Buttery shortbread and sweet raspberry jam, who can resist? What a treat – Pecan thumbprint cookies will satiate your sweet tooth and impress everyone around you! Make these mouthwatering and easy pecan thumbprint cookies at home with the help of the tips shared in this article! Make the most of this recipe: with just a half-hour in the kitchen, you will be treated to these delightful treats!
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious pecan thumbprint cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
- Raspberry jam (or your preferred flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the bowl and beat until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until the dough collides.
- Place the cookie dough into 1-inch balls on the prepared baking sheet.
- Press your thumb (or the back of a teaspoon) into the center of each cookie to create an indentation.
- Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of raspberry jam (or your preferred flavor).
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Baking Tips
Baking is a delightful and creative process, and here are some tips to ensure your pecan thumbprint cookies turn out perfectly:
- You can toast the pecans before chopping them for an extra nutty flavor. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Let them cool before finely chopping.
- If you prefer a different jam flavor, feel free to use apricot jam, strawberry jam, or any other flavor that tickles your taste buds. The choice is yours, and it adds a personal touch to the cookies.
- Dust the cooled cookies with a sprinkle of powdered sugar to create a beautiful presentation. The touch of white adds a touch of elegance and makes the cookies even more inviting.
- These pecan thumbprint cookies can be enjoyed all year round, but they are particularly perfect for fall baking or as a festive addition to your holiday cookie platter. The warm and rich flavors of pecans and jam evoke a cozy feeling that complements the season.
Variations
While raspberry jam is a classic choice for thumbprint cookies, you can experiment with different fillings to suit your preferences. Here are a few delicious variations to try:
- Pecan Pie Thumbprints: Fill the cookie indentations with a pecan pie filling spoon before baking. The gooey pecan filling adds a delightful twist to the traditional recipe, making the cookies reminiscent of a mini pecan pie.
- Buttercream Thumbprints: After the cookies have cooled, pipe a small dollop of buttercream frosting into the center of each cookie. This variation adds a creamy and indulgent touch to the buttery shortbread cookies. The contrast between the crisp cookie and the smooth buttercream is divine.
- Almond Thumbprints: Substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract in the cookie dough. Fill the indentations with your favorite jam flavors, such as apricot or strawberry. The almond extract adds a subtle nuttiness to the cookies, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Feel free to unleash your creativity and experiment with different flavors and fillings to personalize these delightful treats. The possibilities are endless, and you might discover your new favorite combination!
Storage
If you can resist devouring these cookies all at once, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week, ensuring you can enjoy them over several days. The cookies retain their deliciousness and texture when properly stored.
Alternatively, you can freeze the cookies for longer-term storage. Here’s how you can do it:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely after baking.
- Place the cooled cookies in a single layer in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- If stacking the cookies, place a layer of parchment or wax paper between each layer to prevent sticking.
- Seal the container or bag tightly to prevent freezer burn and air exposure.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the container or bag in the freezer and store for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They will be just as delicious and satisfying as when they are freshly baked.
Pecan Thumbprint Cookies Recipe About FAQs
A: Absolutely! While pecans are the traditional choice, you can substitute them with nuts like almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. Experiment with different flavors and find your favorite combination. Just make sure to chop the nuts for a consistent texture finely.
A: You can use pre-made pie filling as a quick and convenient option. Spoon a small amount of the filling into the cookie indentations before baking. However, remember that the texture and taste may differ slightly from using homemade jam. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as the filling might take longer to set.
A: You can prepare the cookie dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, shape the chilled dough into balls, make the indentations, and proceed with the recipe as directed. Chilled dough can also help the cookies retain their shape better during baking.
A: Yes, using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment works great for making cookie dough. It ensures the ingredients are well combined and the dough comes together smoothly. However, you can mix the dough by hand using a wooden spoon if you don’t have a stand mixer.
A: While parchment paper is recommended for lining the baking sheet, you can use cooking spray as an alternative. Just make sure to lightly grease the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking. Keep an eye on the cookies during baking, as cooking spray can sometimes cause the bottoms to brown faster.
So go ahead and make these delicious pecan thumbprint cookies that are sure to impress everyone. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe is a winner. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram when you make these cookies—I’d love to see your baking success! Happy baking, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Ameer Hamza Mughal is a content writer specializing in creating delicious and easy-to-follow recipes. He is passionate about sharing his culinary knowledge and helping others explore the joy of cooking. With a focus on clear instructions and mouthwatering descriptions, Ameer’s recipes are sure to inspire you to create delectable dishes in your own kitchen.