Oatmeal Forest Berries Thumbprints Cookies
Looking for a delightful cookie that combines the wholesome goodness of oats with the sweet-tart flavor of forest berries? Look no further than these Oatmeal Forest Berries Thumbprints Cookies! These cookies are not only easy to make, but they also offer a unique twist on the classic thumbprint cookie. The chewy oatmeal base pairs perfectly with a dollop of luscious forest berries jam, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to impress.
Top Reasons to Make Oatmeal Forest Berries Thumbprints Cookies
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with oats and berry jam, these cookies provide a healthier alternative to traditional cookies.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, even beginner bakers can whip these up in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a holiday gathering, a bake sale, or just a cozy night in, these cookies fit any occasion beautifully.
- Versatile Flavor: The use of forest berries jam adds a unique flavor, but feel free to substitute with your favorite jam varieties!
- Freezable: Bake a batch and freeze them for later enjoyment—perfect for when cravings strike!
Your Shopping Guide
- 1 cup almond flour: Adds a nutty flavor and tender texture.
- 1.25 cups quick cooking rolled oats: The heart of the cookie, providing chewiness and fiber.
- 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cookies.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter: For a rich, buttery taste.
- 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening (Crisco): Creates a tender cookie with the right amount of softness.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture.
- 1 large egg yolk: Provides richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic flavor.
- 1/2 cup forest berries jam: The star of the show, adding sweetness and fruity goodness!
Must-Have Equipment
- Baking Sheet: A flat surface for your cookies to bake evenly.
- Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your ingredients effectively.
- Cookie Scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for mixing dough without overworking it.
- Oven Mitts: Essential for safely handling your hot baking sheets.
From Start to Finish: Oatmeal Forest Berries Thumbprints Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent your cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of almond flour, 1.25 cups of quick cooking rolled oats, 1 cup of unbleached all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until well mixed.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together 6 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup of solid vegetable shortening, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients
Add 1 large egg yolk and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
Step 8: Create Thumbprints
Using your thumb (or the back of a spoon), press a small indentation into the center of each cookie ball. This is where the jam will go!
Step 9: Fill with Jam
Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of forest berries jam into each thumbprint. Don’t be shy; this is the best part!
Step 10: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 11: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Year-Round Variations
- Substitute the forest berries jam with raspberry, strawberry, or apricot jam for a twist on flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic touch.
- Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Mix in chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for a decadent treat.
Chef’s Notes
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the chilling step if you choose to chill the dough; it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Save It for Later
If you want to save these Oatmeal Forest Berries Thumbprints Cookies for later, simply place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. You can freeze the dough as well—just shape the cookies, freeze them on a baking sheet, and transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They can be baked directly from frozen; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!
Common Questions
Can I use rolled oats instead of quick cooking oats?
Yes, you can use rolled oats, but the texture may be slightly different. Quick cooking oats create a softer, chewier cookie.
What can I substitute for the vegetable shortening?
You can replace the vegetable shortening with more butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers look set but slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, use a flax egg instead of the egg yolk, and ensure your jam is vegan-friendly.
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The Takeaway
These Oatmeal Forest Berries Thumbprints Cookies are the perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and delightful flavors. They offer not only a delicious treat but also a fun baking experience that you can share with family and friends. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get baking! You’ll love these cookies for their chewiness, flavor, and versatility. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or save some for later—the choice is yours! Happy baking!
Oatmeal Forest Berries Thumbprints Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for ensuring your cookies bake evenly.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent your cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, rolled oats, all-purpose flour, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, vegetable shortening, and brown sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!
- Using a cookie scoop, portion the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Using your thumb (or the back of a spoon), press a small indentation into the center of each cookie ball.
- Spoon 1/2 teaspoon of forest berries jam into each thumbprint. Don’t be shy; this is the best part!
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, for the best texture.
- Don’t skip the chilling step if you choose to chill the dough; it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
