The Kaufmann Thumbprint Cookie Recipe is an irresistible treat that combines soft, velvety cookies with delicious fruity jam. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion. You’ll see how to mix the dough, shape it into small balls, create thumbprint indentations, and add your favorite jam. Then, bake them until they turn a beautiful golden color. The result is a delightful cookie that melts in your mouth, bursting with flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, the Kaufmann Thumbprint Cookie Recipe will boost your baking skills. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these fantastic thumbprint cookies!
Kaufmann Thumbprint Cookies have a combination of buttery, nutty, and fruity flavors. Each bite starts with the crunch of the shortbread-like outside, followed by the nutty coating, and then the sweet and tangy jam center.
This combination creates a soft and chewy texture that’s absolutely irresistible! Just follow the easy step-by-step instructions or helpful tips to make these cookies exactly the way you like them.
These cookies got their name from a special feature: a little thumbprint in the center filled with sweet jam. They’re a favorite for dessert, tea parties, or whenever you want a small homemade treat.
These cookies are versatile, perfect for special treats, sharing at gatherings, or enjoying with a cup of tea, coffee, or milk. Whether you serve them at a party, give them as gifts, or simply treat yourself, Kaufmann Thumbprint Cookies will make you smile and crave more.
The story behind this recipe
The Kaufmann Thumbprint Cookie recipe is a variation of this tradition. The name “Kaufmann” likely refers to a specific person or baker associated with the recipe, although the exact details are unknown. The important part is that these cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion.
Kaufmann Thumbprint Cookies are classic and delicious treats that are easy to make. They are named “Thumbprint” because you press your thumb in the center to create a little well that gets filled with something tasty.
These cookies are enjoyed in various cultures and have Scandinavian roots, particularly in Sweden, where they are a favorite around Christmas. The Swedish version is made with shortbread-like dough and filled with raspberry or strawberry jam.
However, thumbprint cookies are made differently worldwide. The idea is to shape the dough into balls, flatten them slightly, and create a “thumbprint” in the center. You then add a sweet filling, and it’s this unique method that gives the cookies their name.
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Here are the ingredients and instructions for making Kaufmann Thumbprint Cookie
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds)
- 1/2 cup fruit jam or preserves (like strawberry or raspberry)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks
Step-by-step instructions for making Kaufmann Thumbprint Cookie
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Next, in a big bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Mix them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Now, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to this butter-sugar mixture. Stir well until everything is fully mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Keep mixing until it turns into a dough.
- Shape this dough into little 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the finely chopped nuts so they get coated.
- Place these nut-covered dough balls on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make a little dent in the center of each cookie.
- Fill each dent with around 1/2 teaspoon of fruit jam or preserves.
- Now, put your cookies into the preheated oven and bake them for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges become a nice golden brown.
- Take the cookies out of the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool down completely.
Tips for making the perfect Kaufmann Thumbprint Cookie
- Use softened butter. If your butter is too hard, it’ll be tough to mix with the other ingredients.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. This will help you get the perfect cookie texture.
- If your cookies are spreading too much, you might need to chill the dough before baking.
- If you don’t have a thumb or spoon to make an indentation in the cookies, you can use the back of a teaspoon instead.
- After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
- Use the spoon and level method when measuring flour to avoid adding too much, which can make the cookies dry and dense.
- Keep a close eye on the cookies during the baking when the edges have become lightly golden but soft in the center. Then the cookies are done. Overbaking can make them too dry.
- Experiment with different jam flavors and add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for extra variations.
- Store the thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or freeze them for extended storage.
Flavourful substitute
- You can switch butter with margarine in most thumbprint cookie recipes. However, keep in mind that butter affects the cookies’ taste and texture, so there might be a slight difference in the result.
- It’s a good idea to use unsalted butter because it gives you more control over the cookies’ saltiness. But if you only have salted butter, you can use less salt or skip it in the recipe.
- If you don’t have cake flour, you can use all-purpose flour. For each cup of all-purpose flour, take out 2 tablespoons and add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch instead. This swap mimics the lower protein content of cake flour.
- When it comes to the filling for the thumbprints, you can replace fruit jam or preserves with other sweet spreads like chocolate-hazelnut spread (like Nutella), caramel sauce, or even lemon curd. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite flavors to make the cookies your own.
Serving suggestions
Tea Time Delight: These cookies are perfect for a cup of tea. Serve them at tea parties with a selection of teas, like Earl Grey, chamomile, or fruit-infused teas.
Coffee Companions: Enjoy them with coffee. Brew a pot of your favorite coffee, whether it’s black coffee, espresso, or a flavored blend, and savor these cookies with each sip.
Milk and Cookies: Classic for kids and adults alike. These cookies go wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, especially for an after-school treat.
Dessert Buffet: Include them in a dessert buffet at parties. Offer a variety of sweet treats, and the thumbprint cookies will stand out.
Gifts from the Heart: Create cookie gift packages. Bake a batch, arrange them in a decorative tin or box, and give them as thoughtful gifts for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
Fruit Pairing: Serve them with fresh fruits. Complement the sweetness of the cookies with a side of berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The fresh, juicy fruits provide a delightful contrast.
Ice Cream Dreams: Pair them with ice cream. Place a scoop of your favorite ice cream next to the cookies, creating a delightful dessert combo.
After-Dinner Treat: Serve them as a sweet finale to a dinner. The buttery, nutty cookies provide a wonderful closing note to a meal.
Cookie Sandwich: Create cookie sandwiches with a filling. Spread a layer of frosting, chocolate ganache, or cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
Cheese and Crackers: Pair the cookies with some cheese and crackers. Choose your favorite cheeses like cheddar, brie, or goat cheese, and serve them on a plate with some crackers. It’s a tasty combo of sweet and savory.
Cold Drinks: If you prefer something cold, have the cookies with a refreshing drink. They go well with iced tea, lemonade, or fruit-infused water.
