Vegan Thumbprint Cookies

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❤️ Why you’ll love it

I absolutely love how these vegan thumbprint cookies are so simple and easy to make. The combination of white rice flour, buckwheat flour, and corn starch gives them a soft, shortbread-like texture that is just so delicious.

The best part about this recipe is the versatility of the fillings. While traditional thumbprint cookies use jam, you can get creative with this recipe. From classic blueberry or apricot jam to rich chocolate or even tangy lemon curds, the filling options are limitless.

Plus, the use of dairy-free butter not only makes these cookies vegan but also gives them a rich and buttery flavor that is just like traditional thumbprint cookies. It is a great recipe that you can easily make at home and enjoy with your loved ones.

🧾 Key ingredients

This vegan thumbprint cookie recipe calls for simple, plant-based ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. You may even have some of these in your pantry already.

White rice flour is a key ingredient in this recipe. It gives the cookies a light, crumbly texture that is simply irresistible.

Cornstarch or tapioca starch is another essential ingredient. It helps to bind the dough together, giving the cookies the perfect texture.

Cane sugar adds a touch of sweetness that is perfectly balanced by the jam filling.

Dairy-free butter gives these cookies a rich, buttery flavor without any dairy products.

Vanilla extract is the perfect finishing touch for these cookies. It adds a hint of sweetness and a lovely aroma that will fill your kitchen as the cookies bake.

Blueberry jam and apricot jam are my favorite fillings for these thumbprint cookies. They add a burst of fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet, crumbly cookies.

Lemon curd is also another great option. They add a tangy twist to the cookies that is simply delicious.

🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

🥘 Equipment

For this vegan thumbprint cookie recipe, a food processor is the most important piece of equipment you will need. It helps to quickly and evenly combine the ingredients to form the cookie dough.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preparing the ingredients

STEP 1
Preheat your oven to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. 199 °c).

STEP 2
Gather all your ingredients, including rice flour, buckwheat flour, corn starch, sugar, vegan butter, salt, and vanilla extract.

Making the vegan thumbprint cookies

STEP 1
Add all the ingredients to a food processor and pulse them together until you achieve a crumbly texture.

STEP 2
Transfer the crumbly mixture to a large bowl.

STEP 3
Knead the mixture with your hands for about two minutes until it forms a cookie dough ball. If the dough is dry and crumbly, add one to three teaspoons of water, one at a time. The dough should not stick to your fingers. If you add too much water, compensate with a little more flour.

STEP 4
Take one tablespoon of the cookie dough and roll it into a small ball. Place it on a parchment paper-lined baking tray.

STEP 5
Use your thumb or a teaspoon to make an indentation in the middle of each cookie. If the cookies crack a bit, that’s okay. It gives them a rustic look.

STEP 6
Add half a teaspoon of your favorite jam in the center of each cookie.

STEP 7
Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them after about eight minutes, as baking time may vary depending on your oven.

💡 Expert tip

For the best vegan thumbprint cookies, ensure to measure your ingredients accurately. As baking can be delicate, the precise balance of flour, starch, and butter is crucial for the perfect texture. Even small variations can affect the dough, so use measuring cups and spoons for the best results.

🔄 Variations

If you are a fan of citrus flavors, consider adding lemon curd as a filling for these thumbprint cookies. They are a great option for those who prefer a slightly sour and tangy flavor in their desserts.

If you are a chocolate lover like me, you can add a piece of chocolate in the thumbprint cookies after baking. This will add a rich and gooey texture to your cookies. Just ensure that you press the chocolate gently into the cookie while it is still warm, allowing it to melt and fill the thumbprint.

If you are a fan of tropical flavors, consider using a mango jam. Mango jam will give your cookies a sweet, exotic twist, making them perfect for a summer treat.

🥣 Serving ideas

These thumbprint cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. They are perfect for a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea or a glass of your favorite plant-based milk.

They also make a great addition to a dessert platter. You can serve them alongside other vegan cookies, brownies, or cakes for a variety of flavors and textures.

I love to enjoy them as part of a festive holiday spread. They are a great addition to a Christmas cookie platter or an Easter dessert table.

They are also a fun and delicious treat to make with kids. You can set up a cookie decorating station with a variety of jams and other fillings for them to choose from.

❄️ Storing tips

These vegan thumbprint cookies are a great make-ahead treat that can be easily stored and enjoyed later.

To store the leftovers, allow them to cool completely first. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

To freeze them, it is best to do so without the filling. The cookies themselves freeze well for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature and add the filling of your choice.

🤔 FAQs

More vegan cookie recipes

For more vegan dessert recipes, browse through our recipe collection or check out these delicious cookies:

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