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Hazelnut Thumbprint Cookies

Buttery, nutty shortbread cookies with a crackly exterior and a sweet-tart raspberry jam center.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 59 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 185

Ingredients
  

Hazelnut Shortbread Dough
  • 1 cup whole hazelnuts
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened (2 sticks)
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg yolk at room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp pure almond extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 0.5 tsp salt
For Coating and Filling
  • 1 large egg white lightly beaten
  • 1 cup powdered sugar for rolling
  • 0.66 cup raspberry jam

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Food processor

Method
 

  1. Toast hazelnuts at 350°F (175°C) for 8-12 mins. Rub in a towel to remove skins. Cool completely, then grind into a fine meal in a food processor.
  2. In a mixer, cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Beat in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until combined.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the ground hazelnuts, flour, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low until just combined. Cover and chill dough for at least 1 hour.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Place egg white in one bowl and powdered sugar in another.
  7. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Dip each ball in egg white, then roll in powdered sugar. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
  8. Make a deep indentation in the center of each cookie with your thumb or the back of a spoon.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes until set. Redefine indentations if needed right after baking. Cool on sheet for 5 mins, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Gently warm the jam and fill each cooled cookie's indentation. Let jam set before serving.

Notes

Chilling the dough is mandatory for the right texture. Ensure cookies are completely cool before filling with jam to prevent sogginess.