Mom'S Thumb Cookies

Prep: 120 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Delightful thumbprint cookies filled with your favorite preserves, combining tender buttery dough with sweet, fruity centers—perfect for teatime, holidays, or festive gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 1/2 cups flour

Instructions

  1. Mix together butter, sugar, and beaten egg yolk; knead in flour. Chill for at least 2 hours.
  2. Take 1 teaspoon of the chilled mixture and roll into a ball.
  3. Press the center of each ball with your thumb and fill with thick preserves of your choice.
  4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes until lightly golden.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you're short on time, skip the chilling step, but this will affect the texture slightly. You can substitute the butter with margarine or a vegan alternative for a dairy-free version. Experiment with different preserves like raspberry or apricot for unique variations. These cookies are also great with a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delightful on their own but can be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. For a fun dessert platter, pair them with 'Lite' Apple Oat Bran Muffins or Chocolate Peanut Cups. Consider dusting them with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delicious contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, place the cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mom'S Thumb Cookies contains roughly 907 calories, with 36g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 66g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (71% of the Daily Value), iron (60% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.

907 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 35.5g 71% DV
Total Fat 66.3g 85% DV
Carbs 42g 15% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 0.3g 1% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 137.7mg 6% DV
Potassium 359.9mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 434.7mcg 48% DV
Vitamin C 10.9mg 12% DV
Vitamin D 9.4mcg 47% DV
Calcium 274.1mg 21% DV
Iron 10.9mg 60% DV
Diet fit High-protein
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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

Can I use different types of flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste or gluten-free flour blends if you have dietary restrictions. However, be aware that the texture may vary slightly, so adjust the amount used as needed to achieve the right consistency.

What types of preserves work best for filling?

Thick preserves like raspberry, strawberry, or apricot are traditionally used, but you can get creative with flavors like cherry or even lemon curd. Just ensure the preserves are thick enough to maintain their shape during baking.

How can I make these cookies more festive?

To make these cookies more festive, consider adding colored sprinkles on top after filling them with preserves, or mix in holiday spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough. They make great gifts when packaged in decorative tins!

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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