Description
These Soft Christmas Thumbprint Cookies feature a tender, creamy base made with butter and cream cheese, filled with vibrant jam centers. Perfect for the holiday season, these cookies boast a delicate texture and a beautiful jeweled appearance, finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Filling & Topping
- 1/2 cup high-quality jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot recommended)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Organize all ingredients and tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
- Create the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the granulated sugar and beat until combined and slightly increased in volume.
- Add the Flavor Elements: Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until the dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up and maintain shape during baking.
- Shape and Create Thumbprints: Roll dough into 1.5-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Use your thumb or back of a small spoon to create indentations in each ball deep enough for jam but not breaking through the base.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of jam into each indentation, being careful not to overfill to prevent bubbling over.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges set and bottoms are lightly golden; tops should remain pale, ensuring a soft texture, with jam slightly bubbling.
- Cool and Finish: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired for a festive look.
Notes
- Optionally add almond extract for a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the cookie’s richness.
- Use high-quality jam or preserves for the best flavor and vibrant color.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain the cookies’ soft texture.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for easier handling and to help the cookies keep their shape.
- Indentations should be deep enough to hold jam but not too deep to go through the cookie base.
- Allow cookies to cool properly before dusting with powdered sugar to prevent melting.
