These Raspberry and Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies are a tasty treat! With a crunchy hazelnut base and a sweet raspberry filling, they look as good as they taste.
You can’t go wrong with cookies that are both cute and delicious! I always make a double batch because they disappear quickly—everyone loves them! 🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Hazelnuts: Toasting the hazelnuts brings out their flavor, so don’t skip this step! If hazelnuts are hard to find, you can use almonds or walnuts as a tasty alternative.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well in this recipe. For a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the sweetness in check, but you can use margarine or vegan butter if you prefer a dairy-free version.
Raspberry Jam: While raspberry jam is delicious, feel free to swap in any berry jam like strawberry or blackberry, or even homemade jam if you have some!
How Do I Make the Perfect Indentation for Thumbprints?
Making the thumbprint indentation is key for this cookie. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use your thumb or the back of a small spoon, which works well if the dough is sticky.
- Make sure to press down gently—don’t go all the way through! You want to create a nice pocket for the jam.
- If you find the dough is sticking, lightly dust your thumb or spoon with flour to help.
Getting this step right means more room for that delicious jam! These cookies will be perfect every time.
Raspberry and Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup hazelnuts, toasted and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup raspberry jam (or preserves)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes of preparation and 12-15 minutes of baking time. Plus, allow some time for cooling before serving! Overall, you can have these yummy cookies ready in about 35-40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped hazelnuts, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly.
3. Mix the Dough:
Now, add the softened butter and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix everything together until the dough is well combined. It should be soft and hold together nicely.
4. Roll Dough Balls:
Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each ball to allow for spreading.
5. Create Indentations:
Take your thumb, or use the back of a small spoon, and gently press into the center of each dough ball to create a small indentation. Be careful not to press all the way through!
6. Fill with Jam:
Next, fill each indentation with about 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam. Don’t be shy—this is what gives the cookies their delicious flavor!
7. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! They should be lightly golden around the edges when they’re done.
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy!
Once they are cooled, serve and savor your tasty Raspberry and Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies! They are perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself!
Can I Use Different Nuts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While hazelnuts provide a unique flavor, you can substitute them with almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Just make sure they’re toasted for that delicious crunch!
Can I Use Different Flavors of Jam?
Yes! While raspberry jam is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other flavors like strawberry, apricot, or mixed berry. Each will give a different yet delightful twist to your cookies!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can also refrigerate them, but they may lose some of their crunch.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before rolling into balls and baking!
