Strawberry Sage Thumbprints

Every Christmas cookie platter needs a jammy cookie; thumbprints fit this requirement. I enjoy the versatility- choose whatever preserve flavor you like, or even mix it up and select multiple. Adding fresh herbs to the dough adds a unique touch, but feel free to leave it out. Earthy sage is part of the mint family; use it for sweet or savory seasoning.

Strawberry Sage Thumbprints-

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/3 cup yellow cornmeal

• 1/2 Tbsp fresh sage, minced

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• strawberry preserves ( I used a jar from a local farm store, but Bonne Maman is delicious and widely available.)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degree F. In a medium bowl combine flour, cornmeal, sage, and baking powder. Set aside. 

2. Using stand mixer, beat butter for about thirty seconds . Add brown sugar and beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally. Beat in egg yolk, lemon peel, and vanilla until combined. Beat in flour mixture until just combined.

3. Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls. Place 1-inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet (I like to line with parchment). Lightly press the tip of your thumb into the center of each dough ball. Fill the centers with about 1/4 teaspoon strawberry preserves. Bake for 10 minutes or until bottoms are lightly browned. Cool on cookie sheet for a couple minutes. Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool completely.

Thumbprints freeze well, so go ahead and make up a batch or two, a little prep allows for an easy holiday.

Do you have a favorite Christmas cookie? Leave a comment below.

Thanks for reading! xo