Apricot Thumbprint Cookies with Pistachios

Soft and buttery, these apricot thumbprint cookies are a delightful combination of rich, tender cookie dough, sweet apricot jam, and a hint of crunchy pistachios. Lightly dusted with powdered sugar, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them an elegant yet simple treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Elegant – These cookies are easy to make yet look and taste sophisticated.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors – The buttery cookie, fruity apricot jam, and nutty pistachios create a harmonious bite.
• Great for Any Occasion – Whether for holiday baking, tea parties, or an everyday treat, these cookies are always a hit.
• Customizable – Swap the jam or nuts for different flavors to suit your preference.
• Light and Buttery – The soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them irresistible.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup apricot jam
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Press a thumbprint into the center of each dough ball.
7. Fill each indentation with a small amount of apricot jam.
8. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
9. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Servings: 20 cookies
• Calories per cookie: 120 kcal

Variations

• Different Jams – Substitute apricot jam with raspberry, strawberry, or orange marmalade for a new flavor.
• Nut-Free Option – Omit the pistachios or replace them with shredded coconut for a different texture.
• Chocolate Drizzle – Add a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for extra richness.
• Citrus Zest – Mix in a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the dough for a bright, fresh flavor.
• Spiced Cookies – Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the dough for a warm, aromatic twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, keep them refrigerated for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: If you want to refresh the cookies, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What type of jam works best?

Apricot jam is traditional, but you can use any smooth jam or fruit preserves you prefer.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Ensure your butter is softened but not too warm. Chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking can also help maintain the cookie’s shape.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavor.

Why are my cookies dry?

Overbaking or adding too much flour can cause dryness. Bake just until lightly golden and measure ingredients accurately.

How do I keep the thumbprint from disappearing while baking?

Press the indentations deeply enough, and if needed, press them again lightly after baking while the cookies are still warm.

Can I use ground pistachios instead of chopped?

Yes, finely ground pistachios can be mixed into the dough for a nuttier taste.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch.

Do these cookies need to be refrigerated?

No, they can be stored at room temperature, but refrigeration helps them last longer.

Conclusion

Apricot Thumbprint Cookies with Pistachios are a deliciously simple treat, perfect for any occasion. The combination of buttery dough, sweet apricot jam, and crunchy pistachios makes them both elegant and satisfying. Whether enjoyed with tea, coffee, or as a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress. Try different variations to customize them to your taste and enjoy a batch of homemade goodness!