Almond Fig Thumbprint Cookies are the lusciously sweet, soft textured cookies your holiday cookie plates are missing.
There is nothing like catching up over a cup of tea or coffee. Sharing a special moment, a few treats, a warm drink while you chat.
I recently did just that with my mom, who came home from an overseas trip. I couldn’t wait to see her and hear all about her trip, so I planned a tiny tea party for us.
I baked these Almond Fig Thumbprint Cookies to snack on while we chat.
Almond Fig Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Thumbprint cookies are a great excuse to use up a little leftover jam.
I do love receiving jars of homemade jam — especially when the giver made it from fruit grew in his or her garden — but I always seem to have an overwhelming stash in my pantry.
I don’t particularly care for toast for breakfast that often, so my solution is to make a batch of these cookies every once in a while. It’s a great way to use up a small jar or what’s left in your fridge.
The cookies themselves are very delicate. The texture is soft and moist, with a lovely dollop of sweet Dalmatian fig jam in the center.
The almond flavoring is perfectly subtle, too.
Almond Fig Thumbprint Cookies would be perfect for a party snack or served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to add the thumbprint
With your finger or the back of a spoon, flatten the cookie slightly and create an indentation in the center of the cookie.
Be careful not to press all the way through the cookie, but leave a small hollow for the jam. If the dough is too soft, refrigerate for 5 minutes.
Bake cookies for 10 minutes or until just golden brown on the bottom.
Remove baking sheet from the oven. If the hollows have spread a little, use the back of a spoon to redefine them.
This recipe is easy and customizable. There are only seven ingredients, and you can make them with just about any kind of jam. (Fig is my jam, though. Yep. I went there.)
You can also use curd or marmalade. My friend Stephie makes an incredible grapefruit curd that would be amazing in these cookies.
If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can use salted caramel spread, Nutella or peanut butter.
If you’re allergic to nuts or just don’t have almond extract, substitute vanilla extract. Let me know what combinations you try! // susannah
Almond Fig Thumbprint Cookies
These sweet delicate cookies are perfect for serving at tea time or on your holiday cookie platter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- about 3/4 cups (6 ounces) of fig jam, or any type of jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar together on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, then add the almond extract and salt. With the mixer on low, add the flour in three batches. Continue to mix until the dough comes together into a ball.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 to 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. With your finger or the back of a spoon, flatten the cookie slightly and create an indentation in the center of the cookie. Be careful not to press all the way through the cookie, but leave a small hollow for the jam. If the dough is too soft, refrigerate for 5 minutes.
- Bake cookies for 10 minutes or until just golden brown on the bottom. Remove baking sheet from the oven. If the hollows have spread a little, use the back of a spoon to redefine them. Spoon about 1/2 teaspoon jam into each hollow. Bake for another 4 to 6 minutes, or until jam melts slightly and the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
- Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 2 cookiesAmount Per Serving: Calories: 145Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 99mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 3g
Margaret says
Great recipe. Wish I could join you for afternoon tea too!
Cindy says
These are amazing! I used fig butter instead of an because that’s what I had and they came out perfect. Crispy and chewy with a great almond undertone. Thanks!
Susannah says
So glad to hear it, Cindy! I’m glad to know that fig butter will work instead of fig jam. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!
// susannah
Mary Strunk says
Sounds great can not wait to try them.
Susannah says
So glad you are going to try these, Mark! Let me know how they turn out if you do.