Santa'S Thumbprints
Delightful thumbprint cookies with a buttery, nutty flavor and sweet fruit preserves filling, perfect for holidays or teatime gatherings, appealing to cookie lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Beat Crisco and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla flavoring.
- Add combined oats, flour, and salt; mix well.
- Form 1-inch balls and roll in chopped nuts.
- Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheet.
- Press centers with thumb or paw to create a well.
- Fill centers with fruit preserves.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, substitute chopped nuts with crushed graham crackers or additional oats. If you prefer a different flavor, try adding almond extract instead of vanilla. Ensure your butter-flavored Crisco is at room temperature for easier mixing. To prevent sticking, consider refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.
Serving Suggestions
These Santa's Thumbprints are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a festive treat alongside a warm cup of cocoa. For an added touch, you can dust them with powdered sugar just before serving. They pair beautifully with Berry Good Lemon Tarts for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes until soft.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa'S Thumbprints contains roughly 400 calories, with 5g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chopped nuts, feel free to use your favorite variety. Walnuts, pecans, or even macadamia nuts can add a unique flavor. Just make sure they are finely chopped to maintain the texture of the cookies.
What can I use instead of fruit preserves?
If you don't have fruit preserves on hand, you can substitute with homemade jam or even a chocolate hazelnut spread for a delicious twist. Just ensure the filling is thick enough to hold its shape when baked.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
To make these cookies more festive, consider adding holiday-themed sprinkles on top of the preserves before baking. You can also use flavored preserves like raspberry or apricot for a colorful variety that adds both taste and visual appeal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).