Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delightful Thumbprint Cookies with Jelly & Jam?
These are buttery cookies shaped into balls, coated in nuts, and filled with a center of sweet jelly or jam.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C).
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 24 servings.
What kind of fat is used in the dough?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of softened margarine.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, softened butter can typically be substituted for margarine in cookie recipes.
What type of sugar is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
How do I prepare the egg for this recipe?
The egg should be separated; the yolk is mixed into the dough, and the white is reserved for coating the cookies.
When do I add the vanilla extract?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the creamed margarine and sugar along with the egg yolk.
What kind of flour is used?
This recipe uses 1 cup of all-purpose flour.
Should I add salt to the dough?
Yes, whisk 1/4 teaspoon of salt with the flour before adding it to the wet ingredients.
How large should I make the dough balls?
Shape the dough into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter.
What is the purpose of the reserved egg white?
The egg white acts as an adhesive to help the finely chopped nuts stick to the dough balls.
What type of nuts should be used for coating?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, which can be any variety you prefer.
How far apart should I space the cookies on the sheet?
Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
Do I need to grease the cookie sheets?
Yes, you should grease the cookie sheets lightly before placing the dough on them.
How long is the initial baking time?
The cookies are baked for an initial 5 minutes before adding the filling.
How do I create the 'thumbprint' in the cookie?
After the first 5 minutes of baking, remove the cookies from the oven and use your thumb to press an indentation into the center of each.
What goes in the center of the thumbprint?
Spoon a small amount of jelly or preserves into each indentation.
How much jelly is needed for the entire batch?
You will need approximately 3 tablespoons of jelly or preserves for the filling.
How long is the second bake after adding the jelly?
Return the cookies to the oven and bake for an additional 8 minutes.
How can I tell when the cookies are finished?
The cookies are done when they appear lightly golden.
Should the cookies be cooled on the pan?
Allow them to cool on the cookie sheets for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
What is the best way to cool them completely?
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to allow air to circulate around them until they are fully cooled.
Are these cookies good for holidays?
Yes, they are highly recommended for holiday gatherings, family get-togethers, or as a special snack.
Can I use any flavor of jam?
Yes, you can use any vibrant jelly or jam to create different flavor and color variations.
What is the overall texture of these cookies?
These cookies have a sweet, buttery texture with a nutty exterior and a soft jelly center.
Do I need any special equipment?
A mixing bowl, cookie sheets, a wire rack, and your thumb are the primary tools needed.
Can the dough be made ahead of time?
While the recipe doesn't specify, cookie dough of this type can typically be chilled before shaping.
How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh.
What is the total time spent in the oven?
The total baking time is approximately 13 minutes (5 minutes for the first bake and 8 minutes for the second).