Thumbprint Cookies (Almond Flour)

almondflourthumbprintcookies The best Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies that are grain-free, refined sugar-free, and absolutely delicious. A slightly crispy, buttery cookie base with your choice of jam filling makes these an irresistible pop-in-your-mouth holiday dessert.

2 cups almond flour
¼ tsp. baking soda
¼ cup butter, softened
⅓ cup pure maple syrup or honey
½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
⅓ cup jam, such as peach and strawberry

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C/160°C fan, Gas Mark 4) and line 2 large baking sheets with unbleached parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

In a large bowl, add almond flour and baking soda; whisk until no lumps. Add butter, maple syrup and vanilla extract. First mix with a fork, then with a spatula and finish mixing by hand, until cohesive dough forms.

Scoop ½ Tbsp. of dough, roll into a ball, place on the previously prepared baking sheet and gently make an indent with a thumb. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Fill openings with jam.

Bake for 10-12 minutes (before cookies start browning). Remove from the oven and let cool for 30 minutes before serving.

Makes 32 cookies.

Cook's Notes:

Store: In a cookie jar for up to 5 days. You can add a slice of bread to help absorb moisture from the air. If you find your cookies start to dry out, place them in an airtight container. I would not recommend doing so at the start because you don’t want cookies to get soggy and floppy.
Freeze: In an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter for a few hours.
Coconut Oil: I have not tried using it to make thumbprint cookies but in my experience, it results in more crunchy cookies. It will work though.
Any other flour: Gluten free flours are very finicky, all flours are. I have not tested this recipe with any other flour and do not recommend to do so. Almond flour is very unique and can’t be easily replaced.
Sugar Free Cookies: You can use sugar free natural maple syrup.
Dry Sweetener? You have to use liquid sweetener in order to maintain consistency of the cookie dough and recipe to work.
Smooth Appearance: When pressing down on the cookie, you may notice there are a few cracks that appear. For a smoother look, wet your finger and rub down the cracks to smooth them back out.
Vegan: Make this dairy free by using vegan butter, texture and taste may be different.