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Christmas Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

Buttery shortbread cookies filled with jam and topped with festive sprinkles, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie dough ingredients
  • 1 cup butter (softened) Use room-temperature butter for best results.
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar Use fine sugar for better mixing.
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Use high-quality vanilla for richer flavor.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Gradually mix to avoid flour flying.
Decoration ingredients
  • 1/2 cup butter (softened) For frosting.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar Sift before use to avoid lumps.
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract For flavoring the frosting.
  • Red and green sprinkles Red and green sprinkles (jimmies) For decoration.
  • Red and green food coloring Food coloring To color the frosting.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
  4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Forming Cookies
  1. Roll about a tablespoon of dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  2. Dampen your thumb and press gently into the center of each ball to create an indentation.
  3. Fill each indentation with your favorite jam or jelly.
  4. Sprinkle red and green jimmies around the edges of each cookie.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the edges are light golden brown.
  2. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Can be frozen for up to three months. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra festive touch.