Soft, chewy coconut thumbprint cookies filled with sweet strawberry jam. Perfect for holidays, tea time, or gifting. Easy to bake and irresistibly delicious!
A delightful cookie that perfectly balances the nutty flavor of coconut with a sweet, fruity strawberry center. These thumbprint cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, making them ideal for holidays, special occasions, or simply as a treat with your afternoon tea or coffee. With their beautiful coconut coating and colorful jam-filled centers, they’re as visually appealing as they are delicious. Easy to make and universally loved, these cookies are a must-have in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup (130 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Rolling:
- 1 ½ cups shredded unsweetened coconut
For Filling:
- ¼ cup strawberry jam (or your favorite jam)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but hold together.
3. Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up. This step ensures the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
4. Shape the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the shredded coconut in a shallow bowl. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and coat each ball evenly in shredded coconut.
5. Create the Thumbprint
Place the coconut-covered dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each ball. Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of strawberry jam.
6. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent spreading.
- Use fresh or high-quality strawberry jam for best flavor.
- Press the thumbprint gently to avoid breaking the cookie.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft in the center.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a dessert or with afternoon tea or coffee.
- Arrange on a festive platter for holidays or gatherings.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 1 month, bake directly from frozen adding 2-3 extra minutes.
- Baked cookies can also be frozen and thawed at room temperature.
Variations
- Use raspberry, apricot, or blueberry jam instead of strawberry.
- Roll dough balls in chopped nuts before baking for added crunch.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced twist.
Nutrition (per cookie, approximate)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Sugar: 8 g
FAQs
Q: Can I use light or sweetened coconut?
A: Yes, but unsweetened coconut helps balance sweetness with the jam.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Q: Can I use a different fruit filling?
A: Absolutely! Apricot, raspberry, or blueberry jam works perfectly.
Conclusion
These Coconut Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies are a simple yet impressive treat. Their soft, chewy texture, nutty coconut coating, and sweet fruit center make them a favorite for all ages. Perfect for gifting, entertaining, or enjoying with your favorite beverage, these cookies are a delightful addition to any baking repertoire.