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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting) - 1 large egg yolk - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup colorful sprinkles (or finely chopped nuts of your choice) - 1/2 cup your favorite jam (choices include raspberry, apricot, or strawberry) The key to soft holiday thumbprint cookies lies in the balance of ingredients. You need flour, baking powder, and salt for structure. Butter, sugar, and egg yolk provide moisture and sweetness. Vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. The jam, of course, gives that classic thumbprint touch. - You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. - Dairy-free butter alternatives work well for those avoiding dairy. - Try sugar substitutes if you want to make a healthier version. These swaps help you cater to different diets without sacrificing taste. Always remember to measure carefully for the best results. For more details on how to make these cookies, check the Full Recipe. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gets it ready for baking. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick. 1. In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes. 2. Add one egg yolk and one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the mixture. Mix until everything is smooth and combined. 1. Scoop out portions of dough, about 1 inch wide. Roll these portions into balls using your hands. 2. Roll each ball in colorful sprinkles or chopped nuts until fully coated. This adds a fun look. 3. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are about 2 inches apart. 4. Press your thumb or a small spoon gently in the center of each ball to create a small indentation. This will hold the jam well. 5. Spoon your favorite jam into each indentation. Be careful not to overfill, as the jam can overflow when baking. 1. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. 2. After baking, take the cookie sheet out and let the cookies cool on it for about 5 minutes. Then move them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the full recipe, you can refer to the complete guide I provided earlier. Enjoy making these soft holiday thumbprint cookies! To get the best soft texture in your thumbprint cookies, start with room temperature butter. Soft butter blends well with sugar, making the dough light and airy. If the butter is cold, it will not mix properly, and your cookies may turn out dense or hard. Another key is to avoid overmixing. When you mix the dough, do it just until the flour disappears. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough cookies. Aim for a soft, tender dough for the best results. Get creative with your decorations! You can use festive sprinkle combinations to make your cookies pop. Think red and green for the holidays or gold and silver for a more elegant look. Using themed jam flavors also adds a nice touch. Raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jams can enhance the holiday spirit. Feel free to mix and match flavors to keep things exciting. Your guests will love the tasty surprises! Pair your cookies with warm beverages. A cup of hot cocoa or spiced tea can enhance the flavors. The warmth of the drink pairs well with the soft texture of the cookies. For presentation, use a decorative platter. Arrange the cookies in a fun way and dust them with powdered sugar for a snowy effect. This way, your cookies not only taste great but look festive too! {{image_4}} You can change the jam for a new taste. Try raspberry, apricot, or strawberry. Each jam brings its own flavor to the cookie. You can also mix in flavors like almond extract. A little almond extract adds warmth and depth. Just a few drops make a big difference. If you're vegan, you can still enjoy these cookies. Use a vegan butter substitute and replace the egg yolk with flaxseed meal. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. That will work as your egg. For nut-free cookies, skip the nuts and sprinkles. Use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower instead. They add crunch without the worry of nuts. Make your cookies festive for the holidays. Use red and green sprinkles for Christmas or pastel colors for Easter. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. These spices give the cookies a cozy, warm taste. A sprinkle of holiday cheer goes a long way! For the full recipe, check the link above. To keep your thumbprint cookies fresh, store them at room temperature. The ideal temperature is between 60°F and 75°F. This range helps maintain their soft texture. Use an airtight container to keep air out. A cookie jar can work too, but it should be tightly sealed. A good seal protects the cookies from drying out. You can freeze the dough before baking. Shape the balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This method saves time on busy days. For baked cookies, let them cool completely first. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This will restore their soft texture. Soft holiday thumbprint cookies last about one week at room temperature. Store them properly to maintain freshness. If you notice any changes in texture or smell, it may be time to toss them. Signs of spoilage include a hard texture or an off smell. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. You can use oil, but the cookies may not be as soft. Butter adds flavor and richness. If you choose oil, use a light one like canola. Use about 3/8 cup of oil for 1/2 cup of butter. The texture will change, but they will still be tasty. To stop the jam from overflowing, do not overfill the indentations. Use just a small spoonful of jam. You can also press the dough gently to make deeper indents. This way, the jam stays in its place while baking. Yes, you can prep the dough ahead of time! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them. When ready, bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a minute or two to the baking time. Choose jams that are thick and flavorful. Raspberry, apricot, and strawberry are excellent picks. You could also try blackberry or cherry for a twist. Each jam gives a unique taste that pairs well with the cookie. These thumbprint cookies are easy and fun to make. You need simple ingredients and can customize them with your favorite jams. Remember to use room temperature butter for a soft texture. Decorate with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. Store them in airtight containers to keep them fresh. With options for dietary needs and fun variations, these cookies fit any occasion. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats with friends and family!

Soft Holiday Thumbprint Cookies

Indulge in the festive spirit with these soft holiday thumbprint cookies! Bursting with flavor and fun, these delightful treats are easy to make and perfect for sharing during the holidays. With buttery dough and your choice of colorful sprinkles or nuts, each cookie is topped with a dollop of jam for a sweet finish. Click through to explore this simple recipe and surprise your loved ones with a batch of these irresistible cookies!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)

1 large egg yolk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup colorful sprinkles (or finely chopped nuts of your choice)

1/2 cup your favorite jam (choices include raspberry, apricot, or strawberry)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt uniformly. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.

      In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.

        Add the egg yolk and pure vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, continuing to mix until fully incorporated and smooth.

          Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the cookies' softness.

            Using your hands, scoop out portions of dough (approximately 1 inch in diameter) and roll them into small balls. Once formed, roll each ball in colorful sprinkles or chopped nuts until fully coated.

              Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.

                With your thumb or a small spoon, gently press down in the center of each ball to create a small indentation. Ensure the indentation is deep enough to hold the jam but avoid breaking the dough.

                  Carefully spoon a small amount of jam into each indentation, being mindful not to overfill, as the jam may overflow during baking.

                    Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden in color.

                      Once baked, remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 24 cookies

                          - Presentation Tips: For a festive display, arrange the thumbprint cookies on a decorative platter and lightly dust them with additional powdered sugar. Pair them with a selection of holiday teas for a delightful treat during gatherings.