Thimble Cookies
Delightful tiny cookies with a buttery, sweet flavor and a fruity filling, perfect for teatime or special occasions, appealing to those who love delicate, homemade treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the butter, sugar, and flour together until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls.
- Use a thimble or the round end of a clothespin to make a small hole in each ball.
- Fill the holes with apricot jelly or your favorite jelly.
- Bake at 375°F until lightly golden, about 10-12 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of butter and cream cheese. If you don’t have 10x sugar, you can blend granulated sugar until fine. Ensure your dough is chilled before shaping to prevent spreading during baking. Experiment with different jellies, such as raspberry or strawberry, to add variety. These cookies are delightful along with a cup of tea or served alongside Ma'S Greek Cookies for a sweet spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve thimble cookies as a delightful treat for tea parties or holiday gatherings. They pair beautifully with a light fruit salad or a platter of Oven Brown Potatoes for a casual gathering. For an added touch, dust them with more powdered sugar just before serving, or present them alongside Granny'S Pies Or Puddings for a nostalgic dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover thimble cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes to restore their texture without losing the jelly filling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Thimble Cookies contains roughly 1315 calories, with 6g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 121g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of jelly for filling?
Absolutely! While apricot jelly is traditional, you can fill the holes with any fruit preserves or jelly you prefer. Raspberry, strawberry, or even lemon curd can add a unique twist to your thimble cookies. Just ensure the filling is thick enough to hold its shape during baking.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will help firm it up and make it easier to shape into balls. Alternatively, lightly flour your hands and work surface while shaping to prevent sticking.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make thimble cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately, as it helps mimic the texture of traditional flour. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on them as they bake.
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).