Angel Thumbprint Cookies

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Delightful angel thumbprint cookies feature a tender nutty exterior with a sweet jam center, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a charming treat for any occasion.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup soft margarine
  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 egg whites
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Beat margarine, shortening, brown sugar, egg yolks, salt, and almond extract together until fluffy.
  2. Add sifted flour and mix well. Using a level tablespoon for measuring, roll dough between palms to form 1-inch diameter balls.
  3. Dip the balls into unbeaten egg whites and roll in finely chopped pecans.
  4. Place about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Use your thumb to make a depression in the center of each ball.
  5. Fill each depression with jam or jelly.
  6. Bake at 325°F for 20 to 25 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For lighter cookies, consider using all butter instead of margarine and shortening. You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired. For added flavor, try using a mix of jams or jellies, such as raspberry or apricot. Ensure to keep the dough chilled before rolling for easier handling. Don't skip the thumbprint step, as it helps the filling stay in place during baking.

Serving Suggestions

These Angel Thumbprint Cookies are delightful with a cup of tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with a scoop of Nectarine Sherbet for a refreshing dessert experience. Consider serving them alongside other cookies or desserts, such as Chocolate Cake(Slow Cooker Style) for a varied sweet platter at gatherings or celebrations.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, consider freezing them. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, restoring some of their original texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Angel Thumbprint Cookies contains roughly 267 calories, with 7g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), iron (12% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (11% of the Daily Value).

267 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.3g 15% DV
Total Fat 20.3g 26% DV
Carbs 11.4g 4% DV
Fiber 0.1g
Sugar 8g 16% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 351.7mg 15% DV
Potassium 77mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 461.4mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 96.6mcg 11% DV
Vitamin D 2.1mcg 10% DV
Calcium 65.6mg 5% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I ensure my cookies are evenly baked?

To achieve even baking, make sure to rotate your cookie sheet halfway through the baking time. Additionally, using a uniform size for each dough ball will help them bake at the same rate.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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