These thumbprints are delicious and very pretty.
Makes about 202/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 large egg whites
3/4 cup finely chopped nuts of choice
1/3 cup jam (any flavor)
Preheat oven to 350 F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat. In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks, vanilla extract and salt. Gradually stir in flour. Form dough into 1-inch diameter balls. Dip in lightly beaten egg whites, then roll in nuts. Place 1 inch apart on prepared cookie sheets. Press down center of each with thumb. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Just before serving, fill centers of cookies with jam. Or, fill centers with 1/2 teaspoon of jam before baking.
Marisa Dec 25, 2007
Would make this again.
These are definitely a favorite I've been making for years. I always put the jam in before baking - helps it set into the cookie & makes it easier to store. I never cook them for 16 minutes though - more like 8 or 9. I think I might make them smaller.
Carri Jo is like Whoa! in Kentucky! Dec 22, 2007
Would make this again.
My Grandma made these EVERY year but not the jam part (eww). We put different colors of icing made out of milk and powered sugar. My whole family loves them! Try them!!
Jennifer in NC Dec 22, 2007
Would make this again.
These Cookies are very good. I will for sure make these cookies again.
A cookie baker in Albuquerque Dec 21, 2007
Would make this again.
I put a large chocolate chip in the thumbprint before cherry preserves and then baked. Yum, cherry chocolate goodness.
Ann in Virginia Dec 20, 2007
Would make this again.
To save time I put eggs and nuts in dough. Still delicious. Making the dough a day ahead also helps. More fun for another day with the grandkids.
Amy in NH Dec 19, 2007
Would make this again.
These cookies are awesome! Delicious, not overly sweet, yummy! And my son loves helping to make them.
My only complaint is I found them time consuming. If anyone knows a faster way to roll all those little balls, let me know!
christen g in burbank, ca Dec 15, 2007
Would make this again.
great recipe.....always loved TP cookies since i was a kid. my mother's version, which i personally love, is that the cookies are rolled in crushed corn flakes (not frosted flakes), instead of nuts. try it! i highly recommend mint jelly for the centers of some, the green is very "Christmas-y".
thanks!
Joel Kouyoumjian in South Portland, ME Dec 13, 2007
Would make this again.
Fantastic! Mom used to make virtually the same thing and called 'em Jolly Jellies. Trouble is, they disappear before they get cool enough to put in a tin!
A cookie baker in kentucky Dec 10, 2007
Would make this again.
My whole family loves these cookies. Instead of filling the thumbprint with jam I filled it with icing. Very good
A cookie baker in New York Nov 9, 2007
Would make this again.
I have been making these for years and sometimes use melted chocolate for the middle instead of jam. Sometimes I just dip the tops in the egg whites and then the nuts because its less messy.
