Holiday Thumbprint Cookies (Print-Friendly Version)

Tender buttery cookies with a sweet jam or chocolate center, perfect for festive occasions and sharing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 227 grams unsalted butter, softened
02 - 150 grams granulated sugar
03 - 5 milliliters vanilla extract
04 - 2.5 milliliters almond extract (optional)
05 - 250 grams all-purpose flour
06 - 1.25 milliliters salt
07 - 2.5 milliliters baking powder

→ Filling

08 - 120 milliliters fruit jam (raspberry, strawberry, apricot) or chocolate ganache

→ Garnish (Optional)

09 - Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
10 - Powdered sugar for dusting

# How to Make It:

01 - Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract if using. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder, then gradually fold into the butter mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
02 - Set the oven to 175°C (350°F) to preheat while you shape the cookies.
03 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray about 5 centimeters apart. Press your thumb or the back of a spoon into the center of each ball to create an indentation.
04 - Spoon approximately 2.5 milliliters (half a teaspoon) of fruit jam or chocolate ganache into each indentation.
05 - Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
06 - Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts or dust with powdered sugar before serving for added texture and presentation.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Dough can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated before shaping. Store finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to one week or freeze up to three months with parchment paper layers.
02 - For variation, incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough or try alternative fillings such as nut butters or caramel.

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