Thumbprint Cookies
User Reviews
4.6
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
24
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Calories
120 kcal
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Course
Dessert, Baked Goods
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Cuisine
American
Thumbprint Cookies
Description
Thumbprint Cookies combine a soft, buttery dough made with all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and egg yolk with a crunchy exterior from chopped toasted walnuts. The dough balls are dipped in egg white and nuts, then imprinted with a deep thumb indentation before baking. After an initial bake, the indentation is carefully filled with raspberry jam and the cookies finish baking, which creates a glossy and fruity center.
The texture balances softness with a slightly crisp nut coating. The use of room temperature butter and egg yolk aids in smooth dough formation, while rolling in egg white and nuts adds subtle crunch. Pressing the indentation creates a perfect well for jam that does not spread during baking.
This cookie recipe yields approximately 18 to 24 pieces, ideal for sharing or storage. Using a small cookie scoop helps maintain evenly sized cookies, promoting even baking. The recipe allows for substitutions in jam or nuts to suit preferences, providing versatility for different flavor profiles.
Rotating the baking sheet midway balances out oven hot spots, ensuring uniform baking. The cookies freeze well in airtight containers for up to three months, preserving texture and flavor for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter unsalted and softened
- ½ cup brown sugar packed (light or brown)
- 1 egg separated
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup walnuts toasted and finely chopped
- ¼ cup raspberry jam seedless, or your favorite jam
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- In a medium bowl combine the flour and salt together.
- In the bowl of your mixer add the butter and brown sugar then mix until light and fluffy for a couple minutes. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract and continue mixing until combined. Add the flour mixture and mix until well incorporated.
- In a small bowl beat the egg white with a fork. In another shallow bowl place the finely chopped walnut.
- Shape the dough into 1 inch balls. It might be easier to use a small cookie scoop to ensure that each ball is of equal size. Roll each ball in the egg white, then roll them in walnuts making sure to coat them well. Place the balls on the prepared cookie sheet and press a deep indentation in the center of each ball with your thumb. I find it easier to use a washed and dried wine cork.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake for 8 minutes. Now carefully fill each cookie with about ¼ teaspoon of jam per cookie. Transfer the cookie sheet back to the oven and bake for another 8 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Place cookies on wire racks to cool completely.
Notes
- Use softened unsalted butter and room-temperature large eggs for best dough texture and emulsification.
- Portion dough evenly using a small cookie scoop to ensure consistent cookie size and even baking.
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to offset oven hot spots for uniform cooking.
- Salted butter can be used by omitting the additional salt in the recipe to prevent oversalting.
- Frozen finished cookies keep well up to 3 months in an airtight container.
- Jam and nut types can be varied; pecans may substitute walnuts and any preferred jam can be used.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 120 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cookie | |
| Calories | 120kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0.2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 17mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 30mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 41mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 129IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0.4mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 12mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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