Apricot Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

If you are a fan of buttery, tender, and fruit-filled bites of happiness, then you have to try this delightful Apricot Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. These charming cookies combine a soft, crumbly base with a sweet, tangy apricot jam center and a crunchy walnut coating, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds sing. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or gifting something handmade and special, these cookies are absolutely irresistible and sure to become a favorite in your collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making stunning Apricot Thumbprint Cookies. Each element plays a crucial role—from the soft butter that makes the dough melt in your mouth, to the apricot jam that provides that luscious burst of flavor, and the walnuts that add a perfect crunch and depth.

• All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups + 2 tablespoons/225g): The foundation that gives structure and softness to the cookies.
• Baking powder (½ teaspoon/2g): Helps the cookies rise slightly for the perfect texture.
• Salt (½ teaspoon/3g): Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
• Unsalted butter (¾ cup/170g, softened): Adds richness and tenderness to the dough.
• Granulated sugar (2/3 cup/135g): Sweetens the dough just right for that classic cookie taste.
• Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together and gives the dough a soft crumb.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon/5ml): Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cookies.
• Apricot jam (½ cup/170g): The star ingredient that brings fruity sunshine into the thumbprint indentations.
• Finely chopped walnuts (1 cup/150g): For a nutty crunch that perfectly contrasts the smooth jam and tender cookie.

How to Make Apricot Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Whip them together on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale. This step is essential as it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in delightfully tender cookies.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until completely blended. This gives the dough moisture and carries the warm vanilla notes through every bite.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together separately, then add them to your wet ingredients in two additions. Use low speed to combine just until the flour disappears, taking care not to overmix to keep your cookies tender.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Scrape down the bowl’s sides, cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling solidifies the butter, making your dough easier to handle and helping the cookies keep their shape while baking.

Step 6: Prepare Walnuts for Rolling

Place finely chopped walnuts into a small bowl. These will coat the cookie dough balls, adding a satisfying nutty layer to each cookie.

Step 7: Shape the Dough Balls

Using a teaspoon scoop (a 1-inch round scoop works wonderfully), portion out the chilled dough into uniform balls. Roll each between your palms into a smooth, even sphere for the best texture and appearance.

Step 8: Coat with Walnuts and Arrange

Roll each dough ball in the chopped walnuts so they stick all around. If the nuts aren’t adhering well, try scooping some into your palm and rolling the dough between your hands to press them in. Place the balls two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.

Step 9: Make the Thumbprint Indentations

Press your thumb or the side of a knuckle into the center of each dough ball, creating a half-inch deep indentation. This well will hold the luscious apricot jam during baking.

Step 10: Fill with Apricot Jam

Generously scoop about three-quarters of a teaspoon of apricot jam into each indentation, mounding it slightly. Don’t overfill, or the jam might spill over during baking.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the cookies for 14 to 15 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the jam looks set. If baking two sheets at once, rotate them halfway and add an extra minute or two for even baking. Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

How to Serve Apricot Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled cookies for a delicate, festive touch. For extra flair, add a tiny twist of lemon zest atop the jam to brighten the flavor and decorate your platter with fresh mint leaves for color contrast.

Side Dishes

These cookies are a heavenly companion to your favorite hot beverage, such as a fragrant Earl Grey tea or a rich, frothy cappuccino. They also pair beautifully with a small bowl of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the Apricot Thumbprint Cookies on a tiered dessert stand or in a rustic wooden box lined with parchment. Gift them in a decorative tin tied with a ribbon for a charming homemade present. You can also drizzle the baked cookies lightly with melted white chocolate for an elegant finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, store these delightful cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their freshness and texture for up to one week, making for an easy grab-and-go treat whenever you crave something sweet.

Freezing

Apricot Thumbprint Cookies freeze beautifully. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and store for up to three months. When you want a quick snack, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies slightly warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes. This will soften the cookies and warm the jam, bringing back that fresh-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I substitute the apricot jam with another type of jam?

Absolutely! Apricot jam is classic for its delicate sweetness, but raspberry, strawberry, or even a citrus marmalade work wonderfully in this recipe and add your own unique flavor twist.

How do I make sure the walnuts stick well to the dough?

If the nuts don’t adhere easily, press them gently into the dough balls using your hands or a spoon. Ensuring the dough is cold also helps the nuts cling better when you roll the balls.

Can I bake these cookies at a higher altitude?

When baking at high altitudes, you may want to slightly decrease the baking powder and increase the flour by a tablespoon or two to help maintain the cookie’s structure and prevent spreading.

What’s the best way to make the thumbprint indentation?

Use your thumb or knuckle to gently but firmly press into each dough ball about half an inch deep—deep enough to hold jam but not so deep that the cookie loses its shape.

Are these cookies suitable for freezing before or after baking?

You can freeze the shaped, jam-filled dough balls before baking or the fully baked cookies. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent freezer burn, and thaw completely before baking or serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cookie recipe that’s as charming as it is delicious, you really can’t go wrong with this Apricot Thumbprint Cookies Recipe. Each buttery bite filled with sweet apricot jam and nutty walnuts is like a small moment of pure joy. I encourage you to try baking these soon—you’ll find they not only taste incredible but also bring a little extra warmth and sunshine to your day!

Print