free chocolate thumbprint cookies are finished with a smooth caramel, rich chocolate, or sweet white chocolate filling.

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Photo Credit: bakingmischief.com

Butterscotch Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

Classic shortbread thumbprint cookies with delicious homemade butterscotch filling.

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Photo Credit: www.mysequinedlife.com

Mocha Almond Caramel Thumbprint Cookies

These thumbprint cookies combine the flavors of mocha cookie dough, roasted almonds and salted caramel for unique spin on a classic cookie. There are several make-ahead steps you can take to simplify your holiday baking!

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Photo Credit: www.centsablemomma.com

Hot Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies

You'll be thinking about sitting down with a nice cup of hot chocolate on a cold winter day with each bite of these Hot Chocolate Thumbprint cookies - with hints of cocoa and vanilla.

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Photo Credit: pastryandbeyond.com

Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies

You'll love these lemon curd thumbprint cookies that are deliciously spiced with ginger and cinnamon.

These Gluten Free Gingerbread Cookies with Sea Salt Caramel Rum Raisin Filling are absolutely scrumptious. Soft, moist, and delicately spiced, they’re a delicious holiday treat!

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Photo Credit: pintsizedbaker.com

Easy Cherry Pie Thumbprint Cookies

These thumbprint cookies filled with cherry pie filling are great - but they are spectacular with blueberry, apple, or strawberry pie filling too!

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Photo Credit: muybuenocookbook.com

Double Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

These classic and delicious Double Pecan Thumbprint buttery shortbread cookies are made with a simple sugar cookie dough studded with chopped pecans and topped with homemade caramel icing and a toasted pecan.

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Photo Credit: muybuenocookbook.com

Cajeta Thumbprint Cookies

Adding orange extract and orange zest to the dough gives these soft and tender cookies a subtle citrus flavor. Perfect for the holidays!

A savory twist on your classic jam-filled sweet thumbprint cookie – Savory Cheese Thumbprint Cookies with Bourbon Tomato Jam are truly the PERFECT party appetizer. These Savory Cookies are insanely flavorful, easy to make and vegetarian!

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Photo Credit: www.theorganickitchen.org

Orange Cranberry Holiday Thumbprint Cookies

Orange and cranberry combine in a sweet little thumbprint cookie with a hint of cardamom!

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Photo Credit: www.goodforyouglutenfree.com

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Thumbprint Cookies Made with Cassava Flour

These cassava flour pumpkin thumbprint cookies are a cake-like cookie with a delicious pumpkin-spiced frosting in the middle. The combination of flavors and textures work well together for a mouth-pleasing cookie treat. And the best part? They’re grain free because they’re made with cassava flour.

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Photo Credit: livingsweetmoments.com

Passion Fruit Thumbprint Cookie Recipe

This delicious thumbprint cookie recipe is made with homemade passion fruit curd in a shortbread cookie dough. Perfect for dessert and tea. Yummy!

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Photo Credit: www.theroastedroot.net

Paleo Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies (Vegan)

Paleo chocolate thumbprint cookies made with almond flour, coconut oil, and pure maple syrup. This simple and clean cookie recipe is entirely dairy-free, naturally sweetened, and vegan.

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Photo Credit: www.theroastedroot.net

Cardamom Almond Flour Paleo Thumbprint Cookies

These grain-free, sugar-free paleo thumbprint cookies are warmly spiced with cardamom, and make excellent holiday gifts. Plus they’re healthy!

60 Unique Thumbprint Cookie Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Should you fill thumbprint cookies before or after baking? ›

Thumbprint cookies should be filled before baking. This gives the jam time in the oven to firm up and set a little. That way the jam won't be spreading all over the place when you're eating the cookies!

How do you keep thumbprint cookies from spreading? ›

Storing your dough in the fridge helps to harden the fat and prevent your cookies from spreading. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

What is the most loved cookie? ›

Chocolate chip cookies

What is the most popular type of cookie? It might just be this one.

Why are my thumbprint cookies falling apart? ›

If you overmix the dough, the cookies will be dry and crumbly. The best way to fix this is to add more liquid to the dough. This can be done by adding milk or melted butter.

Does thumbprint cookie dough need to be refrigerated? ›

Yield: This recipe will make about 42 cookies depending on exactly what size you roll your balls of dough. Storage: Store Thumbprint cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Make ahead: The dough can be refrigerated up to 3 days in advance. Just portion it straight from the refrigerator.

Should you refrigerate thumbprint cookies? ›

Store your baked thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. There's no need to refrigerate. These cookies will keep for at least a week before starting to dry out and get crumbly.

Why are my thumbprint cookies cracking when putting thumbprint? ›

Thumbprints crack if the dough is too cold or pressed to aggressively. I recommend using your index finger and pressing firmly but make the indent slowly.

What is the shelf life of thumbprint cookies? ›

When does Thumbprint Cookies expire? When does Thumbprint Cookies expire? Thumbprint cookies, whether homemade or store-bought, generally maintain their best quality for up to 1 to 2 weeks at normal room temperature.

What makes cookies fluffy and not flat? ›

Flour adds fluff and texture to the cookies. Adding too little flour can cause cookies to be flat, greasy, and crispy. Most recipes assume you'll use all-purpose, but if you want a lighter, crumblier cookie texture, choose one with a lower protein content such as cake-and-pastry flour.

What is the 1 cookie in the world? ›

Oreo is the best-selling cookie in the world. It is now sold in over 100 countries. Oreo was first produced in 1912 by the National Biscuit Company, now known as Na-Bis-Co.

What is the #1 cookie in the United States? ›

The chocolate chip cookie is far and away America's favorite cookie This should come as no surprise to anyone who enjoys the tasty treat. More than 53% of American adults prefer the cookies over the next most popular kind, peanut butter.

Why are my thumbprint cookies dry? ›

Dry – “Dry” or “Crumbly” dough is a product of over-mixing or using too much of any ingredient during the mixing process. This can be reversed by adding one to two tablespoons of liquid (water, milk or softened butter) to your mix.

How do you make cookie dough softer? ›

There are a few things you can do to add liquid to your cookie dough if it is too dry and crumbly. One option is to add milk, water, or another liquid until the dough is the right consistency. You can also try adding melted butter or shortening. If your dough is still too dry, you may need to add more flour.

How do you add moisture to cookies? ›

Use a higher ratio of brown sugar to white sugar. Brown sugar contains molasses, which adds moisture to the cookie dough and helps create a softer texture. Use melted butter instead of room-temperature butter. Melted butter incorporates more easily into the dough, creating a more cohesive and pliable dough.

What is the correct order when making cookies? ›

Most cookies are made with the creaming method. Whip together the fat and sugar until fluffy and pale yellow. Then add the eggs and flavorings and then alternatively mix in the flour and liquids, stopping to scrape down the bowl occasionally. Chill and bake.

Why are my thumbprint cookies spreading? ›

Cookies spread because the fat in the cookie dough melts in the oven. If there isn't enough flour to hold that melted fat, the cookies will over-spread. Spoon and level that flour or, better yet, weigh your flour. If your cookies are still spreading, add an extra 2 Tablespoons of flour to the cookie dough.

Does order matter when making cookies? ›

But from there, there is actually much debate about which order of combining is best. Some say that adding dry into wet leads to clumps of dry ingredients floating in the batter, while others say that actually the opposite, adding wet to dry, leads to, well, clumps.

Does the order of ingredients matter when baking cookies? ›

What: Mix dry ingredients together first. They're all going into the same baking pan anyway, right? Well, yes. BUT whether you are making cookies, muffins, cake, or pancakes, the general rule of baking is that dry ingredients should be combined together thoroughly in one bowl BEFORE you add the wet ingredients.

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