Buttery Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Homey Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies Recipe Magic

Baking these delightful almond flour thumbprint cookies brings pure joy to any kitchen.

The nutty, tender almond flour creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets these cookies apart from traditional recipes.

Soft and delicate, each cookie becomes a canvas for your favorite jam or preserves.

Rich, buttery notes dance with sweet fruity centers, making these treats irresistibly charming.

The gluten-free base ensures everyone can enjoy these elegant little delights.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these gorgeous cookies that sparkle with homemade warmth.

Dive into this recipe and let the delicious magic unfold.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Calories: 105 kcal

Servings: 13

Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies: Ingredient Lineup

For The Base:
  • Almond Flour: Gluten-free foundation that creates a delicate, nutty texture perfect for sensitive diets and adds rich, subtle flavor to cookies.
  • Butter: Softened to ensure smooth blending and provide rich, creamy tenderness to the cookie dough.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
For Sweetening And Flavoring:
  • Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that adds depth and complexity with its distinctive warm, caramel-like notes.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, aromatic complexity and rounds out the cookie's flavor profile.
For Filling And Decoration:
  • Jam: Adds vibrant color and fruity burst to the center, creating a delightful surprise in each bite. Choose high-quality, seedless preserves for smooth texture and intense fruit flavor.
  • Mixing Bowl: Small bowl for combining dry and wet ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons: Precise measurements for syrup, vanilla, and jam.
  • Tablespoon: For scooping and portioning cookie dough.
  • Baking Sheet: Flat surface for baking cookies, preferably lined with parchment paper.
  • Cooling Rack: Metal grid for allowing cookies to cool evenly after baking.
  • Thumb or Back of Spoon: To create indentations in cookie dough.

Baking Your Thumbprint Cookies

  • Cookie Preparation

Gather all ingredients and essential baking tools for a smooth cooking experience. Select high-quality almond flour and your favorite jam for delightful flavor combinations.

  • Dough Creation

Mix softened butter with maple syrup in a bowl, blending ingredients until smooth and creamy. Incorporate almond flour and vanilla, kneading gently to form a soft, cohesive mixture.

  • Shaping Technique

Roll small portions of dough into delicate round balls. Create gentle thumb impressions in the center of each cookie, forming perfect little wells for jam filling.

  • Jam Filling

Carefully spoon your chosen jam into the center of each cookie. Choose vibrant fruit preserves that complement the nutty almond base.

  • Baking Process

Place cookies on a lined baking sheet. Slide into a preheated oven and bake until edges turn a soft golden brown, releasing a warm, sweet aroma throughout the kitchen.

  • Cooling and Serving

Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack, letting them reach room temperature before enjoying these tender, melt-in-your-mouth treats.

Thumbprint Tips & Fillings

  • Prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for 1 month, allowing for convenient baking whenever you crave a sweet treat.
  • Replace maple syrup with honey or agave nectar for alternative flavor profiles while maintaining the cookie's delicate texture.
  • Sprinkle chopped almonds or crushed pistachios around the cookie edges before baking to add extra texture and nutty depth to the almond flour base.
  • Once cooled, melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle over the cookies for an elegant finishing touch that elevates their visual appeal and adds a luxurious flavor dimension.

How to Serve Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies

  • Sweet Jam Pairing Delights: Choose vibrant berry jams like raspberry or strawberry for a burst of fruity flavor that complements the nutty almond base.
  • Dessert Platter Companion: Arrange these delicate cookies alongside a cup of herbal tea or espresso for an elegant afternoon treat that impresses guests.
  • Gifting Gourmet Touch: Package these cookies in a beautiful mason jar or decorative tin with a ribbon for a homemade food gift that shows thoughtful personal care.
  • Holiday Festive Presentation: Dust the cooled cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar to create a winter wonderland effect perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.

Storing Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies

  • Cookie Storage Sanctuary: Keep these delightful almond flour thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and taste.
  • Freezing Magic: Stack cookies between parchment paper layers inside a freezer-safe container. They'll maintain their delicious quality for 2-3 months, ready for unexpected cookie cravings.
  • Jam Considerations: Choose shelf-stable jams with lower moisture content to prevent cookie softening. Refrigerated or homemade jams might slightly compromise the cookie's crisp texture.
  • Cooling Wisdom: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation, which could make the bottoms soggy and diminish their delightful crumbly texture.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Buttery Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Buttery Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Classic almond flour thumbprint cookies combine nutty richness with sweet raspberry jam centers. Delicate gluten-free treats offer elegant simplicity you can enjoy with afternoon tea or share with cherished friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) almond flour, finely ground
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) ghee, softened butter, or vegan butter (such as Earth Balance)
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) maple syrup
  • 3 tbsps (45 ml) jam, homemade or store-bought
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) salt

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Adjust oven rack to center position and preheat to 350°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
  2. Dough Mixing: Blend almond flour, softened butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt in a mixing bowl. Knead until dough becomes cohesive, transforming from crumbly to smooth consistency.
  3. Cookie Shaping: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into uniform spheres. Position cookies on prepared baking surface with slight spacing between them.
  4. Thumbprint Creation: Press thumb or rounded measuring spoon into cookie center, forming a gentle indentation for jam filling.
  5. Jam Filling: Carefully deposit jam into each cookie’s depression, ensuring precise and neat application.
  6. Baking Process: Slide cookie sheet into preheated oven and bake 10-12 minutes until edges develop a delicate golden hue.
  7. Cooling and Setting: Remove from oven and allow cookies to rest on baking sheet for 10 minutes, enabling structural stability. Transfer to cooling rack and let reach room temperature before serving.

Notes

  • Flour Finesse: Almond flour’s unique texture demands precise mixing; blend ingredients thoroughly but avoid overworking to maintain a delicate crumb.
  • Temperature Trick: Cold butter won’t incorporate smoothly, so ensure it’s softened at room temperature for perfect dough consistency.
  • Thumbprint Technique: Create gentle, even indentations without pressing too hard to prevent cookie cracking or uneven surfaces.
  • Cooling Crucial: Allowing cookies to rest on the baking sheet stabilizes their structure, preventing potential crumbling when transferred.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 105
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 30 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star