With a dollop of deliciousness in its center, thumbprint cookies are gems of the baking world. Whether you're vegan, have dietary restrictions, or simply love experimenting with plant-based treats, these vegan thumbprint cookies will delight your taste buds and spark your culinary creativity.
The information provided on this site is based on my personal experience living with alpha-gal syndrome. I consistently cite and link to expert sources, but nothing published on this site should be perceived as medical advice.
Alpha-gal sensitivities vary by person. You should understand your dietary restrictions, making any adjustments needed, and directing any questions to your physician.
There’s something incredibly charming about thumbprint cookies. Their signature indent, filled with a sweet surprise, makes them a favorite among cookie enthusiasts. From classic jams to innovative fillings, these vegan thumbprint cookie recipes prove that dairy free baking can be just as indulgent and satisfying as traditional methods. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a sweet snack, or on a Christmas cookie baking spree, one of the recipes below may soon be one of your new favorite cookies!
In This Article
What are Thumbprint Cookies?
Thumbprint cookies, a charming and beloved treat, have a unique place in the cookie world. Imagine soft, buttery shortbread cookies, often made with a simple blend of flour, sugar, and fats, like butter — or, in a vegan twist, plant-based alternatives. The name “thumbprint” comes from the signature indent at the center of each cookie, traditionally created by pressing a thumb or measuring spoon into the cookie dough ball before baking.
This little well is the heart of the cookie, waiting to be filled with a variety of sweet surprises. Jams and jellies are classic choices, offering a burst of fruity flavor. But chocolate, caramel, or even a dollop of nut butter provide delicious alternatives. Vegan thumbprint cookies maintain the same charm and versatility as their traditional counterparts, just using ingredients that align with a plant-based lifestyle. They’re not just a treat but a canvas for creativity, allowing bakers to experiment with flavors and fillings, making each batch uniquely delicious.
How to Make Thumbprint Cookies
Making thumbprint cookies is fun and easy, perfect for when you’re craving something sweet and homemade. Start by mixing your vegan dough with plant-based butter, sugar, and flour, ensuring it’s well-combined yet pliable. Roll the dough into balls, and here comes the fun part: gently press your thumb (or a small spoon) into each ball to create the iconic indent. Be careful not to push too hard – you’re making a cozy nest for the filling, not a doughnut hole!
After shaping the cookies, place them on a baking sheet with parchment paper and cook until golden brown. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Then fill each indent with your filling of choice. My favorite options are a teaspoon of jam, vegan Nutella, and homemade fruit compote. The beauty of thumbprint cookies lies in their simplicity and the joy of customizing them. Whether you keep it classic with raspberry jam or get creative with exotic fillings, these cookies are a testament to the joy of vegan baking.
How to Store Thumbprint Cookies
Storing thumbprint cookies properly is key to maintaining their shortbread texture and buttery flavor. Once your vegan cookies have completely cooled, choose an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you’ve used a jam or jelly filling, storing them in a single layer to prevent the cookies from sticking together is best. If you need to stack them, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to keep them from becoming one big cookie clump. These cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for 3 to 5 days.
Thumbprint cookies also freeze well if you’d prefer to eat them later. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and they’ll keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature.
My Favorite Vegan Thumbprint Cookie Recipes
From the nostalgic childhood flavors of peanut butter and jelly to the sophisticated twist of apricot and rosemary, you’re sure to find a recipe that tickles your fancy and satisfies your sweet tooth. Dig into this collection, where each cookie promises a bite of bliss and a dash of plant-based magic.
1. Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies
These delightful cookies combine the goodness of dairy-free butter, vegan granulated sugar, vanilla extract, gluten-free all-purpose flour, and non-dairy milk. They’re easy to make and can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.
2. Thumbprint Cookies with Icing
These cookies are a vegan delight, featuring a blend of all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, vegan butter, sugar, and almond milk. The icing, made from powdered sugar and almond milk, adds a sweet finish. They’re perfect for those who love a classic thumbprint cookie with a simple, sweet icing.
3. Peanut Butter and Jelly Thumbprint Cookies
A nostalgic twist on the classic thumbprint cookie, these treats combine peanut butter, oat flour, maple syrup, and baking powder. Adding your favorite jelly or jam in the center makes them a splendid snack reminiscent of childhood flavors.
4. Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies are a vegan dream, featuring all-purpose flour, vegan butter, sugar, and almond milk. The sweet raspberry jam filling pairs perfectly with the buttery shortbread cookie, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
5. Apricot Rosemary Thumbprint Cookies
These unique cookies blend the flavors of apricot preserves and fresh rosemary with dairy-free butter, vegan granulated sugar, vanilla extract, gluten-free all-purpose flour, and dairy-free milk. They’re a festive and flavorful choice for the holidays or any special occasion.
6. Gluten-Free Linzer Cookies
These cookies are a healthy twist on the traditional Linzer cookie, made with almond flour, coconut flour, ghee, coconut oil, baking soda, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. They’re filled with jam and are perfect for those following a Paleo, gluten-free, or dairy-free diet.
7. Almond Flour Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies are incredibly easy to make and delicious. Made with almond flour and filled with jam, they’re a healthy and fun treat. They’re perfect for holidays or any day that you crave a sweet, homemade cookie.
8. Blueberry Oatmeal Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies offer a satisfying combination of oats, pumpkin seeds, maple syrup, almond butter, and a homemade blueberry chia jam. They’re a healthy and tasty treat, perfect for those who love a fruity center in their cookies.
9. Strawberry Coconut Thumbprint Cookies
Celebrate spring with these Paleo, gluten-free, vegan, and grain-free cookies. Made with a unique blend of flours and filled with homemade strawberry jam, these cookies are a fruity and delicious treat for any season.
Do You Have a Favorite Vegan Thumbprint Cookie?
What’s your favorite flavor of thumbprint cookie? Do you have any additional tips or tricks for making thumbprint cookies to pass along? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Made these yesterday following your recipe and they came out great! Going to make them again for the Easter holiday. Thanks for the tip about Vegan Nutella, too. So delicous!
I love that vegan Nutella recipe. Even the non-alpha gals at my house prefer it over store bought!
I love thumbprint cookies!! This is a great article that has safe options for myself! Thank you!