Best 7 Festive Pecan Thumbprint Cookies Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Are you looking for a delicious and festive treat to share with your loved ones during the holiday season? If yes, then look no further than the iconic pecan thumbprint cookies. These cookies are not only a visual delight with their golden-brown exterior and pecan-studded tops but also a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. With a crisp outer shell and a soft and chewy interior, these cookies are the perfect balance of textures. The nutty flavor of the pecans complements the sweetness of the cookie dough, creating a truly irresistible treat. Whether you are planning a Christmas party, a holiday gathering, or simply want to indulge in a sweet treat, these festive pecan thumbprint cookies are sure to be a hit.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

FESTIVE THUMBPRINTS



Festive Thumbprints image

I never cared for jam-filled thumbprints, so I decided to fill them with frosting instead. This makes them easy to ship, which you can't do with the sticky jam filling. I sent these to my daughter while she was serving in Iraq, and they made the long haul in perfect condition. -Wendy Schlueter, Babbitt, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield about 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
Colored sprinkles or nonpareils
FILLING:
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup 2% milk
8 ounces white candy coating
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red and green food coloring

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. In another bowl, whisk flour and salt; gradually beat into creamed mixture. Place sprinkles in a shallow bowl or bowls., Shape dough into 1-in. balls; dip tops in sprinkles. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets. Press a deep indentation in center of each with your thumb. Bake until edges are light brown, 10-12 minutes. Using a wooden spoon handle, enlarge any indentations that may have narrowed or closed. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool., For filling, bring sugar, butter and milk to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring constantly. Cook and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add candy coating and vanilla; stir until smooth. Divide filling between 2 bowls. Using food coloring, tint filling in one bowl red and in the other bowl green. Spoon fillings into indentations; let stand until set.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 114 calories, Fat 6g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 53mg sodium, Carbohydrate 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 1g protein.

PECAN PIE THUMBPRINT COOKIES



Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies image

These Pecan Pie Thumbprint Cookies are such an easy way to get your pecan pie fix without having to bake a whole pie. Tender, flaky, buttery shortbread cookies are filled with a sweet, gooey, caramelized pecan pie filling for a cookie eating experience that's just too tasty to be true!

Provided by Maegan - The BakerMama

Categories     Dessert

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 tablespoon melted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
3/4 cup chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Cookie Dough: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the vanilla. Add the flour and beat on low until just combined and then on high until well combined and a thick, soft dough is formed. *It is important to use an electric mixer with a paddle attachment to combine the ingredients into a soft dough.
  • Pinch off small portions of the dough and form into 1-inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.
  • Pecan Pie Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter and vanilla. Stir in the pecans until well combined.
  • Lightly press your thumb into the center of each ball and fill the well with 1/2 teaspoon of the pecan pie filling. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the filling starts to caramelize on top and the cookies start to turn a light golden brown. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

PECAN THUMBPRINT COOKIES



Pecan Thumbprint Cookies image

This versatile recipe couldn't be easier or yummier! Switch things up by using several different jams or jellies. -Georgia MacDonald, Dover, New Hampshire

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 40m

Yield about 1-1/2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 egg white, lightly beaten
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
1/2 cup preserves or jelly of your choice

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. Combine flour and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well., Shape dough into 1-in. balls; roll in egg white, then in pecans. Using the end of a wooden spoon handle, make an indentation in the center of each ball. Cover and freeze until firm. Transfer cookie dough balls to a large resealable plastic freezer bag. May be frozen for up to 3 months., To use frozen cookie dough: Place dough balls 2 in. apart on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 17-20 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks. While warm, fill each with a teaspoonful of preserves. Cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 142 calories, Fat 9g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 25mg cholesterol, Sodium 73mg sodium, Carbohydrate 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

FESTIVE THUMBPRINT COOKIES



Festive Thumbprint Cookies image

These buttery holiday favourites are given a healthy upgrade with whole wheat flour. For a nut-free option, roll in Great Value Unsweetened Desiccated Coconut instead of pecans.Estimated cost: $0.60 per serving. Makes 20 cookies for 10 servings.Tips: If you don't have a food processor, finely chop the pecans by hand and mix all the ingredients together in a bowl to form the dough. Feel free to use any jam or preserve you have on hand too.Brought to you by Walmart.

Provided by Food Network Canada

Categories     bake,christmas,dessert,eggs and dairy,fruit,nuts,snack

Time 40m

Yield 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 Great Value Large Egg, separated
1 cup Great Value Whole Wheat Flour
¼ cup golden yellow sugar, packed
1 tsp Great Value Cinnamon
¼ tsp Great Value Iodized Sea Salt
½ cup Great Value Unsalted Butter, softened
½ tsp Great Value Artificial Vanilla Extract
⅓ cup Our Finest Raspberry Cherry Cranberry Preserve Style Spread
1 package Great Value Pecan Pieces

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C.) Line a baking tray with parchment paper; set aside.
  • In a food processor pulse the pecan pieces until finely chopped. Transfer to a small shallow bowl; set aside. Lightly beat the egg white until frothy in a separate small shallow bowl; set aside.
  • In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt several times to combine. Add butter, egg yolk, and vanilla; blend until smooth dough forms, scraping down the sides several times.
  • Shape dough into 1 Tbsp (15 mL) sized balls. Roll in egg white then chopped pecans. Place 2" (5 cm) apart on prepared baking tray. Bake in centre of preheated oven for 5-6 minutes.
  • Remove cookies from oven; cool 1 minute. Using thumb or the back of a wooden spoon, indent the top of each cookie. Spoon a heaped ½ tsp (2 mL) preserves into each indent. Bake 16-18 minutes longer or until cookies are set. Cool completely on the tray before serving.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

DOUBLE PECAN THUMBPRINTS



Double Pecan Thumbprints image

Dusting these tender pecan-and-butter-packed cookies with powdered sugar before baking them creates a crackly, glossy coating. Feel free to add more afterward as well.

Provided by Chris Morocco

Categories     Bon Appétit     Holiday 2018     Christmas     Christmas Eve     Cookies     Bake     Pecan     Nut     Dessert     Winter     Fall     Thanksgiving

Yield Makes about 26

Number Of Ingredients 17

Frangipane:
2 cups pecan halves
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg white
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature
2 tsp. espresso powder
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. almond extract
Dough and assembly:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup powdered sugar, divided; plus more for serving (optional)
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp. vanilla extract or paste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly toast pecans on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing halfway through, until slightly darkened in color and fragrant, 6-8 minutes. Let cool; set 1 1/4 cups pecans aside for making the dough.
  • Pulse granulated sugar and remaining 3/4 cup pecans in a food processor until nuts are very finely ground (be careful to stop before they become a paste), 30-60 seconds. Add egg white and pulse just to blend, then add butter, espresso powder, salt, and almond extract. Pulse just until mixture is smooth and combined. Scrape frangipane into a small bowl and chill at least 30 minutes before using.
  • Pulse flour, salt, baking powder, and 1 cup reserved pecans in clean food processor until nuts are very finely ground, about 1 minute.
  • Beat butter, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup powdered sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Add egg yolk and vanilla and beat until combined and no streaks remain. Reduce speed to low and add dry ingredients. Beat just until incorporated, about 1 minute. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill dough until it's firm enough that you can scoop it and it will hold its shape, 30-45 minutes.
  • Place racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 350°F. Place 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Working in batches, scoop out tablespoonfuls of dough and roll into balls between your hands, then roll in powdered sugar, knocking off any excess. Transfer to 2 parchment-lined baking sheets as you work, spacing 2" apart.
  • Bake cookies until puffed but edges are still soft, 6-8 minutes. Carefully remove from oven and make an indent in the center of each cookie with the handle end of a wooden spoon or a similar heatproof object. Spoon a heaping 1/2-teaspoonful of frangipane into each and top with a pecan half from remaining reserved 1/4 cup. Return cookies to oven and continue to bake until edges are set and very lightly browned, 6-8 minutes longer. Let cool on baking sheets.
  • Just before serving, dust cookies with more powdered sugar if desired.
  • Do Ahead
  • Frangipane can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and keep chilled. You will have more than you need, but try slathering leftovers on toasted brioche and baking until lightly browned (sort of like an almond croissant). We guarantee you won't be upset about it. Cookies can be baked 5 days ahead. Store airtight at room temperature.

PECAN FILLED COOKIES



Pecan Filled Cookies image

This wonderful, treasured family favorite is served at Christmas and other special occasions. Enjoy!

Provided by Laural Takashima

Categories     Desserts     Nut Dessert Recipes     Pecan Dessert Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 30

Number Of Ingredients 10

½ cup butter
1 cup light brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup chopped pecans
⅛ cup sour cream
¼ cup brown sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.
  • In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and 1 cup brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; stir into the sugar mixture. Roll the dough into 1 inch balls and place them 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Make a depression in the center using the cap from the vanilla or the end of a wooden spoon. Mix together the pecans, sour cream and 1/4 cup brown sugar; fill each depression with the mixture.
  • Bake for 8 to 11 minutes in the preheated oven, or until light brown. Cool for a few minutes on the cookie sheets before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 97.8 calories, Carbohydrate 12.6 g, Cholesterol 14.8 mg, Fat 4.8 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 1.3 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 66.9 mg, Sugar 6 g

PECAN THUMBPRINT COOKIES WITH ICING



Pecan Thumbprint Cookies With Icing image

Super easy recipe to make. We make these every year for Christmas although they can be made any time of the year.The cookies themselves are a little plain, but the icing makes them oh so delicious.

Provided by Karen C

Categories     Drop Cookies

Time 40m

Yield 24-36 cookies

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 cup sugar
1 cup butter
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup pecans, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring
food coloring
water, for thick paste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  • Combine all ingredients.
  • Drop spoonfuls of dough onto greased cookie sheet.
  • Place thumb print into each ball to make an indent for icing being sure not to go all the way through dough.
  • Bake 300 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
  • Let cool.
  • Place cookies on wax paper and prepare icing. Icing should be a thick paste. If icing is too thin add more confectioners sugar; if too thick add more water.
  • Fill the indents in each cookie with icing. Icing will harden.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 165.6, Fat 11.1, SaturatedFat 5.2, Cholesterol 20.3, Sodium 79, Carbohydrate 15.7, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 7.2, Protein 1.6

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
  • Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help the cookies to be tender.
  • Do not overmix the dough. Overmixing will make the cookies tough.
  • Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies to hold their shape.
  • Bake the cookies until the edges are just beginning to brown. Overbaking will make the cookies dry.
  • Allow the cookies to cool completely before filling them. This will help to prevent the filling from leaking out.
  • For a more festive presentation, decorate the cookies with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips.

Conclusion:

These festive pecan thumbprint cookies are a delicious and easy-to-make treat that is perfect for any occasion. With their buttery shortbread crust and sweet pecan filling, these cookies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. So next time you're looking for a special cookie to bake, give these festive pecan thumbprint cookies a try. You won't be disappointed!

Related Topics