Nutty Jam-Filled Christmas Thimble Cookies
These delightful Nutty Jam-Filled Christmas Thimble Cookies are the perfect festive treat to bring joy to your holiday celebrations. With a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dough that is enhanced by finely crushed walnuts, each cookie holds a charming indent filled with your favorite jam or jelly. They are a nostalgic addition to any cookie platter, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends. Easy to whip up and irresistibly delicious, these cookies are sure to become a holiday tradition in your household.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 lb (softened)
white sugar
1 cup (measured)
eggs
4 (separated (yolks for dough, whites for coating))
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (measured)
all-purpose flour
4 cups (measured)
walnuts
1 cup (finely crushed)
jam or jelly
to taste (for filling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cookie sheets.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Mix well until blended.
3
Add the egg yolks, softened butter, and vanilla extract to the flour mixture. Mix thoroughly until the dough forms a smooth consistency.
4
In a separate small bowl, reserve the egg whites for later use. Set aside.
5
Crush the walnuts into a fine texture using a food processor or a rolling pin, and place them in a shallow bowl.
6
Take a portion of dough and roll it into small balls, roughly the size of a heaping tablespoon.
7
Dip each ball in the reserved egg whites, making sure it is coated well.
8
Roll the egg-coated dough balls in the crushed walnuts until fully covered.
9
Place the walnut-coated balls on the prepared cookie sheets, leaving space between each one.
10
Using a thimble or your finger, gently press a hole into the center of each dough ball, making sure it goes about halfway through.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 7 minutes, then remove and gently re-poke the holes in the center of each cookie.
12
Return to the oven and bake for an additional 7 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown.
13
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. After cooling, fill the indentations with your favorite jam or jelly.
14
Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Jam-Filled Christmas Thimble Cookies?
They are festive holiday treats with a buttery dough, crushed walnuts, and a jam center.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How much butter do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of softened butter.
Should the butter be softened or melted?
The butter should be softened to ensure the dough reaches the correct smooth consistency.
How much sugar is used in the dough?
You will need 1 cup of white sugar.
How many eggs are required for these cookies?
The recipe uses 4 eggs which are separated for different uses.
How are the eggs used in the recipe?
The egg yolks are mixed into the dough, while the whites are reserved for coating the dough balls.
How much vanilla extract is added?
Use 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for flavoring.
How much flour is necessary for the dough?
The recipe requires 4 cups of all-purpose flour.
How many walnuts should I prepare for the coating?
You will need 1 cup of finely crushed walnuts.
How do I crush the walnuts to the right texture?
You can use a food processor or a rolling pin to crush them into a fine texture.
What kind of jam can I use for the filling?
You can use any of your favorite jams or jellies for the filling to your taste.
How do I mix the initial cookie dough?
Combine flour and sugar first, then add the yolks, butter, and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
How large should the dough balls be?
Roll the dough into small balls about the size of a heaping tablespoon.
Why are the dough balls dipped in egg whites?
The egg whites act as an adhesive to help the crushed walnuts stick to the dough.
When do I roll the cookies in the crushed walnuts?
Roll the balls in the crushed walnuts immediately after dipping them in the reserved egg whites.
Should I grease the cookie sheets?
Yes, the instructions specifically state to grease your cookie sheets before placing the dough on them.
How do I create the indentation in the center of the cookie?
Use a thimble or your finger to gently press a hole halfway through the center of each dough ball.
How long is the initial baking time?
Bake the cookies for an initial 7 minutes before removing them to re-poke the holes.
Why must I re-poke the holes during the baking process?
The holes can puff up during baking; re-poking them halfway through ensures there is enough room for the jam filling.
What is the total baking time for these cookies?
The cookies bake for a total of 14 minutes (two 7-minute intervals).
How do I know when the cookies are finished baking?
They are ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown color.
When is the best time to fill the cookies with jam?
Fill the indentations with your favorite jam or jelly after the cookies have baked and cooled slightly.
Do I need to cool the cookies on a wire rack?
Yes, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to ensure the proper texture.
Can I use a different type of nut for the coating?
While walnuts are traditional, you could substitute other finely crushed nuts like pecans or almonds if preferred.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gifting?
Yes, their festive look and nostalgic flavor make them perfect for cookie platters and sharing with friends.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use jelly instead of jam for the centers?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either jam or jelly depending on your preference.
What is the texture of the cookie dough before baking?
The dough should be mixed thoroughly until it forms a smooth, rollable consistency.
Are these cookies easy to make?
Yes, they are described as easy to whip up and a great holiday tradition for any household.