As snow gently covers the world outside, there is a lovely tradition that warms the hearts of families during the holiday season – baking raspberry thumbprint cookies and leaving them for Santa. Join the holiday fun this Christmas Eve by baking these delicious treats that are sure to add a little sweetness to Santa’s night.
Delicious ingredients: Gather your loved ones around the cozy kitchen decorated with twinkling lights. With the magic of Christmas in the air, gather your ingredients – butter, sugar, vanilla and almond extracts, wheat flour and, of course, live raspberry jam. The simplicity of these ingredients promises deliciousness.
Creating miniature works of art: With Christmas music playing softly in the background, cream together butter and sugar until lithe and fluffy. Get your little ones involved in the process of shaping the dough into perfect balls, each one waiting to be filled with a dollop of sweet raspberry jam. A gentle press of your thumb creates a well, ready to be filled with fruity goodness.
Baking love in every bite: As the cookies transform in the oven, your kitchen becomes a sanctuary of warmth and love. The aroma of buttery goodness mixes with the irresistible scent of raspberries, creating an anticipation that’s as sweet as the treats themselves.
Gift for Santa Claus: Once the Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies come out of the oven, allow them to frigid for a while before placing them on your holiday platter. With a heart full of excitement, arrange the cookies in a stunning arrangement, creating a visually enticing display that even Santa won’t be able to resist.
Night ritual: As the clock ticks toward midnight, invite your children to place a plate of freshly baked cookies by the fireplace or under the twinkling lights of the tree. It’s a gesture that goes beyond elementary hospitality; it’s a tradition of spreading joy and expressing gratitude for the magic of the season.
May this Christmas be a cherished tradition of making raspberry thumbprint cookies and leaving them for Santa. May your holiday be filled with the sweetness of shared moments and the joy of giving.
Thumbprint cookies with raspberries
These dainty and buttery treats are a celebration of simplicity, combining a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a tang of sweet and tart raspberry jam inside. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or any occasion that calls for a little sweetness, these cookies are a great addition to your baking repertoire.
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 264 G all purpose flour (2 cups + 2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
frosting
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1-2 table spoon cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract (optional)
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Using a handheld or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until creamy, about one minute. Reduce the mixer to medium speed and add the sugar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
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Turn off the mixer and add the flour to the humid ingredients. Turn the mixer on low speed and slowly beat until a gentle dough forms.
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Press the dough down to thicken it and cover it tightly with plastic wrap to chill until firm, at least four hours.
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Preheat oven to 350°. Line two baking trays with parchment paper or silicone mats. Shape the dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Make an indentation in each ball and then fill with jam.
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Bake until edges are golden brown, 14 to 18 minutes. Let the cookies frigid.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and extract until polished; lightly brush over heated cookies.
