Name: Italian Thumbprint Cookies
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 48 min
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup salted butter (firm but not cold); 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 vanilla bean (seeds of 1 (or 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract)); 2 large eggs (yolks and whites divided); 1 cup unsalted pistachios (finely chopped); 1/2 cup strawberry preserves; 4 oz white chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate (melted)

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Italian Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of buttery cookies with sweet fruit preserves. These cookies are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious, making them perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to casual afternoon snacks. The buttery base, combined with a nutty crunch and fruity filling, creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. Let’s dive into this charming recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why It Deserves a Spot

These Italian Thumbprint Cookies are timeless classics that deserve a spot in every baker’s repertoire. Their origins can be traced back to various European countries, but the Italian version stands out for its unique combination of ingredients. The buttery texture, nutty pistachios, and sweet strawberry preserves make each bite a celebration of taste. Plus, they are incredibly versatile—feel free to swap out the preserves for your favorite flavors! Whether you serve them at a festive gathering or enjoy them with your morning coffee, these cookies are sure to impress.

What We’re Using

To create these delicious Italian Thumbprint Cookies, we’ll need the following ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup salted butter, firm but not cold
2/3 cup granulated sugar
Seeds of 1 vanilla bean (or 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract)
2 large eggs, yolks and whites divided
1 cup unsalted pistachios, finely chopped
1/2 cup strawberry preserves
4 oz white chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate, melted

These ingredients come together to create a cookie that’s not just tasty but also visually captivating with the colorful preserves and the crunchy pistachios.

Toolbox for This Recipe

Before we get started, make sure you have the following tools handy:

Mixing Bowls: For combining ingredients.
Electric Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar together smoothly.
Baking Sheet: For placing the cookies to bake.
Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
Spoon or Cookie Scoop: For portioning out the dough.
Small Measuring Spoon: To create the thumbprint indentation.
Double Boiler: For melting the chocolate smoothly.

With these tools, you’ll be well-prepared to whip up these delightful cookies.

From Start to Finish: Italian Thumbprint Cookies

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own batch of Italian Thumbprint Cookies.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the firm salted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Egg Yolks

Next, scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the butter-sugar mixture. If you’re using vanilla extract, add it now. Then, add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated after each addition.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Set Up for Thumbprints

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough into equal-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball in the finely chopped pistachios, pressing gently to adhere them to the dough.

Step 6: Create the Thumbprint

Using your finger or a small measuring spoon, gently press down in the center of each cookie ball to create an indentation for the preserves.

Step 7: Fill with Preserves

Spoon a small amount of strawberry preserves into each indentation. Be careful not to overfill, as the preserves may bubble over while baking.

Step 8: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 9: Drizzle with Chocolate

Once the cookies are completely cooled, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies for an elegant finish.

International Equivalents

If you’re baking from different parts of the world, here are some equivalent measurements:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour = 280 grams
1 cup salted butter = 227 grams
2/3 cup granulated sugar = 135 grams
1 cup unsalted pistachios = 130 grams
1/2 cup strawberry preserves = 160 grams

These conversions can help you get the perfect results no matter where you are.

Cook’s Notes

Feel free to substitute the strawberry preserves with other flavors like raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd for a different twist.
For a nut-free version, you can skip the pistachios or replace them with finely crushed graham crackers.
Make sure not to overmix the dough once you add the flour to maintain a tender texture.
These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.

Prep Ahead & Store

These Italian Thumbprint Cookies are perfect for preparing ahead of time. You can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and drizzle with chocolate before serving.

One Pan, More Ideas

If you love these cookies, try out these other delightful recipes:

Ready to Cook?

Now that you have all the tools, tips, and tricks at your fingertips, it’s time to make your own batch of Italian Thumbprint Cookies. With their delightful combination of buttery texture, nutty pistachios, and sweet strawberry preserves, these cookies are sure to become a cherished recipe in your baking collection. Enjoy the process, share them with friends and family, and savor every delicious bite!