Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Christmas is only 17 days away. Today I started my annual Christmas baking extravaganza.

Every year I bake between 13-15 kinds of cookies, bars, pastries and brownies to share with my family and friends. I always bake my favorites recipes and every year I add new Christmas cookies or bars.

This year Christmas Baking Extravaganza started with Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies – old time favorite cookie.

Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup Sugar
• 3/4 Butter (soften and unsalted)
• 1 Tsp Vanilla
• 1 Egg
• 2 cup Flour
• 1/4 Tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Raspberry Jam

Preheat the oven to 350F.

In a large bowl beat together the sugar with butter till smooth. While beating add the egg and vanilla. Gradually stir in the flour and salt. Make sure it is well blended.

Shape the dough into 1″ balls. Place the balls on the cookies sheet about 2″ apart. Using your thumb make indentation in the center of the cookie. Make sure not to press all the way.

Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of jam into each indentation.

Bake 10-12 minutes or until the edges are light golden. Cool the cookies for few minuted then remove them from the cookie sheet onto the cooling rack.

With icing powder and milk make thicker consistency icing and decorate the cookies.

This recipe makes 3-4 dozen of cookies. Raspberry Thumbprint cookies are perfect cookies for your cookie exchange or for freezing. I keep them in my freezer throughout the holidays and just pull out out what I need.