Description
Classic thumbprint cookies bring German holiday charm to your kitchen. Buttery shortbread filled with vibrant raspberry jam creates sweet nostalgia that delights family and friends with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (130 grams) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¾ – 1 cup (75 – 100 grams) walnuts, toasted and finely chopped (can also use pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts)
Sweeteners and Flavorings:
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar
- ¼ cup (70 grams) raspberry jam (can use other flavors of jam)
- ½ teaspoon (2 grams) pure vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 large (50 grams) egg, separated
- ¼ teaspoon (1 gram) salt
Instructions
- Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In an electric mixer, cream the butter until uniformly smooth using the paddle attachment or a hand mixer.
- Incorporate sugar and mix thoroughly. Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, blending until well integrated. Periodically scrape down the bowl’s sides to ensure even mixing.
- In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine flour and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes to firm up.
- Whisk egg whites in a small bowl until slightly foamy. Finely chop the nuts and spread them on a plate. Portion the dough into 15-gram (0.5 ounces) balls.
- Dip each dough ball first into the egg white, then roll completely in chopped nuts. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) apart.
- Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or a wooden spoon handle. Fill each depression with approximately half a tablespoon of jam.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until cookies are set and nuts are golden brown. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack.
Notes
- Softening butter is crucial; let it sit at room temperature for even mixing and smoother texture.
- Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so gently combine ingredients until just incorporated.
- Check jam’s consistency before adding to prevent runny centers that might leak during baking.
- Kitchen scales ensure precise dough measurements for consistently sized, perfectly baked treats.
- Refrigerating dough for 30-60 minutes helps firm up soft mixtures, making shaping easier.
- Experiment with alternative nut types or jam flavors to personalize your cookie experience.
- Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly and create better overall cookie texture.
- Allow cookies to cool completely on baking sheets to maintain structural integrity.
- Non-stick parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures easy cookie removal.
- Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent moisture absorption.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 143
- Sugar: 5.5 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 9.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15.6 g
- Fiber: 0.6 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg