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Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cunsalted butter
at room temperature, 2 sticks or 8 ounces
- ½ csugar
- 2 largeeggs
at room temperature
- 1 tspvanilla extract
- ¼ tspsalt
- 2 call-purpose flour
- 1 cchopped nuts
optional
- ¾ cjam
any kind
Directions
- 1
Beat the butter and sugar on high speed with an electric mixer for about 3 minutes. Separate the eggs. Add the yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Set aside the egg whites in a separate shallow bowl. Add the flour and salt to the mixing bowl and mix until just combined.
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- 2
Place the dough in the fridge and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- 3
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- 4
Roll the dough into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on the parchment-lined cookie sheets spaced a few inches apart. If using nuts , whisk the reserved egg whites until frothy. Dip the dough balls into the egg whites and then, roll them into the nuts until covered. Arrange them on the baking sheets a few inches apart.
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- 5
Press down on each ball of dough with your thumb to make a small well in the center of the cookie. Do not press too hard or the cookie will fall apart. Fill each cookie with 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
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- 6
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until slightly firm. Allow to cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheet to firm up before moving them to a wire rack to finish cooling. Serve warm or at room temperature. Did you enjoy this recipe? Let us know with a rating and review!
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Thumbprint Cookies
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 10 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a classic holiday treat that’s as charming as it is delicious? These delightful thumbprint cookies are buttery little numbers filled with vibrant jam, perfect for spreading cheer and a staple for any festive occasion.
This beloved baking recipe delivers on all the classic expectations for a holiday cookie: a tender, rich butter base complemented by sweet, fruity jam. What sets these cookies apart is their simplicity combined with their utterly irresistible texture and flavor. The optional addition of chopped nuts provides a satisfying crunch that makes each bite a delightful experience, transforming a simple dessert into a true crowd-pleaser for any Christmas cookie exchange or festive gathering.
Prepare to indulge in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that offers a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors. Each bite begins with a delicate, rich buttery crumb, leading into the sweet, slightly tart burst of jam nestled in the center. Should you choose to include the optional chopped nuts, you’ll also enjoy an extra layer of toasted flavor and a satisfying crunch that elevates this classic American cookie. These thumbprint cookies are truly an inviting dessert that feels both nostalgic and celebratory, promising to become a cherished part of your holiday baking tradition.
The true charm of these thumbprint cookies lies in their versatility. You can use any kind of jam you love to personalize your batch—think classic raspberry, bright apricot, or sweet strawberry for vibrant color and flavor. For those who prefer a nut-free option, the chopped nuts are completely optional; simply omit them for a smooth, buttery exterior. If you do include nuts, consider pecans or walnuts for a lovely depth and texture that complements the sweet jam beautifully.
These delightful cookies are an absolute must for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee or tea during the Christmas season. Arrange them beautifully on a festive platter to showcase their colorful jam centers, making them an instant highlight of any dessert spread.