Apricot Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
If you have a soft spot for cookies that balance buttery richness with bright fruitiness, you’re going to adore this Apricot Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. These delightful bites are perfectly tender, with a crisp almond coating and a pop of sweet apricot jam center that never fails to bring a smile. They’re simple to make yet feel wonderfully special—ideal for gifting, sharing over tea, or just treating yourself when you need a little homemade comfort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved classic in your cookie collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step toward cookie bliss. Each item here plays a critical role in flavor, texture, or that gorgeous golden color you want to see when they come out of the oven.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks): Softened butter keeps your cookies tender and gives them a rich, creamy base.
- Granulated sugar (2/3 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that beautiful light, fluffy texture when creamed with butter.
- Almond extract (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for that distinct, aromatic almond flavor that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The foundation for structure, balancing softness and shape.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and prevents the cookie from tasting flat.
- Sliced almonds, finely chopped (1/2 cup): These add delightful crunch and toast up beautifully around the cookie edges.
- Apricot jam (1/2 cup): The star of the show for that bright, fruity surprise in every thumbprint.
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting): A delicate finishing touch for an extra hint of sweetness and charm.
How to Make Apricot Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking space
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. A good start ensures even baking and perfectly shaped cookies.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is crucial as it incorporates air for that tender texture we love in these cookies.
Step 3: Add almond extract
Stir in the almond extract gently. This simple addition transforms the flavor profile, turning an ordinary cookie dough into something irresistibly fragrant and nutty.
Step 4: Combine dry ingredients and mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually blend this dry mixture into the butter-sugar batter until it’s just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could make cookies tough.
Step 5: Shape and coat with almonds
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls—a perfect bite size for these shortbread-like cookies. Next, dip the tops of each ball into the finely chopped almonds to add a tasty crunch and an inviting nutty exterior.
Step 6: Arrange and create indentations
Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, press a small indentation gently into the center of each ball — the signature thumbprint shape for holding the jam.
Step 7: Fill with apricot jam and bake
Fill each indentation with roughly 1/4 teaspoon of apricot jam, spooning carefully to keep the jam nestled in place. Bake your cookies for 12 to 14 minutes until their edges start to turn a lovely golden hue, signaling they are perfectly baked.
Step 8: Cool and optionally dust with powdered sugar
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Once cooled, you can sprinkle powdered sugar lightly on top for a pretty, sweet finish, although they’re stunning even without it.
How to Serve Apricot Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate snowy touch that makes these cookies look ready for an afternoon tea party. If you want to get extra fancy, sprinkle a few whole sliced almonds around the serving platter for a textured, rustic vibe.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea or a robust coffee. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit and mild cheeses to balance sweetness with savory notes, turning your cookie moment into a sophisticated treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these apricot almond thumbprint cookies in a circle on a pretty plate with edible flowers or fresh apricot slices in the center for visual drama. Another fun idea is to package them in small cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for festive gifts that show you care.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and flavorful for up to 5 days, making them perfect for planning ahead for a crowd or slowly enjoying over the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. For dough, shape the balls with almonds and jam ready to bake, freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake as normal adding a few extra minutes. Baked cookies freeze well too; just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy these cookies fresh from the oven again, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to revive their tender warmth without drying them out. This quick reheat makes them taste like they just came out of the oven again, perfect for impressing unexpected guests.
FAQs
Can I substitute the apricot jam with another fruit jam?
Absolutely! While apricot adds a lovely balance of sweet and tart, raspberry, strawberry, or peach jams also work beautifully and create different flavor nuances. Just be sure to use a thicker jam to avoid spreading during baking.
What if I don’t have almond extract? Can I skip it?
The almond extract is key for that signature nutty flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can use vanilla extract instead. The cookies will still be delicious, just with a milder, classic flavor profile.
How do I get the perfect indentation for the jam?
Using your thumb is traditional and effective, but if your dough feels sticky, try dipping the tip of a spoon or your thumb in flour to prevent sticking. Press firmly but gently so the cookies don’t flatten completely.
Will the cookies be too sweet with the jam and sugar?
Not at all. The balance of buttery dough, nutty almonds, and slightly tart apricot jam creates a harmonious sweetness that’s indulgent without being overpowering. If you prefer less sweetness, dusting with powdered sugar is completely optional.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be mindful to choose one with xanthan gum or another binder for the best texture results.
Final Thoughts
Making this Apricot Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is like inviting a warm, joyful moment into your kitchen. The tender texture combined with crunchy almonds and bright jam filling truly creates a cookie that feels homemade and heartfelt. I encourage you to gather these simple ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and share these special cookies with those you love—they’re sure to become a treasured classic just as they are in my home!
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Apricot Almond Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apricot Almond Thumbprint Cookies are tender, buttery treats filled with sweet apricot jam and topped with crunchy sliced almonds. Perfectly baked to a golden edge with a soft center, they make a delightful snack or dessert that’s easy to prepare for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup finely chopped sliced almonds
Filling and Topping
- 1/2 cup apricot jam
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Almond Extract: Stir in the almond extract for a subtle nutty aroma that enhances the cookie flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt to distribute the salt evenly, then gradually add this to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape Dough Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, dip the tops in the chopped sliced almonds to add crunch and flavor, then place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Create Indentations: Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press a small indentation into the center of each dough ball, which will hold the apricot jam filling.
- Fill with Jam: Spoon about 1/4 teaspoon of apricot jam into each indentation carefully so it stays in place during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown, indicating they are cooked through with a slightly crisp edge and soft center.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Optional Dusting: Once cooled, dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar if desired for an extra touch of sweetness and an elegant finish.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling can help control spreading during baking, although it is not necessary.
- If apricot jam is not available, other fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry can be used as a filling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
