As the snow gently blankets the world outside, there’s a delightful tradition that warms the hearts of families during the holiday season – making raspberry thumbprint cookies and leaving them out for Santa. This Christmas Eve, join in the festive joy of baking these delectable treats that are sure to add an extra dash of sweetness to Santa’s night.
Delectable Ingredients: Gather your loved ones around a cozy kitchen adorned with twinkling lights. With the magic of Christmas in the air, assemble your ingredients – butter, sugar, vanilla and almond extracts, all-purpose flour, and, of course, vibrant raspberry jam. The simplicity of these ingredients holds the promise of deliciousness.
Crafting Little Works of Art: Under the guidance of holiday tunes softly playing in the background, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Involve your little ones in the process of shaping the dough into perfect spheres, each one waiting to cradle a dollop of sweet raspberry jam. The gentle press of your thumb creates a well, ready to be filled with the fruity goodness.
Baking Love into Every Bite: As the cookies transform in the oven, your kitchen becomes a sanctuary of warmth and love. The aroma of buttery goodness mingles with the irresistible scent of raspberry, creating an anticipation that is as sweet as the treats themselves.
A Gift for Santa: Once the raspberry thumbprint cookies emerge from the oven, allow them to cool briefly before placing them on a festive plate. With a heart full of excitement, arrange the cookies in a delightful array, creating a visually inviting display that even Santa won’t be able to resist.
A Nighttime Ritual: As the clock ticks closer to midnight, invite the children to place the plate of freshly baked cookies by the fireplace or under the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree. It’s a gesture that goes beyond simple hospitality; it’s a tradition of spreading joy and expressing gratitude for the magic of the season.
This Christmas, let the act of making raspberry thumbprint cookies and leaving them out for Santa become a cherished tradition. May your Christmas be filled with the sweetness of shared moments and the joy of giving.
Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 264 g all-purpose flour (2 cups + 2 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam
Icing
- 1 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1-2 tbsp cream or milk
- 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Use a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the butter on high until creamy (about one minute). Switch mixer to medium speed and add sugar, vanilla and almond extracts. Scrape down bowl as needed.
- Turn of mixer and pour flour into the wet ingredients. Turn the mixer on low and slowly beat until a soft dough is formed.
- Press dough down to compact it and tightly cover with plastic wrap to chill until firm, at least four hours.
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Shape cookie dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Make an indentation into each ball, then fill with jam.
- Bake until edges are golden brown, 14 to 18 minutes. Allow the cookies to cool.
- Mix confectioners' sugar, milk and extract in a medium bowl until smooth; drizzle lightly over warm cookies.