Festive Sugar Plum Thumbprint Cookies
These festive Sugar Plum Thumbprint Cookies offer a delightful blend of crisp sugar cookie and sweet plum filling. They are a simple yet beautiful addition to any holiday spread. Using prepared sugar cookie dough, this recipe saves time without sacrificing flavor. The jewel-toned plum preserves pair perfectly with a light sprinkle of colored sugar crystals, making these cookies a visually striking treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they promise a touch of whimsy and elegance.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Refrigerated sugar cookie dough
16 ounces (Slice into 1/8-inch thick rounds)
Plum preserves
1/4 cup (None)
Colored crystal sugar
As needed (Choose red or green)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2
Slice the refrigerated sugar cookie dough into 1/8-inch thick rounds.
3
Using a small Christmas-themed cookie cutter, cut out the centers of half of the cookie slices. For additional creativity, you may use a sharp knife to make simple shapes like a star or tree.
4
Using a small spoon or marble, press a small indent in the center of the remaining full cookie slices, pushing slightly toward the edges to create a well for the preserves.
5
Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of plum preserves into each indent, ensuring not to overfill.
6
Lay the cut-out cookies atop each filled cookie, pressing gently around the edges to form a seal.
7
Sprinkle the tops with red or green colored sugar crystals for a festive touch.
8
Arrange the cookies about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
9
Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Festive Sugar Plum Thumbprint Cookies?
These are holiday treats that blend crisp sugar cookies with sweet plum filling for a festive addition to any dessert spread.
What is the primary flavor of these cookies?
The cookies feature a sweet and slightly tart flavor profile from the combination of sugar cookie dough and plum preserves.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
What type of cookie dough should I use?
This recipe uses 16 ounces of refrigerated sugar cookie dough for convenience.
How thick should I slice the sugar cookie dough?
The dough should be sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
How do I create the well for the plum preserves?
Press a small indent in the center of the full cookie slices using a small spoon or marble.
How much plum preserves should be used per cookie?
Use approximately 1/2 teaspoon of plum preserves in each indent.
How do I make the decorative top for the cookies?
Use a small Christmas-themed cookie cutter or a knife to cut shapes out of half the cookie slices, then place them over the filled cookies.
What colors of sugar crystals are recommended?
Red or green colored sugar crystals are suggested for a festive holiday touch.
How long do these cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished baking?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden.
How should I cool the cookies?
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You will need refrigerated sugar cookie dough, plum preserves, and colored crystal sugar.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, it is an easy recipe that uses prepared dough to save time while still looking elegant.
Can I use a knife instead of a cookie cutter?
Yes, you can use a sharp knife to cut simple shapes like stars or trees into the cookie centers.
How far apart should I place the cookies on the sheet?
Arrange the cookies about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
How do I seal the two cookie layers together?
Lay the cut-out slice over the filled slice and press gently around the edges to form a seal.
What makes these cookies look like 'sugar plums'?
The jewel-toned plum preserves and sparkling sugar crystals give them a whimsical sugar plum appearance.
Can I use different colored sugar?
While red and green are recommended for Christmas, you can use any colored crystal sugar you prefer.
Should I overfill the preserves?
No, you should ensure not to overfill the indents to prevent the preserves from leaking during baking.
What is the texture of these cookies?
These cookies are crisp on the outside with a sweet, jammy center.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are only 3 main ingredients: sugar cookie dough, plum preserves, and crystal sugar.
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?
Yes, though the recipe specifies refrigerated dough for convenience, homemade dough can be substituted.
Why use parchment paper?
Parchment paper ensures easy removal and prevents the sugar and preserves from sticking to the pan.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday parties?
Absolutely, their visual elegance and festive colors make them perfect for holiday spreads.
What tool is best for making the indent?
A small spoon or a clean marble is ideal for pressing the center well.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, lining it with parchment paper is sufficient for this recipe.
When should I add the sugar crystals?
Sprinkle the colored sugar crystals on top of the cookies before placing them in the oven.
Can I use other types of preserves?
While plum preserves create the 'sugar plum' theme, you can use other flavors if desired.