These delightful thumbprint cookies are a festive treat perfect for the holiday season. With a buttery base and a sweet jam filling, they are sure to be a hit at any Christmas gathering.
The recipe is simple and allows for customization with different types of jams or fillings, making it a versatile choice for your holiday baking.
Creating the Perfect Holiday Atmosphere
Setting the scene for your festive gathering is essential, and a beautifully arranged plate of thumbprint cookies can be the centerpiece of your holiday table.
Using a red and green holiday-themed plate enhances the visual appeal, while twinkling fairy lights add a magical touch.
Pine branches can be used to create a natural frame around the cookies, bringing a hint of the outdoors inside. This combination not only looks inviting but also evokes the warmth and joy of the holiday season.
Thumbprint Cookies: A Festive Treat
Thumbprint cookies are a classic holiday treat that combines a buttery base with a sweet jam filling.
The soft and chewy texture makes them irresistible, and the colorful jam in the center adds a festive pop.
These cookies are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to choose from various jams like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot to suit your taste.
Quick and Easy Baking
One of the great aspects of thumbprint cookies is their simplicity.
With a total time of just 30 minutes, including preparation and baking, they are perfect for those busy holiday schedules.
In just a few steps, you can create a batch of 24 delightful cookies that will impress your guests.
Customizing Your Cookies
The beauty of thumbprint cookies lies in their adaptability.
Feel free to experiment with different types of jams or even chocolate ganache for a unique twist.
Adding a dusting of powdered sugar on top can also enhance their festive look, making them even more appealing on your holiday table.
Perfect for Sharing
These cookies are ideal for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season.
They can be packaged beautifully in festive boxes or tins, making them a thoughtful gift for neighbors or coworkers.
Whether enjoyed at a gathering or given as a gift, thumbprint cookies are sure to spread holiday cheer.
Creating Lasting Memories
As you bake these thumbprint cookies, take a moment to enjoy the process and create lasting memories with loved ones.
Gathering in the kitchen, sharing stories, and enjoying the delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies can be a cherished part of your holiday traditions.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a festive treat that will be a highlight of your holiday celebrations.
Easy Thumbprint Cookies for the Holidays
These thumbprint cookies feature a soft and chewy texture with a signature indentation filled with your choice of jam. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and yields approximately 24 cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup fruit jam (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Make Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon a small amount of jam into each indentation, being careful not to overfill.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Dusting: Once cooled, dust the cookies with powdered sugar if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 14g