Dairy-Free Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies for First Trimester Cravings

There’s something about Dairy-Free Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies that takes me right back to the quiet magic of December baking.

During my first trimester, I craved holiday cookies constantly — that little sense of normalcy in a season when so much was changing inside me. On the days when the smell of strong spices felt too heavy, these light, buttery cookies became my go-to.

They reminded me of my Dairy-Free Hot Chocolate Crinkle Cookies and Dairy-Free Pumpkin Spice Snickerdoodle Cookies — cozy, simple, and made for sharing.

Why This Pregnancy Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies Recipe for First Trimester Moms Works

• Dairy-free: Easy on queasy stomachs.
• Simple ingredients: No specialty baking shops or complicated grocery lists.
• Super easy: Great for low-energy days.
• Soft, buttery texture: Comforting flavor without the heaviness of dairy. 
• Great for gifting: Pack into gift boxes or bags for loved ones. 

Benefits of These Pregnancy-Friendly Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies For You & The Baby

They bake into the softest, most delicate bites — tender dough with a glimmer of strawberry jam in the middle, like a tiny jewel.

I’d fill up small boxes to give to friends, wrapping them slowly, like an act of self-care. It felt good to make something beautiful again, even when my energy was low.

Prep Time: 20 minutes / Cook Time: 12-15 minutes / Total Time: 32-35 minutes + 30 minutes chill time / Yields: 16-20 muffins

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dairy-free butter, softened (about 1 stick)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons oat milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1/4 cup strawberry jam (or a jam of choice)

Preparation Instructions for Pregnancy-Friendly Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the dairy-free butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
4. Beat in the oat milk and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Cover the dough and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. While this step is optional, it makes the dough easier to handle.
7. Roll the dough into small balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each). Place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Make Thumbprints: Use your thumb or the back of a small measuring spoon to make a well (indentation) in the center of each dough ball.
9. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry jam into the center of each thumbprint. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations For the Best Pregnancy-Safe Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies

• Swap the jam: Try my Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies recipe! Swapping the strawberry jam for raspberry, blackberry, apricot, or cherry jam works too. 
• Add pecans: Roll the balls of dough in chopped pecans, and prepare the recipe as usual for some nutty crunch. 
• Add crunch: Roll the balls of dough in granulated sugar before pressing the thumbprint and filling with jam. The sugar coating will make the cookies glisten and add a nice crunch. 
• Don't forget the dough in the fridge: The butter will harden and you'll need to handle the dough a lot more to shape the cookies, possibly overmixing it. Set a timer and remove it from the fridge after 30 minutes for best results. 
• Make a freezer batch: Press the thumbprints into the balls of dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Don't fill them with jam. Freeze for 1 hour or until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, set on a lined baking sheet, fill with jam, and bake as usual straight out of the freezer. 

What to Serve With These Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies

Here are my favorite ways to enjoy them: 

• With a cold glass of oat milk. 
• If I'm craving matcha, with my Iced Dalgona Matcha Latte or Anti-Inflammatory Pistachio Matcha Latte. 
• With a spoonful of my Homemade Peanut Butter, Sugar-Free Almond Butter, or 1-Ingredient Pistachio Butter for a protein-packed snack. 
• Sipping on my Decaf Pumpkin Spice Latte or Starbucks Copycat Turmeric Golden Milk Latte for a cozy, spiced drink.

How to Store These Pregnancy Strawberry Thumbprints

• Counter: Store in an airtight container, away from direct heat and sunlight, for up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Place in an airtight container or bag for up to 7 days. Set at room temperature for 5 minutes before digging in.
• Freezer: Spread out baked cookies on a baking sheet. Freeze for 1 hour or until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for 15 minutes. 

FAQs about this Strawberry Jam Thumbprint Cookies for Pregnancy 

1. Are thumbprint cookies safe to eat during pregnancy?

Yes! These dairy-free thumbprint cookies are made without raw eggs or heavy dairy, making them pregnancy-safe and gentle on sensitive stomachs — especially during the first trimester.

2. Can I use any jam for thumbprint cookies?

Absolutely. Strawberry is a classic choice, but raspberry, apricot, or blackberry jam all work beautifully. You can even mix and match for a festive cookie box.

3. Why do my thumbprint cookies crack when I bake them?

That’s usually because the dough was too cold or too dry. Let the dough sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes after chilling to make it more pliable, and press the thumbprint gently before baking.

4. How do you keep thumbprint cookies from spreading?

Chilling the dough before baking is key — it helps the cookies hold their shape and keeps the centers deep enough to cradle the jam perfectly.

5. Can I make thumbprint cookies without eggs or butter?

Yes! This recipe uses dairy-free butter and oat milk instead, giving the cookies a light, buttery texture without animal products.

6. Can I freeze thumbprint cookies before baking?

Definitely. Shape the cookies, press the thumbprints, and freeze before adding jam. When you’re ready to bake, fill with jam straight from the freezer and bake as usual — no thawing required.

A Note From My Chaotic Kitchen

If you’ve been craving sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm your senses, these cookies are the gentlest kind of holiday joy — small enough to savor, light enough to love. 

For more pregnancy-safe holiday baking recipes, check out my Rustic Apple Pear Galette, Cheesecake Swirl Pumpkin Pie, and Christmas Gingerbread Cupcakes.