As delicate and fussy as these cookies look they are simple to create. If you want an easy delicious cookie to whip up and share over the holiday season than this is the biscuit to make. I remember helping my mum make these cookies during the holidays. This recipe does not require an assembly line and more than 2 people could over complicate a rather straightforward recipe. The ones picture here are a nut free version I made. Same recipe, I just omitted rolling them around in the walnuts. I have seen another version that replaces the nuts with flaked coconut, you may do that if you wish, however I decided not to. Another great thing about this recipe is that no two cookies are alike, they may look similar, therefore they are not meant to be perfectly formed... like manufactured cookies. That is part of the charm about these lovely morsels.
Thumbprint Cookies
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1/2 cup soft butter
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon British mixed spice
1 egg white, slightly beaten
3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
Pre heat oven to 350º
In a medium bowl blend the flour, salt and British mixed spice together. Set aside.
In another bowl, preferably a large bowl, blend the butter, brown sugar, egg yolk and vanilla thoroughly. Stir in the flour mixture, blending everything and creating a nice dough.
Roll about 1 teaspoon of the dough into balls. Dip into the slightly beaten egg white. Then roll into the crushed walnuts. Place about 1 inch apart on a baking tray press thumb gently into the centres. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool. Fill the indents with preferred jam or a minced meat filling.
Notes: You may omit the British mixed spice form the recipe. Another way to create the "thumbprint" impression is by using a finger or the tip of a wooden spoon handle. I filled half the cookies with raspberry jam and the other half were filled with a vegetarian minced meat filling. Since I made a nut free version I did a fine dusting of icing sugar over the top, once the cookies were completely cooled; to give a more decorative appeal. Cracks will appear. Form them as best you can however no need to fret and fuss over their shape.
This is what they looked like before I dusted icing sugar over the top. A bit plain and in need of a little something.
Hope everyone had a good weekend. - JD