The History of Thumbprint Cookies

Thumbprint cookies are widely thought to be an Americanized version of a classic Swedish cookie known as hallongrotta, meaning “raspberry cave.” (The name refers to the cookie’s thumbprint divot, which is traditionally filled with raspberry jam.) Other names for these cookies include bird's nest cookies, butterballs, and Polish tea cakes. While most sources consider these cookies to have their roots in Sweden, some food historians think they could have originated in Poland or the Jewish communities of Eastern Europe. Thumbprint cookies are generally served during Christmastime and while the traditional filling is raspberry jam, it’s common to see filling variations such as other fruit preserves, chocolate, Nutella, or even lemon curd. Today, these cookies remain popular in the United States — especially during the Christmas season — as well as in Sweden and other parts of Europe.