Coconut Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies
Introduction: Coconut Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies are the perfect blend of soft, buttery cookies and a sweet, fruity filling. The cookie dough is delicately flavored with vanilla, and once baked, it’s rolled in coconut for a delicious, golden crust. A dollop of strawberry jam fills the center, making these cookies both visually appealing and irresistibly tasty. They’re ideal for holidays, family gatherings, or a sweet treat for yourself.
The “thumbprint” style is an iconic cookie shape, where a small indentation is made in the center of the dough using your thumb (or another utensil). This creates a natural space for the jam to settle, making it a classic favorite that appeals to all ages. Whether you’re a coconut lover, a jam enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, these thumbprints are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 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
- 1 ½ cups shredded unsweetened coconut (for rolling)
- ¼ cup strawberry jam (or your favorite jam)
Method/Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky but hold together.
- Chill the Dough:
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up. This step is essential to ensure the dough doesn’t spread too much while baking.
- Roll the Dough:
- Preheat your 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, then roll each ball in the shredded coconut, pressing gently to coat evenly.
- 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 the indentation with about ½ teaspoon of strawberry jam (or more if you prefer a larger jam-filled center).
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
History: The thumbprint cookie is a classic treat with deep roots in European baking traditions. Its origins can be traced back to Swedish and Danish cookies called hallongrotta, which translates to “raspberry cave.” The “cave” refers to the thumbprint indentations made in the dough, which are filled with jam. These cookies have evolved over time, incorporating different fillings, such as strawberry, apricot, and even chocolate.
While the thumbprint cookie is an age-old recipe, its popularity has only increased in recent years, especially with the rise of baking blogs and online recipes. These cookies are known for their versatility, as bakers often experiment with different fruit jams or even savory fillings. The combination of a rich, buttery dough with the tang of fruit jam remains a winning formula in kitchens worldwide.
Formation: The classic thumbprint cookie starts with a basic sugar cookie dough, enhanced with the addition of egg yolks to give it a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The key to perfect thumbprint cookies is the consistency of the dough: it should be soft enough to hold the thumbprint shape but firm enough to keep its form during baking.
The coconut coating adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, which contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the jam and the softness of the cookie. In terms of formation, the thumbprint is a necessary step, as it allows for a space to be created for the jam to sit. While the dough will spread slightly as it bakes, the thumbprint indentation helps ensure that the jam stays put without spilling over.
Conclusion: Coconut Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies are the ideal cookie for anyone who loves a combination of buttery sweetness, fruity jam, and chewy coconut. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday, a special event, or just because you have a craving for something delicious, these cookies never disappoint.
Their charming appearance and blend of flavors make them perfect for sharing with friends and family. Plus, the process of making them is just as enjoyable as eating them. It’s the perfect recipe to bake with loved ones—let the kids roll the dough, create the thumbprints, and fill them with jam. The result is not only a delectable treat but also a shared experience filled with fun, laughter, and memories.
Lovers of these cookies will appreciate:
- The contrast of soft cookie dough with chewy, toasted coconut
- The sweet, tangy kick of strawberry jam in every bite
- How easily these can be customized with different jams (like raspberry, apricot, or even lemon curd!)
- The fact that they freeze beautifully—store them for a rainy day, or give them as gifts to spread the love
These Coconut Strawberry Thumbprint Cookies will undoubtedly become a staple in your cookie repertoire. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven, or let them cool for a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth experience. With each bite, you’ll savor not just the taste but the joy of baking them for those you care about.