Classic Thumbprint Cookies

Every year during the holidays, I always go back to Joy of Baking‘s classic thumbprint cookies recipe. I have tried a lot of versions before, but this is still the best one out there. The cookies are coated with nuts on the sides and filled with jam in the middle, making them a delicious snack that can be shared with everyone. My family loves them so much and always asks me to make them now and then. These popular holiday cookies will surely never go out of style.

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To make these yummy treats, you only need 8 ingredients – butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, salt, nuts, and jam. Most of these items are probably already in your pantry. Once you have the dough, you will form it into balls and then roll each one in finely chopped nuts. They are called thumbprint cookies, as you use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each ball for the jam.

Best Thumbprint Cookie Recipe

• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup of granulated white sugar
• 1 large egg (separated)
• 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 3/4 to 1 cup of walnuts (toasted and finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup of raspberry jam

Note: You can use pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts instead of walnuts. You can also use other flavors of jam

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How to Make Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1:

Start by preheating your oven to 350F and placing the rack in the center of the oven. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In the bowl of your stand mixer with the paddle attachment (or with a hand mixer), beat the butter until it becomes smooth. Next, add the sugar and mix until combined. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract and whisk again until incorporated. Make sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of your bowl.

Step 3:

In a different bowl, combine flour and salt. Transfer to the batter and whisk until just combined. If the batter is too soft to turn into balls, let them chill for about 30 to 60 minutes.

Step 4:

In a small mixing bowl, add the egg white and whisk until frothy. Place the finely chopped walnuts (or your preferred nuts) on a plate. Get one dough ball, roll it in the egg white, then coat it with the nuts. Place it on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Step 5:

Using your thumb or the end of a wooden spoon, make a well in the center of each cookie, then fill it with about 1/2 teaspoon of your preferred jam.

Step 6:

Place the cookies in the oven and bake for about 12 minutes, or until they are set and the nuts are nicely browned. Once done, remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool them.

Classic Thumbprint Cookies