Description
Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup red jelly (strawberry or raspberry)
Crushed peppermint candies for topping
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until creamy. Add vanilla extract and mix. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
2. Chill: Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Shape the Cookies: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Roll dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball.
4. Fill: Spoon a small amount of jelly into each indentation.
5. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
6. Decorate: Let the cookies cool slightly, then sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top. Allow to cool completely before serving.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect cookies every time. First, ensure your butter is truly softened at room temperature for about an hour. Cream the butter and powdered sugar for a full 3-4 minutes until very light and fluffy; this incorporates air for a tender texture. After adding the vanilla, mix the flour and salt in a separate bowl before gradually adding it to the wet ingredients. Mix just until the dough comes together and no dry streaks remain. When chilling, shape the dough into a flat disk before wrapping; this helps it chill evenly and quickly.
For shaping, use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to ensure uniform balls. Roll them smoothly between your palms. To create the thumbprint, dip your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon handle in flour to prevent sticking. Press firmly but not through to the baking sheet. A pro tip: re-press the indentations halfway through baking if they have puffed up. For the filling, use a small teaspoon or a piping bag for neatness, filling just below the rim.
Serving Suggestions
These festive cookies are versatile. Serve them on a holiday dessert platter alongside chocolate treats and shortbread. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot chocolate, black coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For a sophisticated touch, offer them with a peppermint tea or a dessert wine. Arrange them in a decorative tin for a lovely homemade gift.
How-to Summary
In brief: Cream soft butter and sugar, mix in vanilla, then flour and salt to form a dough. Chill the dough for 30 minutes. Shape into balls, create a thumbprint indentation, fill with red jelly, and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes. Top with crushed peppermint candies after a brief cooling period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of jam or filling? Absolutely. Raspberry, strawberry, and apricot jam are classics, but you can use any thick preserve, chocolate ganache, or even a peppermint frosting for extra mint flavor.
How do I prevent the indentations from disappearing during baking? This is common. Make deeper indentations than you think you need and re-press them gently with a spoon handle about 5-6 minutes into the baking time.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes. The dough can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before shaping.
Why are my cookies spreading too much? This usually means the butter was too warm or the dough wasn’t chilled sufficiently. Ensure your dough is firm before baking and that your oven is fully preheated.
What’s the best way to crush the peppermint candies? Place candies in a sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to crush them. For finer sprinkles, pulse them a few times in a food processor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using melted or overly soft butter, which causes excessive spreading.
- Overmixing the dough after adding the flour, which can develop gluten and make cookies tough.
- Filling the thumbprints with too much jelly, which can bubble over and burn.
- Adding the crushed peppermint immediately after baking, causing it to melt into a sticky mess. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes first.
- Not allowing cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet; they are fragile when warm.
Conclusion
These Peppermint Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful fusion of buttery shortbread, sweet jelly, and festive peppermint crunch. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a stunning holiday treat that is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Their beautiful appearance and balanced flavors are sure to make them a cherished part of your seasonal baking traditions. Happy baking!