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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
