Almond Bliss Thumbprint Cookies
Indulge in the delightful taste of Almond Bliss Thumbprint Cookies, a refined twist on traditional Passover treats. These elegant almond-infused cookies are perfect for any occasion, not just Passover! Their unique texture combines a crisp and golden exterior with a gooey, sweet jam center, creating a mouthwatering contrast that’s simply irresistible. Each bite melts in your mouth, making them addictive enough to double the batch. With the option to replace jam with a whole almond for a more nutty delight, these cookies cater to all palates. Quick to prepare and perfect for celebrations or cozy afternoons alike, they will quickly become a family favorite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
sliced blanched almonds
3/4 cup (toasted and cooled)
sugar
2/3 cup
matzo cake meal
2/3 cup
salt
1/4 teaspoon
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (melted and cooled slightly)
large egg
1 (lightly beaten)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
almond extract
1/4 teaspoon
fruit jam
2 tablespoons (such as raspberry, strawberry, or apricot)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, pulse toasted almonds, sugar, matzo cake meal, and salt together until finely ground, but be cautious not to over-process into a paste.
2
Transfer the almond mixture into a mixing bowl, then add melted butter, beaten egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined and a dough forms.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, until it firms up.
4
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle.
5
Once the dough is firm, scoop out level tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls, spacing them about an inch apart on two ungreased baking sheets.
6
Chill the rolled dough balls for an additional 10 minutes to ensure they maintain their shape during baking.
7
Using your thumb, index finger, or the rounded end of a wooden spoon, create a 1/2-inch-wide by 1/3-inch-deep indentation in the center of each dough ball.
8
Fill each indentation with about 1/4 teaspoon of your choice of fruit jam.
9
Bake one sheet at a time in the preheated oven for 14 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are pale golden and the undersides are golden brown.
10
Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Almond Bliss Thumbprint Cookies?
They are elegant almond-infused treats with a crisp, golden exterior and a sweet, gooey jam center.
Is this recipe suitable for Passover?
Yes, these cookies use matzo cake meal, making them a refined twist on traditional Passover treats.
What flavor of jam works best for the filling?
You can use any fruit jam, but raspberry, strawberry, or apricot are highly recommended.
How should I prepare the almonds for the dough?
Use sliced blanched almonds that have been toasted and cooled, then pulse them in a food processor until finely ground.
Can I replace the jam with something else?
Yes, for a more nutty delight, you can replace the jam center with a whole almond.
What is the baking temperature for these cookies?
The cookies should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How long do I need to chill the dough?
The dough should be chilled for 30 minutes initially, and then the rolled balls should be chilled for an additional 10 minutes before baking.
How do I make the 'thumbprint' indentation?
Use your thumb, index finger, or the rounded end of a wooden spoon to create a 1/2-inch-wide by 1/3-inch-deep indentation in the center of each dough ball.
What ingredients do I need for the dough base?
The base requires toasted almonds, sugar, matzo cake meal, salt, melted unsalted butter, a beaten egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
How long should the cookies stay in the oven?
Bake the cookies for 14 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are pale golden and the undersides are golden brown.
Should I grease the baking sheet?
No, the instructions specify using ungreased baking sheets for this recipe.
What happens if I over-process the almond mixture?
You should be cautious not to over-process the mixture into a paste; it should only be pulsed until finely ground.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe is tagged as gluten-free, though this depends on using a gluten-free certified matzo cake meal.
How many ingredients are in the Almond Bliss Thumbprint Cookies?
This recipe requires a total of 9 ingredients.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
The oven rack should be positioned in the middle of the oven for even baking.
How much jam should go into each cookie?
Fill each indentation with about 1/4 teaspoon of fruit jam.
How far apart should I space the dough balls?
Space the dough balls about an inch apart on the baking sheets.
Can I eat these cookies right out of the oven?
It is best to transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.
What size should the dough balls be?
Scoop out level tablespoons of dough to roll into balls.
Do these cookies contain dairy?
Yes, this recipe contains unsalted butter.
Why do I need both vanilla and almond extract?
The combination of both extracts provides a deeper, more refined almond-infused flavor profile.
Are these cookies easy to make?
Yes, they are described as quick to prepare and categorized as an easy dessert.
Can I use regular flour instead of matzo cake meal?
This specific recipe uses matzo cake meal to maintain its Passover-friendly status and unique texture.
Is it okay to use cold butter?
The recipe calls for melted and slightly cooled butter to ensure it mixes well with the almond mixture.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, their texture makes them great for preparing in advance for celebrations.
What is the purpose of the salt in this sweet recipe?
A 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to balance the sweetness and enhance the almond flavor.
How many cookies does one batch make?
While specific yield varies, the recipe uses 2/3 cup of sugar and matzo meal with 1/2 cup of butter to form the dough.
What is the texture of the cookie center?
The center is gooey and sweet thanks to the fruit jam filling.
Can I use salted almonds?
It is recommended to use blanched sliced almonds and add the salt separately as specified in the recipe.
Why do I need to cool the butter after melting?
Cooling the butter slightly prevents it from cooking the beaten egg when they are combined.