Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are a festive and delightful treat perfect for the holiday season. Soft, buttery dough surrounds a sweet jam filling, making each bite a perfect balance of textures and flavors. They are simple to make and sure to be a favorite at any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 cup margarine
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• Jam (strawberry or raspberry)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together 1 cup margarine, 1 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon baking powder on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Step 2: Scrape down the bowl. Add 1 large egg and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined.
3. Step 3: On low speed, gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour and mix just until combined, being careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Step 4: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them at least 1 inch apart on a baking sheet. Use your thumb or a rounded tool to press an indentation in the center of each ball.
5. Step 5: Fill each indentation with jam, using about 1 cup total. Slightly overfill to allow for spreading. Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through for even baking.
6. Step 6: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute margarine with unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt if desired.
• Try different jam flavors such as apricot, blueberry, or cherry for variety.
• Sprinkle powdered sugar over cooled cookies for an extra festive touch.
• Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill the thumbprints neatly without excess spilling over.

Storage

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. To keep them fresh longer, refrigerate for up to two weeks. Reheat briefly in a warm oven if you prefer them soft before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen jam or does it need to be thawed first?

It’s best to use jam at room temperature to easily fill the indentations and ensure even baking. Frozen jam should be thawed before use.

Why do the cookies sometimes spread too much while baking?

Overworking the dough or using too much margarine can cause excessive spreading. Make sure to mix flour in gently and chill the dough if needed before shaping.

Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 754 reviews

• Author: Elara
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies 1x

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Description

These Best Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, tender, and bursting with sweet jam in the center, making them the perfect festive treat for the holiday season. Easy to make and delightful to eat, they feature a delicate crumb and a vibrant jam filling that adds just the right amount of sweetness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 1 cup salted butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2–1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg

Filling

• Approximately 1 cup jam (strawberry or raspberry)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Cookie Dough Base: Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together 1 cup salted butter, 1 cup white sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. Add 1 large egg and beat until fully incorporated. Then, add 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract and mix until combined.
3. Mix in the Flour: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add 2-1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix just until the ingredients are barely combined to avoid overworking the dough.
4. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them at least 1 inch apart on a baking sheet. Immediately make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb or a rounded tool to create space for the jam.
5. Fill and Bake: Fill each indentation with jam, using approximately 1 cup total. Slightly overfill to allow for spreading during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.
6. Cool and Enjoy: Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack before transferring them off the pan to prevent breakage. Continue cooling on the rack until they reach room temperature.

Notes

• Use salted butter as specified to balance the sweetness.
• Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep cookies tender.
• Feel free to use your favorite jam flavor, such as raspberry or strawberry.
• Press your thumb gently to avoid making the indentation too deep, which can cause jam to bubble over.
• Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas cookies, thumbprint cookies, jam cookies, holiday baking, festive treats