Welcome to the wonderful world of holiday baking! There’s something so magical about the aroma of cookies wafting through the house during Christmas, and these Christmas thumbprint cookies are a staple in my holiday tradition. I remember the first time I made them with my grandma, her hands guiding mine as we rolled the dough into little balls and pressed our thumbs into the centers. The best part? Choosing which jam to fill them with! Raspberry, apricot, or classic strawberry—each one adds its special touch. Trust me, these cookies are not just a treat; they’re a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just to enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa, these delightful cookies will bring that festive cheer to your home!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fruit jam or preserves (choose your favorite flavor!)
How to Prepare Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheating is super important because it helps the cookies bake evenly. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, you can get everything else ready!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and let’s cream together our softened butter and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer if you’ve got one, or a good ol’ wooden spoon will do the trick too! Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, this step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that perfect texture!
Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Next up, it’s time to mix in the eggs and vanilla extract. Crack those eggs right into your buttery goodness and add the vanilla. Mix well until everything is combined and smooth. You want to make sure there are no streaks of egg left—this is going to make your cookies rich and flavorful!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial because it ensures your leavening agent (the baking powder) is evenly distributed throughout the flour. Once that’s done, gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients. I like to do it in batches, mixing gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; just enough so there are no flour pockets!
Forming the Cookies
Now comes the fun part—forming the cookies! Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; it’s all about the love you put into them! Then, using your thumb (or the back of a spoon if you prefer), make a nice little indentation in the center of each ball. This is where the magic happens—trust me, it’s important to create enough space for that delicious jam!
Filling with Jam
Speaking of jam, let’s fill those indentations! Choose your favorite fruit jam or preserves—raspberry, apricot, or even a zingy lemon curd works beautifully. Spoon the jam into each indentation, being careful not to overfill. A little goes a long way, and you don’t want it to spill over while baking!
Baking the Cookies
Pop those beauties into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look a bit soft, but don’t worry; they’ll firm up as they cool!
Cooling the Cookies
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set a bit. Then, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential for texture—trust me, biting into a warm, jam-filled cookie is a holiday dream!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my go-to tips to ensure your Christmas thumbprint cookies turn out absolutely perfect! First off, make sure all your ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature. This helps them blend together smoothly, resulting in a lighter, fluffier cookie.
Also, don’t forget to measure your flour correctly! I like to spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. If you scoop directly from the bag, you might end up with too much flour, which can make your cookies dense. Yikes!
When it comes to storing your cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they last that long! And if you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, then pop them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Finally, feel free to get creative with your jam choices! Experimenting with different flavors can make each batch a delightful surprise. Raspberry, peach, or even a mix of different jams can add a fun twist to this classic treat!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the fun part—how these delightful Christmas thumbprint cookies fit into your holiday treats! Here’s an estimated breakdown of what each cookie contains:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, who’s counting calories during the holidays, right? Enjoy every bite of these delicious cookies without a worry!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of jam?
Absolutely! One of the best parts about making Christmas thumbprint cookies is the flexibility with jam flavors. You can use whatever fruit jam or preserves you love—raspberry, strawberry, apricot, or even a tangy lemon curd. Get creative and mix it up to match your taste or the holiday spirit!
How do I store the cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll last about a week—if you can resist eating them all before then! If you want to keep them for longer, consider freezing them.
Can I freeze the cookies?
Definitely! These Christmas thumbprint cookies freeze wonderfully. Just layer them with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking, and they’ll be good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. They’ll taste just as delightful as the day you baked them!
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
Let me tell you why these Christmas thumbprint cookies are an absolute must-bake during the holiday season! First off, they’re incredibly quick and easy to make, which means you can whip up a batch in no time. Perfect for those busy days leading up to Christmas!
Another reason to love them? They’re so versatile! With endless jam flavor options, you can customize each batch to fit your mood or holiday theme. Plus, they’re delightful to look at—those little colorful jam centers just scream festive cheer!
And let’s not forget how they make for a fantastic treat at gatherings. Everyone loves a cookie that’s not only delicious but also carries that nostalgic holiday vibe. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering or leaving them out for Santa, they’re sure to be a hit!
Lastly, these cookies are the perfect blend of soft, buttery dough with a sweet, gooey jam filling. Each bite is a delightful experience that brings comfort and joy—just what we need during the holidays!
Imprimer
Christmas Thumbprint Cookies: 7 Ways to Spread Cheer
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious Christmas thumbprint cookies filled with jam.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fruit jam or preserves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Make an indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb.
- Fill each indentation with jam.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite type of jam for filling.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Cookies can be frozen for later use.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sucre: 8g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 6g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 15g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: christmas thumbprint cookies
