Thumb Print Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ c. all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¾ c. (1 ½ sticks) butter
• ½ c. granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 sp. pure vanilla
• Assorted jams for filling cookies (or chocolate kisses)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper
3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt
4. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. (about 3 minutes)
5. Add in egg and vanilla, beat an additional minute
6. Add ½ dry mixture and mix, then add rest until it’s all mixed well.
7. Scoop out 1” balls onto prepared cookie sheet
8. Press thumb into balls and fill with jam
9. Bake until edges of cookies are golden (about 14 minutes)
10. Cool on baking sheet

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‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Historical Tidbit

The poem that we all recognize as ’Twas the Night Before Christmas is technically called, Account of a Visit From St. Nicholas

It was published in Troy, New York on Dec 23, 1823. When it was first published, the author, who was Clement Clarke Moore, chose to remain anonymous because he had a reputation to uphold as a scholarly professor.

It’s said that he wrote it on a snowy day, on a sleigh ride while he was out shopping and that he wrote it for his children.

Moore is credited with envisioning the St Nicholas as we typically think of as Santa Claus today. He did this by combining elements of the historic St. Nicholas with a Dutch handyman from his town. 

To learn more, check out this episode of History, Books and Wine

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The Historical Romance Cookie Hop