Nutty Delights: Festive Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Thumbprint Cookies Recipe 🍪

Overview:

Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion, but especially fitting for the holiday season with their festive appearance and burst of fruity flavor. These nut-crunchy goodies are adorned with a dollop of sparkling Christmas red or green jelly, a candied cherry, or pastel-tinted frosting, adding a touch of whimsy to your dessert spread.

Cook Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: Approximately 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

Quantity	Ingredient
1/4 cup	Butter
1/4 cup	Margarine
1/4 cup	Shortening
1	Egg
1/2 cup	Brown Sugar
1	Egg Yolk
1 tsp	Vanilla Extract
1 3/4 cups	All-Purpose Flour
1/4 tsp	Salt
	Egg White
	Chopped Nuts
	Jelly or Frosting
	*Optional: Candied Cherry, Food Coloring for Frosting

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:
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- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or greasing lightly.
Mix Dough:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, margarine, shortening, brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the creamed mixture, stirring until a cohesive dough forms.
Shape Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls by teaspoonfuls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Prepare Nuts and Egg White:
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg white. Place the chopped nuts in another bowl.
Coat Cookies:
- Dip each dough ball into the beaten egg white, ensuring they are well coated, then roll them in the chopped nuts until covered.
Create Thumbprints:
- Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, make a deep indentation in the center of each cookie.
Bake:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes or until they turn light golden brown.
Cool:
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Fill Thumbprints:
- Once cooled, fill each thumbprint with your choice of jelly, candied cherry, or pastel-tinted frosting, adding a festive touch to each cookie.
Optional Variations:
- Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies:
  - For a chocolatey twist, substitute ½ cup granulated sugar for ¼ cup brown sugar and add 1 ounce of melted unsweetened chocolate (cooled) along with the vanilla extract.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the Thumbprint Cookies on a platter and serve them to your delighted guests, or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment. These cookies are perfect for gifting, sharing, or indulging in a sweet moment all to yourself.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 737.3
Fat Content: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 16.9g
Cholesterol: 102.7mg
Sodium: 587.7mg
Carbohydrates: 58.7g
- Fiber: 4.2g
- Sugar: 19.6g
Protein: 12.5g

Tips for Success:

Chill Dough:
- If the dough becomes too soft while shaping the cookies, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to work with.
Uniform Sizes:
- To ensure even baking, try to keep the size of the dough balls consistent.
Creative Fillings:
- Get creative with your thumbprint fillings by using various flavors of jelly, different colored frostings, or even chocolate ganache for an indulgent twist.
Storage:
- Store the Thumbprint Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage, just be sure to thaw them before serving.
Gift Idea:
- Package the cookies in decorative boxes or jars and give them as thoughtful homemade gifts during the holiday season or for any special occasion.

These Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful blend of buttery, nutty, and fruity flavors, guaranteed to bring joy to every bite. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering, a cookie exchange, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your repertoire. Enjoy the festive spirit and the delicious taste of these delightful treats! 🎄🍪