As sleigh bells begin to tinkle in the distance and Santa’s Village gears up for full holiday throttle, we’re highlighting a timeless treat that brings tart joy and buttery bliss: Holly Jolly Jam Buttons.

These shortbread-style thumbprint cookies are filled with bright red and green jams—typically raspberry and kiwi—to resemble festive holly berries. Sweet, melt-in-your-mouth dough meets zesty jam with a hint of citrus zest, making each bite burst with holiday cheer.

Cookie Spotlight: Holly Jolly Jam Buttons

Backstory:
Originally served at Mrs. Claus’s Annual Autumn Tea, these cookies became a hit thanks to their vivid colors and satisfying texture. Their name was coined by none other than Jellybean Pricklewhip, a jam artisan known for her hand-stirred North Pole preserves.

 Elf Commentary (Snickerdoodle Sprigson): “They’re bite-sized happiness. I’ve been known to eat a dozen during stocking-folding duty!”

Recipe: Holly Jolly Jam Buttons

Yields: ~30 cookies
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 12–15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 orange or lemon (optional but recommended)
  • 2⅓ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup raspberry jam
  • ½ cup kiwi jam (or substitute with green apple or lime jam)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cream & Mix: In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in egg yolks, vanilla, and citrus zest. Mix well.
  2. Add Flour & Chill: Stir in flour and salt until dough forms. Wrap and chill for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Roll & Print: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on parchment-lined baking sheets. Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon to press a small well in each center.
  4. Fill with Jam: Place a small dollop of red or green jam in each indentation.
  5. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on racks and dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Elf Tip:

Switch up the flavors! Try orange marmalade, blueberry preserves, or Santa’s favorite—peppermint jelly.

Coming Soon:

Cookie #11 is a snow-dusted crowd pleaser: North Pole Peppermint Barkies—perfect for cool November nights by the cocoa cauldron!