Description
Is there anything that screams “holidays” quite like a tray of jewel-toned cookies? These Festive Thumbprint Cookies are a staple at cookie exchanges. Unlike complex pastries, these gems are surprisingly approachable, yet they look like they came straight from a boutique bakery. This version features a rich, homemade candy filling that sets perfectly, offering a delightful creamy contrast to the crisp, sugary exterior.
Ingredients
Units
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For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup Butter, softened
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar, packed
- 1 Large Egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- As needed Sprinkles (for coating)
For the Candy Filling:
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cup Butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup 2% Milk
- 8 oz White Candy Coating, chopped
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- Red & Green Food Coloring
Instructions
- Cream Butter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream the softened butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed for 5-7 minutes until pale and airy.
- Mix Dough: Beat in the egg and vanilla. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low just until combined. Do not overwork.
- Shape and Coat: Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Dip the tops into sprinkles, pressing gently.
- Indent and Bake: Place balls on ungreased sheets. Press a deep indentation into the center of each with your thumb. Bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Reshape and Cool: While hot, re-press the centers with a wooden spoon handle. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Make Filling: Boil granulated sugar, cubed butter, and milk in a saucepan for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in candy coating and vanilla until smooth.
- Tint and Fill: Quickly divide filling into two bowls; tint red and green. Spoon warm filling into the cooled cookies. Let stand until set.
Notes
- Creaming Tip: Don’t rush the creaming step! Beating for 5-7 minutes creates the aeration needed for a light texture.
- Filling Timing: Work quickly once the filling is made, as it sets fast as it cools.
- Don’t Overmix: Stop mixing the flour as soon as it disappears to keep the cookies tender.
- Cool First: Ensure cookies are fully cooled before filling so the candy mixture doesn’t run.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
