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Holiday Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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These Holiday Thumbprint Cookies are buttery, tender, and filled with sweet jam—perfect for cookie exchanges, festive dessert tables, or cozy winter baking. With simple ingredients and a soft, shortbread-style dough, they’re a classic Christmas cookie that everyone loves.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: About 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert / Cookies
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American / Holiday
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ⅓ cup jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, apricot, etc.)
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually stir in the flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
  5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press a well into the center of each dough ball.
  7. Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of jam.
  8. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
  9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar once fully cooled.

Notes

  • Use different jam flavors for variety—raspberry, apricot, cherry, or fig.
  • For added texture, roll dough balls in finely chopped nuts before baking.
  • Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for an elegant finish.
  • If the dough is very soft, chill for 15 minutes before shaping to help cookies hold their shape.
  • Freeze un-dusted cookies in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/holiday-thumbprint-cookies-recipe/