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Holiday Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

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These Holiday Thumbprint Cookies are a festive, buttery treat filled with your favorite jams or chocolate — perfect for cookie exchanges and holiday platters. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and customizable fillings, these classic cookies are easy to make, visually beautiful, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Assorted jams or preserves (raspberry, apricot, strawberry, etc.)
  • Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
  5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
  6. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press a well into each ball.
  7. Fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of jam.
  8. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
  9. Cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

  • Roll dough balls in finely chopped nuts for extra texture.
  • Use chocolate, lemon curd, or Nutella instead of jam for variety.
  • Chill dough balls before pressing to prevent cracking.
  • Add food coloring to the dough for festive flair.
  • Drizzle with white chocolate after baking for added decoration.

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