Irresistible Holiday Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

Biting into a Holiday Pistachio Thumbprint Cookie is like unwrapping a present you didn’t even know you wanted. The crunchy pistachios, the sweet jam center, and that buttery cookie base come together in a festive explosion of flavor. These cookies are not just a treat; they are an experience that dances on your taste buds, inviting laughter and joy into any gathering.

Remember the last time you walked into a room filled with the warm aroma of fresh cookies? That moment when all your stresses melt away, and you’re instantly transported to a happy place? That’s exactly what these delightful thumbprint cookies bring to your holiday festivities. Perfect for cookie exchanges, family gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea after a long day, they promise to be the star of the show.

Every year during the holidays, my family gathers around the kitchen for our annual cookie-baking marathon. The laughter, flour fights, and occasional “who dropped that?” echo through our home as we whip up batches of favorites.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy creaming with sugar.
• Granulated Sugar: This sweetener gives the cookies their delightful sweetness without overpowering.
• All-Purpose Flour: A staple for most baking recipes; it gives structure to your cookies.
• Pistachios: Opt for shelled pistachios; their crunch adds texture and visual appeal.
• Your Favorite Jam: Choose any jam you love; raspberry or apricot works wonderfully.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to every bite.
• Egg Yolks: They enrich the dough and help bind everything together perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Holiday Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies

Preheat your oven and get ready for some deliciousness.

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking, ensuring an easy cleanup later.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. You want it airy—think clouds but tastier!

Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla Extract: Add in egg yolks one at a time along with vanilla extract. Beat until well combined; the mixture should look smooth and luscious like freshly whipped cream.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix—the goal is tender cookies that practically melt in your mouth.

Shape Cookies and Add Pistachios: Using your hands, roll dough into small balls about one inch in diameter. Roll each ball in chopped pistachios until covered; these nuts add both flavor and crunch.

Create Thumbprints: Place each ball on prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Press your thumb gently into the center of each ball to create an indentation—this is where all that delicious jam will go!

Bake Cookies: Bake in preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden. Remove from oven, let cool slightly before adding jam into each thumbprint—watch those little wells fill up!

These Holiday Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies are not just another dessert; they are an invitation to gather around the table with loved ones during this special season. Enjoy every bite while experiencing joy-filled memories created around shared food!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in egg yolks and vanilla. Gradually add flour, ensuring a smooth dough. Chill for 30 minutes to prevent spreading during baking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to switch up the jam flavors! Raspberry, apricot, or even chocolate can create delightful variations. You can also sprinkle some extra chopped pistachios on top for added crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them warm, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Sharing these cookies with friends always brings back fond memories of my grandma’s kitchen during the holidays. Their sweet aroma filled our home and brought smiles all around.

FAQ

What type of jam works best for thumbprint cookies?

Any fruit-based jam like raspberry or apricot complements the nutty pistachios beautifully.

Can I freeze Holiday Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the dough before baking helps maintain their shape and texture beautifully.

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Holiday Pistachio Thumbprint Cookies

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Bite into a delightful Holiday Pistachio Thumbprint Cookie, where crunchy pistachios meet a sweet jam center nestled in a buttery cookie base. These cookies are the perfect festive treat for gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy moments with tea. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, they promise joy and nostalgia with every bite.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup shelled pistachios (chopped)
• 1/2 cup your favorite jam (raspberry or apricot recommended)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 egg yolks

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
3. Add egg yolks one at a time and mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Gradually incorporate all-purpose flour until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
5. Roll the dough into balls about one inch in diameter and coat each ball in chopped pistachios.
6. Place them on prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart. Press your thumb gently into each ball to create an indentation.
7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Once cooled slightly, fill each thumbprint with jam.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading. Experiment with different jam flavors like chocolate or mango for unique variations. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.