Description
Nothing captures the magic of Christmas quite like the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house. Growing up, my grandmother’s kitchen was the heart of our holiday celebrations, and among all her treasured recipes
Ingredients
The magic of these soft Christmas thumbprint cookies comes from quality ingredients working in perfect harmony. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that signature tender texture and rich flavor.
For the Cookie Base:
- 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, but adds wonderful depth)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Centers:
- 1/2 cup high-quality jam or preserves (raspberry, strawberry, or apricot work beautifully)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Smart Substitutions:
For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. If avoiding dairy, use vegan butter and cream cheese alternatives, though the texture will be slightly different. The almond extract can be replaced with additional vanilla if preferred, and sugar-free jam works well for those watching their sugar intake.
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two large baking sheets with parchment paper. This temperature ensures the cookies bake gently, maintaining their soft texture while developing a light golden bottom. Having your workspace organized with all ingredients measured and tools ready makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the signature tenderness of these soft Christmas thumbprint cookies. Add the granulated sugar and continue beating until well combined and slightly increased in volume.
Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated. The mixture should look smooth and creamy. These flavor additions create depth and richness that elevates these cookies beyond ordinary thumbprints.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies rather than the desired soft texture.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is essential – it firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and helping the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it into 1.5-inch balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Using your thumb or the back of a small spoon, create indentations in the center of each cookie. Make them deep enough to hold the jam but not so deep that they go through to the bottom.
Carefully spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen jam into each indentation. Don’t overfill, as the jam may bubble over during baking. The contrast between the pale cookie dough and colorful jam creates that beautiful jeweled appearance these cookies are known for.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale – this indicates the soft texture we’re after. The jam will bubble slightly during baking, which is perfectly normal.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This brief resting period prevents them from breaking apart while still warm. Once completely cool, you can dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
Nutrition
- Calories: 120-140