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Gingerbread Thumb Cookies

Gingerbread Thumb Cookies

These Gingerbread Thumb Cookies are soft, chewy, and warmly spiced, filled with a rich cream cheese center that makes them the perfect holiday treat.

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 6 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
  4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, coat in sugar if desired, and place on the baking sheet.
  5. Use your thumb or spoon to create a well in the center of each ball.
  6. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla until smooth. Fill the wells with this mixture.
  7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are just set. Cool on a wire rack.
  8. Dust with cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough prevents spreading and deepens the flavor.
  • Use a piping bag for cleaner filling application.
  • Store in an airtight container or freeze for later.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: gingerbread cookies, cream cheese thumbprints, holiday cookies, spiced cookies, Christmas baking