Tis the season for cookie swaps, church pitch in's, holiday parties, and edible gifts for friends, family and neighbors.  So for the rest of the month I am featuring a different cookie each day.  I have a handful of what I call my go to holiday cookies, but I have been wanting to add to this list for some time now and what a perfect opportunity.  Don't forget to share any cookies or holiday gifting ideas of your own in the comments!  Today's cookie is vrom the Barefoot Contessa and I have been making these cookies for the last 6 Christmases.  They are just about everyone's favorite.  You can use any kind of jam you like and can leave off the coconut if you wish as well.  These are a wonderfully tasty cookies.  Happy Baking.

Jam Thumbprint Cookies By Ina Garten, Barefoot Contessa Family Style

Ingredients


3/4 pound (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
7 ounces sweetened flaked coconut
Raspberry, apricot or your favorite jam

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until they are just combined and then add the vanilla. Separately, sift together the flour and salt. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar. Mix until the dough starts to come together. Dump on a floured board and roll together into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
Roll the dough into 1 1/4-inch balls. (If you have a scale they should each weigh 1 ounce.) Dip each ball into the egg wash and then roll it in coconut. Place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet and press a light indentation into the top of each with your finger. Drop 1/4 teaspoon of jam into each indentation. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the coconut is a golden brown. Cool and serve. 

Tip: I place them in a cellophane bag tied with a pretty ribbon to give as gifts.
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