Apricot Filled Thumbprint Cookies

Name: Apricot Filled Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup granulated sugar (+ additional for rolling); 1 egg yolk; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 tsp almond extract; 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup apricot jam

Published: June 30, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have delicious cookies in no time.
Versatile Flavor: The combination of apricot jam offers a unique twist that sets these cookies apart from traditional recipes.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive holiday or a casual get-together, these cookies fit right in.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different jams or preserves if you want to vary the flavor!
Beautiful Presentation: The thumbprint design not only looks appealing but also allows for generous amounts of filling.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Gather your essentials before you begin!

Essential Tools and Equipment

Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Parchment paper
Baking sheets
Teaspoon or piping bag

Importance of Each Tool

Electric hand mixer or stand mixer: These tools save time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.

Ingredients

For the Dough

1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar (+ additional for rolling)
1 egg yolk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract
2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt

For the Filling

1/2 cup apricot jam

How to Make Apricot Filled Thumbprint Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prepare for baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add one egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the creamed mixture. Beat on medium-high speed until fully combined, making sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and salt, adding about half a cup at a time on low speed until everything is fully combined.

Roll the cookie dough into balls using about one tablespoon of dough per ball. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing them on the prepared baking sheets about 1-2 inches apart.

Step 6: Create Thumbprints

Using the back of a teaspoon, press into the center of each dough ball to create an indentation. Fill each thumbprint with approximately half a teaspoon of apricot jam using either a spoon or piping bag.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until the bottoms are light brown and you see bubbly jam.

Step 8: Cool Down

Remove cookies from the oven. Let them cool on hot trays for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely before enjoying!

These Apricot Filled Thumbprint Cookies make for an irresistible treat that everyone will love!

How to Serve Apricot Filled Thumbprint Cookies

These delicious apricot filled thumbprint cookies are perfect for any occasion. They can be enjoyed as an afternoon snack, dessert after dinner, or even as a treat during holiday gatherings.

With Tea or Coffee

Pair these cookies with your favorite tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon break. The sweetness of the cookies complements the bitterness of the beverages beautifully.

As a Dessert Platter

Arrange the thumbprint cookies on a dessert platter alongside other baked goods. This colorful display will impress your guests and offer a variety of flavors.

With Fresh Fruit

Serve your cookies with slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or kiwi. The freshness enhances the flavor of the apricot jam while adding a vibrant touch to your plate.

Set up a cookie bar with these thumbprints as one of the featured treats. Include toppings like whipped cream or chocolate sauce for added fun and creativity.

How to Perfect Apricot Filled Thumbprint Cookies

To make sure your apricot filled thumbprint cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter helps create a light and fluffy dough that bakes evenly.
Chill Dough Before Baking: If you find the dough too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes. This makes it easier to roll into balls.
Evenly Space Cookies on Baking Sheet: Leave enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading while baking, ensuring they don’t stick together.
Don’t Overfill with Jam: Use just enough apricot jam in each indentation, as too much can overflow during baking.
Cool Completely Before Storing: Allow cookies to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container to maintain their texture.

Best Side Dishes for Apricot Filled Thumbprint Cookies

These flavorful cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their taste and presentation. Here are some great options to consider.

Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a bright contrast to the sweet cookies.
Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses complements the sweetness of the apricot jam nicely.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a delightful breakfast or snack option that pairs well with the cookies.
Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats provide an elegant touch and balance well with the cookies’ flavor profile.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes an indulgent pairing, perfect for dessert lovers.
Coffee Cake: Serve alongside a slice of coffee cake for a delightful brunch experience that features different textures and flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes is key to perfecting your Apricot Filled Thumbprint Cookies.

Skipping the room temperature butter: Using cold butter will not yield a fluffy texture. Always let your butter soften before creaming it with sugar.
Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender bite.
Not chilling the dough: If you skip chilling the dough, it may spread too much while baking. Chill for at least 30 minutes for better results.
Ignoring oven accuracy: An inaccurate oven can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the correct temperature.
Using too much jam: Overfilling the thumbprint can lead to overflow while baking. Stick to about 1/2 teaspoon of jam in each cookie.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Apricot Filled Thumbprint Cookies

Freeze cookies for up to 3 months in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Reheating Apricot Filled Thumbprint Cookies

Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat cookies individually on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds.
Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat for a few minutes, flipping gently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Apricot Filled Thumbprint Cookies.

Can I use other fruit jams?

Absolutely! You can substitute apricot jam with any favorite fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry.

How do I make my cookies more flavorful?

Consider adding citrus zest or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for extra flavor.

What if I can’t find almond extract?

You can omit almond extract and use more vanilla extract as a substitute, or simply leave it out entirely.

Are these cookies suitable for gifting?

Yes! These cookies make wonderful gifts during holidays or special occasions when packaged nicely in a decorative box.

Final Thoughts

These Apricot Filled Thumbprint Cookies are not only delightful but also versatile. Experiment with different jams and flavors to customize them to your taste. Try making them today and enjoy the sweet combination of buttery cookies and tart apricot preserves!

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