Santa Hat Cookies
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Recipe Intro From joyfulhomecooking
These nut-free Santa Hat Cookies are the perfect holiday treat for all ages! Made with a buttery, vanilla-scented dough and filled with your favorite jam, these cookies are both festive and delicious. The addition of lemon or orange zest provides a bright flavor, but it's optional if you prefer a classic taste. With their adorable Santa hat design, they're a showstopper for cookie swaps and holiday gatherings!
- Recipe Card
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 2/3 cup softened unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 vanilla beans, scraped (or 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract)
- 1 large egg
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon pink salt
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional)
- Any flavor of jam, for filling
Method
Step 1
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla seeds until pale and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the egg until well combined.
Step 2
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until a cohesive dough forms. Stir in zest if using.
Step 3
Shape the dough into a square, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
Step 4
Preheat the oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 5
Roll the chilled dough between two sheets of parchment paper to 1/4-inch thickness.
Step 6
Use a round cookie cutter to cut out cookies. For half of the cookies, use a heart-shaped cutter to remove the center. Place all cookies on the prepared baking sheets.
Step 7
Bake for 10 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 8
Spread jam onto the flat side of the whole cookies, then top with a cookie with a cutout to create a sandwich.
Step 9
Use icing to pipe the white details of Santa’s hat for a festive touch.