Mincemeat Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

These flavorful cookies combine the wonderful tastes of fruit and spice. The robust mincemeat center is perfect with the sweetness of the cookie. Be sure to refrigerate before baking to prevent unwanted spreading of the dough in the oven
Cup of Tea and Stacked Cookies With Filling

Mincemeat Thumbprint Cookies

Revive Grandma's holiday traditions with these mincemeat-filled thumbprint cookies. Despite the name, the filling is a mixture of fruit, nuts and spices — no meat here! Get the recipe.

Before you start:
Refrigerating the dough for the specified time is a critical step in this recipe. Failure to do so will result in cookies that spread too much and the indentation will disappear.

Traditionally, mincemeat was made with meat. It still is in many kitchens today, but we have opted for a meatless variety here. Although it is called mincemeat, be sure not to chop the ingredients too fine. The raisins should just be rough cut. The only exception might be the citrus peel (which you can find in most specialty supermarkets); it can be diced a bit smaller.

Ingredients

The Cookie:
1 cup (sticks) butter, softened
1 cup superfine sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
1 cup mincemeat

The Mincemeat:
2 1/2 cups diced apple (3 or 4 medium apples)
1/2 cup chopped raisins
1/2 cup chopped golden raisins
1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries or cherries
1/4 cup dried currants
1/2 cup diced candied citrus peel
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup rum
1/4 cup apple cider
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup dark-brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

The Cookie:
1. Sift flour and salt together in a bowl and set aside.
2. Mix butter and sugar in a mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
3. Add egg and vanilla and mix until incorporated.
4. While mixer runs on lowest speed, gradually add flour and mix just until mixed in and dough ball forms.
5. Scrape down sides of bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.
6. Preheat oven to 375°.
7. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to measure, roll dough into balls.
8. Roll the balls in chopped walnuts and place on parchment-lined baking sheets at least 2 inches apart.
9. Using your thumb, make an indentation in the middle of the cookies.
10. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
11. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until very lightly brown.
12. Place cookies on wire racks and press indentation again to set.
13. While still warm, drop a bit (about 3/4 teaspoon) of mincemeat into the indentation you have created.
14. Allow cookies to cool completely.
15. Store in an airtight container.

The Mincemeat:
1. Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Cover and cook over medium heat for 15 minutes.
2. Remove lid and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes or until liquid is gone.
3. Remove from heat to cool completely.
4. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Next Up

How to Make Paper Snowflakes

A great winter or Christmas craft to make with kids, you can let it snow inside by creating your very own wintry flurry of snowflakes out of paper.

How to Make a Christmas Cat Spinner Wand

In all of the gifting during the holidays, don't forget about your furry friends. This holly-themed cat toy is easy to make and will encourage hours of playful interaction.

How to Make a Christmas Catnip Toy

Don't forget your furry best friend when making handmade gifts for the holidays. With just basic sewing skills, you can whip up a catnip-filled stocking-shaped toy as a surprise for your favorite kitty.

Two Ways to Wrap Gorgeous Gifts With Plain Brown Paper

Plain brown craft paper doesn't have to be boring. Check out these two fresh and inexpensive ideas for wrapping pretty holiday presents.

Ginger Date Chews Recipe

Dates have a way of adding sweetness and chewiness to a cookie that nothing else does. These ginger date chews have just enough date flavor without it taking over the cookie. 

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Combining two popular holiday flavors – peppermint and chocolate – these tasty cookies are perfect for gift giving.

Gooey Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Delight chocoholics on your gift list with these soft-centered cookies that are a snap to bake.

Chocolate-Covered Peppermint Crispies Recipe

A year-round favorite treat gets a delicious update for the holidays. Add the flavors of chocolate and peppermint to crisp rice treats before packaging them as homemade gifts for family and friends.

Cranberry Bliss Dacquoise Recipe

This rich and decadent dessert has all the best flavors of the holiday season. Make the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to really wow your guests.

Chirstmas Classic: Pecan Bourbon Balls Recipe

It’s hard to beat a classic! Bourbon balls are traditional Christmas treats that make wonderful homemade gifts. This version is made with ground pecans, but ground walnuts can be substituted in equal amounts. For a festive finishing touch, display and serve them in paper cones made from decorative card stock.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.