Hi everyone, Tracy here! I hope you’re all having a wonderful day. I’m so excited to share one of my favorite holiday cookie recipes with you all – almond thumbprint cookies!
Ever since I was a little girl, the holidays have held a special place in my heart. I have such magical memories of spending time in the kitchen with my grandma, baking up tray after tray of festive treats to share with our family and friends. Of all the cookies we made, almond thumbprints were always my favorite.
I loved everything about them – rolling the sweet dough into balls, making the perfect little indent with my thumb, filling each one with jam. Watching the cookies bake to a beautiful golden brown, with the red jam bubbling up in each center, was so exciting for me. And getting to be the official jam spoon-licker was an important job I took very seriously!
Even now as an adult, these cookies bring me right back to those childhood holiday moments. With their nutty almond flavor and sweet, fruity jam, they’re the perfect treat alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk.
I hope you’ll join me in making a batch of these classic thumbprint cookies. They make such a fun, festive project for both kids and adults. Let’s preheat those ovens and get baking, friends! I can’t wait for you all to enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth holiday treats.
Almond Thumbprint Cookie Recipes
Almond Thumbprint Cookie
Ingredients
- 4 cups barley flour or spelt
- 3 cups almonds raw whole, crushed in a food processor about ten 2 second pulses
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup canola oil
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- your favorite jam raspberry apricot, blueberry all work well
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 F.
- Combine all the ingredients together in a large bowl with a wooden spoon. Form into tablespoonful balls and space them evenly on cookie sheets.
- Using your index finger or the top of a wooden spoon, make in indent in each cookie. Fill each indent with a spoonful of jam, or pipe using a pastry bag.
- Bake until cookies are evenly browned, about 20 minutes.
- Let cool before eating.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
© Food And Meal
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Almond Thumbprint Cookies with an Air Fryer
To prepare Almond Thumbprint Cookies, start by creaming together softened butter and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until the dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes. After chilling, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball evenly with finely chopped almonds. Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined tray and make a deep well in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon. Be gentle to avoid cracking. Fill each well with a small amount of raspberry jam or your chosen filling. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and place the cookies in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them. Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and the jam is bubbling, monitoring closely to prevent overcooking. Once done, remove the cookies from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack. As they cool, the jam filling will set. Once cooled, indulge in these delightful Almond Thumbprint Cookies.
Tips for making Almond Thumbprint Cookie
Serving Suggestions
Almond thumbprint cookies offer a delightful blend of sweet almond flavor and buttery richness, making them a versatile treat that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Among the delightful recipes to enjoy alongside these festive cookies, Cherry Cobbler stands out, its warm, tart cherries providing a delightful contrast to the cookie’s sweetness. For an elegant dessert option, serving Chocolate Truffles alongside the thumbprint cookies creates a luxurious interplay of bittersweet chocolate and almond flavors. Similarly, Blueberry Cobbler offers a fruity-nutty flavor profile when paired with the almond thumbprint cookies, creating a delightful combination. The crunchy, buttery goodness of Pecan Buttercrunch pairs harmoniously with the cookies, offering a satisfying texture and flavor contrast. Lastly, the tartness of Cranberry Cobbler complements the sweetness of the almond cookies, making for a festive dessert pairing perfect for fall or winter. These recipes showcase the versatility of almond thumbprint cookies, enhancing any meal with their delicious flavor and texture.
Cooking Tips
First up, when making the dough, be sure not to overmix. Overworking the butter can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the dough comes together, then wrap it up and let it chill. I like to make the dough a day ahead – this allows the flavors to really meld together nicely.
Now here is my secret for getting that perfect indent every time – dip your thumb in some flour before making the thumbprint! This prevents the dough from sticking and allows you to get a nice, clean print. Choose your favorite jam flavors too – I love using vibrant raspberry or tart lemon curd in the centers.
When filling the thumbprints, be sure not to overfill. Less is more here! Just a teaspoon is plenty. And make sure to gently press the jam down into the indent. This helps keep that yummy jam from bubbling up and out the sides.
I always watch my cookies closely as they bake – once the edges start browning, they can burn quickly! So keep an eye on them and pull them when they still look slightly underdone. They’ll continue cooking on the tray.
Finally, while these cookies taste amazing when still warm, I find they actually develop more flavor when cooled completely. It’s hard to resist, but try chilling them for 30 minutes before serving. The patience pays off in full almond flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions about Almond Thumbprint Cookies
- Can I use a different nut for the almond filling? Absolutely! You can experiment with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts to create a unique twist on these cookies.
- How do I prevent the jam from overflowing during baking? To prevent jam overflow, make sure not to overfill the thumbprints with jam. A small spoonful is sufficient. Also, be cautious not to press too hard when creating the thumbprints.
- Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it? Yes, you can. Wrap the cookie dough tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.
- Can I substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe? Certainly! You can use a gluten-free flour blend as a one-to-one replacement for all-purpose flour to make gluten-free Almond Thumbprint Cookies.
- How should I store leftovers, and can they be reheated? Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To refresh them, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes to restore their crispness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I hope you’ll take the time to bake up a batch of these classic almond thumbprint cookies. They may seem simple, but with little tricks like chilling the dough and not overfilling with jam, you can achieve cookie perfection right in your own kitchen. These sweet bites bursting with nutty almond flavor and fruity jam are sure to be a hit at your next holiday cookie swap or as a handmade gift.
If you try making these cookies, I’d love to see your results! Please share a photo over on the Food and Meal Facebook page or tag @foodandmeal on Instagram so we can all enjoy the fruits of your baking labor together.
I’m so glad I could pass along my cherished thumbprint cookie recipe as well as some tips I’ve learned over the years. These cookies will always remind me of joyful times baking holiday treats with my grandma. I hope they bring your family as much delight as they’ve brought mine over the years. Thanks so much for joining me today – now let’s get baking, friends!
I'm Tracy F Hilton, a devoted culinary professional shaped by a mix of natural aptitude and refined skills from a top culinary school. In the dynamic kitchen environment, I'm a catalyst for seamless operations and timely, high-quality dish preparation. My culinary creations are a blend of art and skill, offering visually and gustatorily delightful experiences. A learner at heart, I'm continuously honing my craft, embracing new techniques, and culinary innovations. My positive, collaborative nature is amplified in fast-paced settings, showcasing my commitment to team efficiency and guest satisfaction. Each dish I present is a meticulous blend of tradition and innovation, promising an unforgettable dining experience that marries taste, aroma, and aesthetic appeal in perfect harmony. Join me on a gastronomic journey where each bite encapsulates a rich, evolving narrative of flavors and culinary artistry.