why make this recipe
Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy and warmth to any holiday gathering. These cookies are not only soft and buttery but also customizable with your choice of jam or chocolate filling. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends, making them an ideal addition to your Christmas cookie platter. The playful thumbprint design adds a fun twist, and they are easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies are sure to impress.
how to make Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients :
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup jam or chocolate for filling
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until the mixture is combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Fill each indentation with a teaspoon of jam or chocolate.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
how to serve Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Serve Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies on a festive platter, possibly alongside other holiday goodies. They pair well with a warm cup of tea or cocoa, making them a lovely treat during family gatherings or cozy nights in. You can also package them in a decorative box to give as gifts to neighbors and friends.
how to store Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Keep your Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
tips to make Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar.
- Use a small cookie scoop for uniform cookie sizes.
- Experiment with different flavors of jam (like raspberry or apricot) or chocolate fillings to create a variety.
- If you find the dough too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Serving Ideas
Try serving these cookies with a festive drink like eggnog or spiced cider. They can also be a great addition to a holiday dessert table alongside brownies or peppermint bark.
Final Thoughts
Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are an easy and delicious way to celebrate the holiday season. With their lovely appearance and delightful flavors, they are sure to bring smiles to those who enjoy them.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but the cookies may have a slightly different taste and texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
What type of jam is best for these cookies?
Any fruit jam works well, but raspberry or strawberry is a classic choice. You can also use chocolate fudge for a rich treat.
Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and buttery cookies with customizable jam or chocolate filling, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup jam or chocolate for filling
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until the mixture is combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in size, and place them on a baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Fill each indentation with a teaspoon of jam or chocolate.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
Use various flavors of jam like raspberry or apricot for a diverse platter. Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
