Walnut-Crusted Red Currant Jelly Thumbprint Cookies
These Walnut-Crusted Red Currant Jelly Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and nostalgia to any occasion. Infused with buttery richness and a hint of sweetness, these cookies are perfectly paired with a cup of coffee or tea. Originating from cherished family traditions, my daughter and I would spend our Christmases joyfully crafting these treats, often swapping out the fruity jam for chocolate or coffee icing for an indulgent twist. Each cookie features a crunchy walnut exterior with a soft, chewy center and a luscious red currant jelly filling, making them a favorite dessert for gatherings or a simple afternoon snack with loved ones.
N/A
Servings
71
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
1 cup (Softened to room temperature)
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (Firmly packed)
Eggs
2 large (Separated into yolks and whites)
Vanilla Extract
1/2 teaspoon
All-Purpose Flour
2 1/2 cups
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Finely Chopped Walnuts
1 1/2 cups (For coating)
Red Currant Jelly or Raspberry Jam
3-4 tablespoons (To fill indentations (optional icing can be made with powdered sugar & butter, flavored with chocolate or instant coffee))
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until creamy and well combined.
3
Separate the eggs, placing the egg whites in a small bowl. Lightly beat the egg whites and set aside.
4
Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until well blended.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
6
Gradually mix the flour and salt combination into the butter mixture until completely incorporated, forming a dough.
7
Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls, ensuring they're evenly sized.
8
Dip each ball in the lightly beaten egg whites, then roll in the finely chopped walnuts to fully coat each cookie.
9
Arrange the coated dough balls on a greased baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
10
With your thumb or the end of a spoon, create a small indentation in the center of each ball.
11
Carefully fill each indentation with about 1/4 teaspoon of red currant jelly or raspberry jam.
12
For a chocolate or coffee icing variation, wait until the cookies have baked and cooled to fill the indentations with the icing.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
14
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 1 minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
15
If filling with icing, do so once the cookies are completely cooled.
Nutrition Information
4.3g
Fat
7.1g
Carbs
1.4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of these thumbprint cookies?
These cookies offer a rich buttery taste with a crunchy walnut exterior and a sweet, fruity center from red currant jelly.
Can I substitute the red currant jelly with another flavor?
Yes, raspberry jam is a recommended substitute, or you can use chocolate or coffee icing after the cookies have cooled.
How many calories are in each Walnut-Crusted Red Currant Jelly Thumbprint Cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 71 calories.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long do these cookies need to bake?
The cookies should bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned.
What is the fat content per cookie?
Each cookie contains 4.3g of fat.
How much protein does each cookie provide?
There is approximately 1.4g of protein in each cookie.
How many carbohydrates are in a single serving?
Each cookie has 7.1g of carbohydrates.
Should the butter be melted before mixing?
No, the butter should be softened to room temperature, not melted.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 2 large eggs, which need to be separated.
What do I do with the egg yolks?
The egg yolks are added directly into the butter and sugar mixture along with the vanilla extract.
What do I do with the egg whites?
The egg whites are lightly beaten and used as a dip to help the chopped walnuts stick to the dough balls.
How large should the dough balls be?
The dough should be rolled into balls that are approximately 1 inch in diameter.
How much brown sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of firmly packed brown sugar.
What type of flour is used for these cookies?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Is there any salt in this cookie recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How many walnuts are needed for the coating?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped walnuts.
How much jelly should I put in each cookie?
Fill each indentation with about 1/4 teaspoon of red currant jelly.
Can I add the icing before baking?
No, if you choose to use chocolate or coffee icing, you must wait until the cookies are completely cooled before filling the indentations.
What tool can I use to make the hole in the cookie?
You can use your thumb or the end of a spoon to create the indentation.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
Yes, the instructions recommend using a greased baking sheet.
How much space should be left between the cookies on the tray?
Leave about 1 inch of space between each cookie to allow for slight spreading.
How long should the cookies cool on the baking sheet?
Allow them to cool on the sheet for about 1 minute before moving them to a wire rack.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday baking?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday baking favorite and described as a Christmas tradition.
How much vanilla extract is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What is the texture of these cookies?
These cookies have a crunchy walnut exterior and a soft, chewy center.
Is this recipe easy enough to make with children?
Yes, the description highlights it as a joyful activity to do with kids, specifically mentioning the author's daughter.
Total how many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
What is the origin of this recipe?
According to the description, it is a cherished family tradition.
Can I use different types of nuts?
While walnuts are traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other finely chopped nuts if preferred.