Indulge in these delightful flourless peanut butter thumbprint cookies, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a jiffy. With a rich, creamy peanut butter base and a luscious Nutella center, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, they promise to be a hit from the first bite!
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
- Peanut butter: This creamy base provides rich flavor and texture. Ensure you use smooth peanut butter for the best results. You can swap it with your favorite nut butter or sunflower butter if you want a nut-free option.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps achieve the right consistency for the dough.
- Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel flavor. You can use light brown sugar if dark brown sugar isn’t available.
- Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature.
- Vanilla extract:Â Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cookies, adding a warm and aromatic touch.
- Nutella: The perfect filling that adds a creamy, chocolaty center to each cookie. You can substitute it with any chocolate spread of your choice.
- Coarse sea salt:Â This adds a touch of savory contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. Â
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the dough
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and both sugars until light and fluffy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
Editor’s Tip: A paddle attachment in your stand mixer makes this step a breeze.Â
Step 2: Shape and bakeÂ
Drop the dough by rounded teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Bake until the edges are firm, about 7 to 9 minutes. Let the cookies cool on the pans for 5 minutes.
Editor’s Tip: Use a cookie scoop to achieve uniform dough balls for consistent cookie size.
Step 3: Create indentations
Press an indentation in the center of each cookie with the end of a wooden spoon handle immediately after baking for the perfect thumbprint.
Step 4: Add the filling
Fill each indentation with 1/2 teaspoon of Nutella and sprinkle with coarse sea salt. Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
Recipe Variations
- Use Dark Chocolate: For a richer flavor, use melted dark chocolate instead of Nutella.
- Add Favorite Nuts: Top the Nutella filling with a small piece of your favorite nut, such as almond or pecan, for added texture and flavor.
- Use Fruit Jam: Fill the cookies with jam instead of Nutella to give them a fruity twist. I love how raspberry jam pairs with the peanut butter cookie.Â
How to Store Thumbprint Cookies with Peanut Butter
Let the cookies cool completely before storing them. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. For optimal freshness, consume within a week.
Can you freeze peanut butter thumbprint cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Recipe Tips for Thumbprint Peanut Butter CookiesÂ
What can I put on thumbprint cookies instead of Nutella?
For a change in flavor, you can try different fillings, such as fruit jams, caramel sauce or even peanut butter frosting.
How else can I use the peanut butter cookie dough?
The dough can also be used to make regular peanut butter cookies. Simply skip the indentation step and bake them as is. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a filling of your choice for a delicious treat.
Why do my thumbprint cookies spread so much?
To prevent thumbprint cookies from spreading too much, make sure the dough is properly chilled before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape as they bake.
How to keep thumbprint cookies from cracking?
To keep them from cracking, avoid pressing too hard when creating the indentations and ensure the dough is not overworked, which can lead to cracking during baking.
