Irresistible Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies with Berry Jam: Your Perfect Holiday Treat

Indulge in the delightful simplicity of buttery hazelnut thumbprint cookies, each cradling a sweet, vibrant berry jam center. These charming cookies are incredibly easy to bake, bursting with rich flavor, and make for a wonderfully elegant, yet effortless, addition to any holiday celebration or a cozy afternoon treat.

As the festive season draws to a close, what better way to celebrate than with one final, exquisite holiday treat? While my culinary focus often leans towards savory dishes, these past few weeks have been a delightful exploration of all things sweet. And for good reason – these hazelnut thumbprint cookies with jam are simply divine, offering a comforting burst of flavor that perfectly captures the spirit of the holidays.

With Christmas just days away, I wanted to share a recipe that is both utterly delicious and incredibly straightforward. We all know how hectic these last few days of the year can be, and an elaborate dessert is often the last thing on anyone’s mind. That’s precisely why these **easy hazelnut thumbprint cookies** are so perfect. The cookie dough comes together in under 10 minutes and, even better, requires absolutely no chill time. This means you can go from craving to devouring these delectable treats in well under an hour!

Years ago, I shared a recipe for pistachio thumbprint cookies, and ever since, I’ve been eager to introduce another variation to my repertoire. These hazelnut and berry jam versions have quickly become a new favorite, offering a different, yet equally captivating, flavor profile that is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love These Easy Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

• Effortlessly Simple: With no chilling required, this recipe is perfect for last-minute baking or when you simply don’t have a lot of time.
• Rich Hazelnut Flavor: The use of hazelnut flour infuses these cookies with a deep, nutty aroma and taste that is truly unique and comforting.
• Vibrant Berry Jam Center: A luscious, sweet-tart jam filling perfectly balances the buttery cookie, creating an irresistible contrast in flavors and textures.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: While ideal for holiday gatherings, these cookies are versatile enough for everyday enjoyment, potlucks, or homemade gifts.
• Customizable: Easily swap out the hazelnut flour for almond flour or experiment with different jam fillings to suit your preferences.

The Magic of Hazelnut Flour (and Substitutions)

Thumbprint cookies typically feature a tender, shortbread-like sugar cookie dough, often made without eggs to achieve that classic melt-in-your-mouth texture. While various toppings can be used, from chocolate ganache to fruit curds, jam and preserves remain the most popular choice for their vibrant color and delightful sweetness.

My preferred method for crafting these **delicious thumbprint cookies** involves a thoughtful blend of all-purpose flour and a complementary nut flour. All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure, while the addition of nut flour introduces an incredible richness and a more complex flavor profile, elevating the cookie beyond the ordinary. For these particular holiday delights, I chose hazelnut flour to impart a truly decadent, festive touch.

Making Your Own Hazelnut Flour vs. Store-Bought

You can certainly embark on the rewarding journey of making homemade hazelnut flour from scratch. This usually involves toasting hazelnuts, removing their skins, and then finely grinding them. However, to simplify your baking process, I often opt for the convenience of store-bought hazelnut flour. It’s a fantastic time-saver, especially during busy periods. Any unused hazelnut flour can be stored in your freezer to significantly extend its shelf life, ensuring it stays fresh for future baking adventures.

While I’m not directly affiliated with them for this specific recipe post, I’ve had excellent experiences with Bob’s Red Mill hazelnut flour, which I highly recommend for its consistent quality. It’s worth noting that hazelnuts are among the more expensive nuts, so hazelnut flour can be a bit of an investment. However, its culinary applications are wonderfully diverse, making it a valuable pantry staple for any avid baker.

Almond Flour as an Alternative

If you prefer not to purchase hazelnut flour, or simply don’t have it on hand, you can easily substitute it 1:1 with almond flour or almond meal in this recipe. Almond flour will yield a slightly different, yet equally delicious, flavor, still providing that wonderful nutty richness. This flexibility ensures that you can enjoy these thumbprint cookies regardless of your ingredient availability.

Beyond these thumbprint cookies, leftover hazelnut flour can be creatively used in other recipes, such as these rich espresso hazelnut cookies with dark chocolate drizzle. Alternatively, it can serve as a fantastic substitute for almond flour in classic treats like almond crescent cookies or a moist blueberry almond tea cake, adding a unique twist to familiar favorites.

Crafting the Perfect Thumbprint: Step-by-Step Guide

Making these hazelnut thumbprint cookies is a joyous and straightforward process. Here’s a more detailed look at each stage to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Dough Preparation: No Chill Time Needed!

The beauty of this recipe starts with its incredibly cooperative dough. Begin by whisking together your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, hazelnut flour, and kosher salt. In a separate bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and fresh orange zest until the mixture is light and fluffy. The orange zest is a secret weapon here, providing a bright, aromatic counterpoint to the rich hazelnut and sweet jam. Stir in pure vanilla extract, then gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. The dough will initially appear crumbly, but with a bit of patience and continuous mixing on low speed, it will come together into a wonderfully smooth, pliable consistency. If it’s still too dry, a tiny splash of water (about a teaspoon) can help it coalesce.

Shaping and Indenting for Success

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to form the cookies. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion the dough and roll it into smooth, 1-inch diameter balls. Arrange these balls about 2 inches apart on your parchment-lined baking sheets. Now comes the “thumbprint” part! You can use your actual thumb, or for a more uniform indentation, the rounded end of a wooden spoon handle works perfectly. Gently press down into the center of each dough ball, creating a well for the jam. Be careful not to press all the way through to the baking sheet. If the edges crack a little, simply gently press them back together to maintain a neat circle. This ensures your cookies hold their shape and their jam filling beautifully.

Baking for Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) with a rack in the center. Bake the cookies for approximately 16 to 18 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the edges are just set. It’s important not to overbake them, as you want to maintain that wonderfully tender, buttery texture. Once baked, let them cool on the sheet pans for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they are cooling, you can gently dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. This also prevents the jam from absorbing too much of the sugar.

Unveiling the Flavor: Orange Zest & Berry Jam

One of the most appealing aspects of thumbprint cookies is the delightful interplay of textures and flavors. You get the crisp, yet tender and buttery cookie, beautifully complemented by a soft, fruit-filled center. For me, **jam thumbprint cookies** are always a go-to choice.

To perfectly enhance the nutty notes of the hazelnut flour, I’ve subtly infused the cookie dough with fragrant fresh orange zest. This bright, citrusy element provides a wonderful contrast and complexity to the rich hazelnut. For the filling, I’ve opted for a vibrant berry jam. Unlike some recipes that call for filling the cookies before baking, these are filled after, allowing the jam to retain its fresh fruitiness and vivid color.

Choosing the Best Jam for Your Cookies

A good quality raspberry or mixed berry preserve works exceptionally well here, offering a delightful sweet-tart balance. However, don’t hesitate to use apricot or strawberry jam if that’s what you have readily available in your pantry. The key is to select a high-quality jam or preserve that boasts a rich fruit flavor and a slightly thicker texture, with a lower sugar content if possible. The natural acidity of the fruit in a good jam helps to cut through the sweetness of the cookie, creating a more balanced and enjoyable bite. Briefly heating the jam in a small saucepan until it boils and thickens slightly before spooning it into the cooled cookie centers ensures a beautiful, glossy finish and prevents it from being too runny.

Other Delightful Filling Ideas

While berry jam is a classic, the possibilities for thumbprint cookie fillings are endless! Consider:

• Chocolate Ganache: A rich, dark chocolate ganache makes for an indulgent twist.
• Lemon Curd: Bright and tangy, a lemon curd filling offers a refreshing contrast.
• Caramel: A chewy caramel center, perhaps sprinkled with sea salt, can be incredibly decadent.
• Nutella: For a quick and easy option, a dollop of Nutella is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: A small swirl of cream cheese frosting can add a delightful creamy element once the cookies are fully cooled.

Tips for Storing and Enjoying Your Cookies

These **homemade hazelnut thumbprint cookies** are best enjoyed within a week. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness, consider layering them between sheets of parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking and to keep them from getting soggy from the jam. They also freeze beautifully, making them an excellent make-ahead option for future events. Simply arrange cooled, unfrosted cookies on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature and fill with jam before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying thumbprint cookies:

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

While this recipe boasts no chill time, you can certainly prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before rolling and shaping, as cold dough can be a bit crumbly.

My cookies spread too much, what went wrong?

Over-softened butter or inaccurate flour measurements (too little flour) can cause cookies to spread. Ensure your butter is at room temperature but not greasy. Also, using a kitchen scale for flour measurements is highly recommended for accuracy, as volume measurements can be inconsistent.

Can I use a different type of nut flour?

Absolutely! As mentioned, almond flour is a great 1:1 substitute. Other nut flours like pecan or walnut flour could also work, but their flavor profiles are stronger and might alter the taste significantly. Start with almond for a reliable alternative.

How do I prevent the jam from sinking or bubbling?

Heating the jam slightly before adding it to the cookies helps it set better and creates a smoother, more stable filling. Don’t overfill the indentations; a ½ to 1 teaspoon is usually sufficient.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This specific recipe is not gluten-free as it uses all-purpose flour. However, you could experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in conjunction with the hazelnut flour. Results may vary, so a test batch is recommended.

If you’re still searching for that perfect, last-minute cookie recipe to grace your holiday table, these **hazelnut thumbprint cookies** are an exceptional choice! Their simplicity, combined with their incredible flavor and charming appearance, makes them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Happiest of holidays to you and yours – may your celebrations be filled with warmth, joy, and plenty of delicious treats!