Recipe: Special Thumbprint Cookies - Basic Dough, Chocolate Chip Thumbprints, and Brickle-Caramel Thumbprints

SPECIAL THUMBPRINT COOKIES

"Thumbprints are always a must on holiday cookie trays. Divide this basic dough in half and have one caramel and one chocolate chip version."

BASIC DOUGH:
1 cup sugar
2 cups margarine or butter, softened
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 eggs
4 1/2 cups all-purpose or unbleached flour
2 teaspoons baking powder

In large bowl, beat sugar, margarine, vanilla and eggs until light and fluffy, Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add flour and baking powder; stir until mixture forms a smooth dough. Divide dough in half. Shape and flavor dough as directed below.

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CHOCOLATE CHIP THUMBPRINTS
Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies

1/2 recipe BASIC DOUGH
1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips
42 chocolate kiss candies

Combine dough and chocolate chips; knead to blend. Refrigerate dough 30 minutes.

WHEN READY TO BAKE:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. With thumb, make imprint in center of each cookie.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 11 to 14 minutes or until lightly browned around edges and set. Place chocolate kiss candy in center of each cookie. Immediately remove from cookie sheet; cool completely.

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BRICKLE-CARAMEL THUMBPRINTS
Makes 3 1/2 dozen cookies

1/2 recipe BASIC DOUGH
3/4 cup almond brickle baking chips or chopped pecans
20 caramels
1/4 cup half-and-half or milk

Combine dough and brickle chips; knead to blend. Refrigerate dough 30 minutes.

WHEN READY TO BAKE:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. With thumb, make imprint in center of cookie.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 11 to 14 minutes or until lightly browned around edges and set. Immediately remove from cookie sheet; cool completely.

In small saucepan over medium heat, melt caramels and half-and-half, stirring until smooth. Spoon 1/2 teaspoon filling into center of each cookie. Garnish as desired.

Source: Pillsbury Classic #70, 1986 - Holiday Cookies, Sweets, Appetizers, and Meals

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Dear Trish,

I think I found it! I have so many of these little cookbooklets that I was surprised to find this recipe within the first few I looked through! If it turns out this isn't the recipe you're looking for, let us know and we'll keep looking.

Happy Holiday Baking,

Betsy