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Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies

These Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies are tender, buttery cookies with a festive jam or candy center. Dusted with powdered sugar or sprinkles, they’re perfect for cookie trays, gift boxes, and Santa’s plate!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings: 24 cookie
Course: Dessert, Holiday Treats, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp almond extract optional, but festive!
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup jam raspberry, strawberry, or green/red-colored jelly
  • Optional: sprinkles powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Cream butter and sugar
  2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add yolks and flavoring
  4. Mix in egg yolks, vanilla, and almond extract.
  5. Add flour and salt
  6. Gradually mix in flour and salt until a soft dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
  7. Shape cookies
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
  9. Make indentations
  10. Press a thumb or spoon into the center of each cookie to make a small well.
  11. Fill and bake
  12. Fill each well with ~½ tsp of jam or jelly. Bake for 11–13 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden.
  13. Cool and decorate
  14. Cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar or festive sprinkles if desired.

Notes

Jam will firm up as it cools.
You can swap jam for Hershey’s Kisses, chocolate ganache, or holiday-colored candy melts.
Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for 1–2 days.