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These Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the nutty richness of almond flour with the sweetness of jam. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are not only delicious but also gluten-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
I remember the first time I made these Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies. It was during the holiday season, and I wanted to create something special that everyone could enjoy. The aroma of the almond flour and the sweet jam filling the kitchen was simply magical. Since then, these cookies have become a staple in my baking repertoire.
Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will fill your home with the irresistible scent of Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies. Let’s dive into the recipe and create some memories!
What to Expect
- Time: Approximately 25 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Before You Begin
Before you start making your Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies, ensure you have all the ingredients measured and ready to go. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use an un-greased baking stone.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| 1 cup finely ground almond flour, packed |
| 3 Tablespoons ghee, softened butter or vegan butter (I used Earth Balance) |
| 3 Tablespoons maple syrup |
| 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract |
| 1/4 teaspoon salt |
| 3 Tablespoons jam, homemade or store-bought |
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use an un-greased baking stone.
- In a small bowl, mix almond flour, softened butter, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until a cohesive dough forms. It will seem a little dry at first, but just keep mixing.
- Use a tablespoon to measure out the dough and roll each portion into a ball. Place the ball of dough on your prepared baking sheet.
- Use your thumb or finger to create a thumbprint in the middle of each cookie.
- Add 1/2-1 teaspoon of jam to the indentation in each cookie.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, until they start to turn golden brown on the bottom.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and cool them on the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer them to a rack to cool completely before serving.
Pointers for Perfection & How to Store
For the perfect Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies, ensure that your butter is softened but not melted. This will help the dough come together more easily. Also, don’t be afraid to get creative with the jam flavors. Raspberry, apricot, and even lemon curd work wonderfully.
To store your cookies, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
For more delicious recipes, check out this Gluten Free Almond Flour Date Cookies recipe.
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Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies
- Total Time: 27
- Yield: 14 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten-Free Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies are a classic holiday treat reinvented. With a buttery, nutty shortbread base made from nutrient-dense almond flour and a glistening center of sweet fruit jam, they are melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Naturally grain-free and simple to make, they look beautiful on any cookie tray.
Ingredients
— The Cookie Dough —
2 cups superfine blanched almond flour (not almond meal)
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
¼ cup pure maple syrup (or honey)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
— The Filling —
⅓ cup fruit jam or preserves (Raspberry, Strawberry, or Apricot work best)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter (or oil), maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
3. Add Dry Ingredients: Add the almond flour. Stir well with a spatula until a cohesive dough forms. It should be soft but hold together when pressed.
4. Shape: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll into smooth balls between your palms. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
5. Indent: Using your thumb (or the back of a small measuring spoon), gently press a deep indentation into the center of each ball. If the edges crack, just gently smooth them back together with your fingers.
6. Fill: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of jam into each indentation. Do not overfill, or the jam might bubble over during baking.
7. Bake: Bake for 10–13 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and the edges are just starting to turn color.
8. Cool (Crucial Step): Remove from the oven. The cookies will be very soft and fragile while hot. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet (at least 15-20 minutes) before moving them. They will firm up as they cool.
Notes
Almond Flour: You must use ‘superfine blanched’ almond flour for the correct texture. Almond meal (which contains skins) will make the cookies gritty and dry.
Vegan Option: Use solid coconut oil instead of butter. The cookies will be slightly crisper but delicious.
Jam Tip: Stir your jam in a small bowl before filling to loosen it up. Seedless jams often look the prettiest.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 45
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 11
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 10
Your Burning Questions Answered!
- Can I use a different type of flour?
- While almond flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other gluten-free flours. However, the texture and taste may vary.
- What type of jam works best?
- Any type of jam will work, but thicker jams like raspberry or apricot tend to hold up better during baking.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can use vegan butter and ensure that your jam is free from animal products
Dig In & Enjoy!
Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to bake your own batch of Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies. These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. Happy baking!
For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.