Indulge in the delightful combination of peanut butter and jam with these easy-to-make thumbprint cookies. Perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat, these cookies bring together the creamy richness of peanut butter and the fruity burst of your favorite jam.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, if you don't usually keep peanut butter or jam on hand, you'll need to pick them up at the supermarket. Make sure to choose a jam flavor that you love, as it will be the highlight of these cookies.
Ingredients For Peanut Butter Jam Thumbprints Recipe
Peanut butter: A creamy or chunky spread made from ground peanuts, providing a rich and nutty flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sweetener that adds sweetness and helps with the texture of the cookies.
Egg: A large egg that acts as a binding agent, giving structure to the cookies.
Vanilla extract: A liquid flavoring derived from vanilla beans, adding a warm and aromatic note.
Jam: A sweet spread made from fruit and sugar, used to fill the thumbprint wells in the cookies.
Technique Tip for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies
When creating the thumbprint wells, dip your thumb in a little bit of flour or sugar to prevent the dough from sticking. This will help you achieve a clean and even indentation for the jam.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter has a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor, making it a great alternative for those with peanut allergies.
peanut butter - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: Sunflower seed butter is a nut-free option that provides a similar consistency and taste profile.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies, though it may slightly alter the texture.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and a caramel-like flavor, making it a healthier alternative.
egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) works as a binding agent and is suitable for vegan diets.
egg - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can add moisture and act as a binder, though it may make the cookies slightly denser.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the cookies.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a unique sweetness and depth of flavor, though it may slightly alter the consistency.
jam - Substitute with fruit preserves: Fruit preserves have a similar texture and sweetness, making them an excellent alternative to jam.
jam - Substitute with nut butter: Nut butter like cashew or hazelnut can provide a rich, creamy filling that complements the cookie base.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Thumbprint Cookies
How To Store or Freeze Your Thumbprint Cookies
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. This ensures they maintain their texture and don't become soggy.
Place the thumbprints in an airtight container. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Store the container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, consider refrigeration.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from sticking together.
Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the thumbprints at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will bring back their delightful texture and flavor.
If you prefer a warm treat, reheat the thawed cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This will revive their freshly baked aroma and taste.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the leftover peanut butter jam thumbprints on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for 5-7 minutes or until they are warmed through. This method helps maintain the cookie's texture, keeping the outside slightly crisp while the inside remains soft.
Use a microwave for a quick reheat. Place a few thumbprints on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as the jam can become extremely hot and the cookies may turn too soft.
For a toaster oven, set it to 300°F (150°C). Arrange the thumbprints on the toaster oven tray and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method is ideal for small batches and helps retain the cookies' original texture.
If you prefer a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place the thumbprints in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don't burn. This method can give a slightly crispier edge to the cookies.
For an air fryer, preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place the thumbprints in the basket in a single layer. Heat for 2-3 minutes. This method is quick and helps maintain a nice texture without making the cookies too soft.
If you have a steam oven, set it to a low steam setting at around 250°F (120°C). Place the thumbprints on a steam tray and heat for 3-4 minutes. This method ensures the cookies stay moist without drying out.
For a more unconventional method, use a sous vide machine. Place the thumbprints in a vacuum-sealed bag and submerge in a water bath set to 140°F (60°C) for about 10 minutes. This method gently warms the cookies without altering their texture.
Essential Tools for Making Thumbprint Cookies
Oven: Used to bake the cookies at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C)
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth
Baking sheet: Used to place the rolled dough balls for baking
Measuring cups: Used to measure the peanut butter and jam accurately
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the sugar and vanilla extract accurately
Spatula: Used to mix the ingredients together in the mixing bowl
Wire rack: Used to cool the cookies completely after baking
Spoon: Used to fill the wells in the dough balls with jam
Parchment paper: Used to line the baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking
How to Save Time on Making Thumbprint Cookies
Prepare ingredients ahead: Measure out peanut butter, sugar, and jam in advance to streamline the process.
Use a cookie scoop: A cookie scoop ensures uniform dough balls and speeds up the rolling process.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin mixing ingredients to save time.
Line baking sheet: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to reduce cleanup time.
Chill dough briefly: If the dough is too sticky, a quick chill in the fridge can make it easier to handle.
Peanut Butter Jam Thumbprints
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Peanut Butter
- ½ cup Sugar
- 1 large Egg
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Jam any flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Press your thumb into the center of each ball to create a small well.
- Fill each well with a small amount of jam.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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