Description
Delight in these classic Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies, featuring a buttery, nutty base filled with your choice of sweet fruit preserves. Perfectly baked to a light golden hue, these cookies offer a crisp exterior with a tender interior, enhanced by crunchy pistachios and vibrant jam centers. Ideal for holiday treats or anytime you crave a delightful homemade cookie with a nutty twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pistachios (plus extra for garnish)
Filling
- 1/2 cup fruit preserves or jam (such as raspberry, apricot, or cherry)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing until fully combined to enrich the dough and enhance flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until a soft dough forms, taking care not to overmix to keep cookies tender.
- Fold in Pistachios: Gently fold the finely chopped pistachios into the dough for that signature nutty crunch and flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
- Make Indents: Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, gently press a small indent into the center of each cookie ball, creating a space for the jam filling.
- Fill with Jam: Carefully spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen fruit preserves or jam into each indent, being mindful not to overfill.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling they’re done.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely; this helps prevent breakage.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle extra chopped pistachios on top for an enhanced festive look and extra crunch before serving.
Notes
- To enhance the flavor, lightly toast the pistachios before chopping; this brings out their natural oils and intensifies the nutty taste.
- Use a variety of jam flavors in one batch for a colorful and festive assortment of cookies, perfect for celebrations.
- Store finished cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg