These vegan thumbprint cookies are not only also gluten-free but they are made with only a few simple ingredients and are so easy to make!
This is a cookbook review written by me on behalf of Kathy Patalsky, for which I received a free copy of the book. All the opinions and text are all mine.
This post was originally published on May 13, 2015.
These are a great cookie for kids, either as dessert or even a fun snack. They come together really fast and you can change up the flavor easily with using different flavored jams!
Ingredients
Gather the following for these easy thumbprint cookies:
- oat flour
- cane sugar or coconut sugar
- almond butter
- seasonings
- fruity jam
How To Make Vegan Thumbprint Cookies
Here's what you'll need to do:
- Combine all the ingredients except the jam.
- Roll the dough into balls, make a thumbprint, freeze, fill with jam.
- Bake.
- Chill & serve!
This amazing recipe comes from the book Healthy Happy Vegan Kitchen by Kathy Patalsky of Healthy Happy Life.
Being a mom of three doesn't exactly give me the gift of time. So I am happy to report that these cookies were SO easy to make along with delicious!
I have also made these with sunflower butter when they were at their nut-free preschool and they turned out awesome as well! So fret no more nut allergy mamas, this cookie is for you too!
Flavor variations
One of the fun things about these cookies is how much variety they offer. Try any of these fillings and toppings:
- Raspberry jam
- Strawberry jam
- Fig jam
- Lemon curd
- Cherry pie filling
- Chocolate
- Peanut butter
- Coconut
- Nuts
- Sprinkles
Tips and tricks
Make sure to remember the following in order to make the best thumbprint cookies:
- For the best texture you need accuracy with the flours. Which is why I include precise weights. If you don’t have a scale, then you can purchase this fairly inexpensive one.
- If you prefer to measure, then measure the flours by scooping your measuring cup into the flour versus spooning it into it. This is how I measured when getting my weights.
- I suggest baking these on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Parchment helps crisp the cookie for that perfect outer texture.
- If dough is too soft to work with, place in the fridge a few minutes to firm up a bit.
- To make these oil free, simple don't use the oil. You will need to make sure your almond butter is nice and runny.
- Serve the cookies once they have cooled and firmed up a bit, otherwise at room temperature they will be slightly soft in texture.
Common Questions
Using a parchment paper lined baking sheet, or a baking mat, will prevent your cookies from spreading. A greased cookie sheet will cause them to spread out, they need something to grip onto.
These cookies are best the same day they're baked, but will last an extra day or two.
If you're not going to be eating them right away, they should be. Store them covered, in the fridge, for 1 to 2 days.
For longer storage, place the cookies in sealed containers or baggies and store in the freezer. Rewarm the frozen cookies in the microwave for 30 seconds, or allow to come to room temperature on a plate on the counter.
More Vegan Cookie Recipes
Finding a variety of recipes for vegan Christmas cookie exchanges can be tough, I've got you covered with these recipes:
- Healthy Vegan Peanut Butter Cookies
- Kourabiedes (Greek Butter Cookies)
- Melomakarona (Greek Christmas Cookies)
- Grain Free Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Vegan Gluten Free Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
- Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
- ¾ cup oat flour , gluten-free if needed
- ½ cup cane sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 ½ tablespoons almond butter , softened
- 2 teaspoons virgin coconut oil , softened (optional, see note for oil free)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch sea salt
- Pinch baking soda
- 2 tablespoons fruity jam , any flavor
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients, except the jam, until a soft dough forms.
- Carefully roll the dough into balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Press a small thumbprint into each cookie. Place the cookies in the freezer for 10 minutes to solidify the shape for baking.
- Bake the chilled cookies until they are rounded and lightly puffed and darkened on the edges, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Pull the cookies from oven and dab a small bit of the jam in the center thumbprint of each cookie.
- Remove the cookies from the pan and transfer to a plate. Place the cookies in the fridge to chill. Serve the cookies once they have cooled and firmed up a bit, otherwise at room temperature they will be slightly soft in texture. These cookies are best served the same day they are baked.
- Store any leftovers, covered, in the fridge, for 1 to 2 days. For longer storage, place the cookies in sealed containers or baggies and store in the freezer. Rewarm the frozen cookies in the microwave for 30 seconds, or allow to come to room temperature on a plate on the counter.
Notes
- If dough is too soft to work with, place in the fridge a few minutes to firm up a bit.
- To make these oil free, simple don't use the oil. You will need to make sure your almond butter is nice and runny.
- These make about 8 cookies. Serving size is one cookie.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
Dianna
This is a beautiful book and I can't wait to try the recipes!
veggiesdontbite
You'll love it Dianna! It's so beautiful!
Ana @ Ana's Rocket Ship
The reason that you can't have almond butter and jam sandwiches in cookie form ALWAYS is because then there would be no arguments about if you are going to eat the crusts. Cause those totally don't still happen when you're 19.
veggiesdontbite
LOL Ana...You crack me up! Let's just eat everything in cookie form!
Vera Khule
I would love to win this because I am always looking for new healthy recipes.
veggiesdontbite
This is a great book for awesome healthy recipes! Good luck!
Mandy
Great review, Sophia!!! And I love it, "almond butter and jelly sandwich in cookie form!" Sign me up! Haha!!! Those cookies really do look incredible. I love her blog and have tried several of her recipes - all a success, so I'm looking forward to picking up a copy of this book!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks so much Mandy!! The cookies were great and the kids loved them. Except now they think they can just eat lunch in cookie form. Lol! The book is awesome!! So colorful.
Andrea
I love her blog, so I can't wait to check out some more of her recipes!
veggiesdontbite
Isn't it great Andrea?! You'll love the book too!
The Vegan 8
These cookies look soooooo good and sooo easy! Which I love of course! The book looks so pretty and colorful too! I bet the recipes are just to die for! Great review and giveaway! Whoop!
veggiesdontbite
The cookies are SUPER easy!!! I love all the colors in it and the recipes are awesome. You'd love it!
Natalia M
I've been seeing so many rave reviews of this book, and I think even a non-vegan would drool over her recipes, so who wouldn't want the book!! So yes, of course I want one. I want to make all of Kathy's delicious recipes (and impress my non-vegan husband :)).
veggiesdontbite
Yes, yes and yes!!! Great book for all types of eaters! Good luck! I hope you are able to impress him!
Karen D
I need some new, healthy plant-based meal ideas
veggiesdontbite
Awesome Karen! This would be a great book for you! Good luck!
Alice-Anne
I've been eyeing this book for more family friendly meals. And for its bright colors. 🙂
veggiesdontbite
You're spot on for not things! I know you'll love it. It's so colorful and happy! Good luck!
Katie
I'm looking for simple vegan recipes and this looks like it would fit the bill!
veggiesdontbite
It totally would Katie! You'll love it. Good luck!
Ann P-L
I'd love this book be cause I'm always looking for new vegan recipes for my family!
veggiesdontbite
Then this is a great book! Easy and delicious. Good luck!
shelby nowak
Yum! I am always looking for new things to try and I definitely NEED a recipe! 🙂
veggiesdontbite
LOL Shelby! This book would be awesome for you!
Ashley
I've heard so many great things about this book, thanks so much for the chance to win!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you for being here Ashley! The book is awesome. Good luck!!
david w
Hi there! Great recipe as usual. I don't know if you do the blogger awards anymore, but I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog award this time around. Keep up the good work!
http://thecountyfare.net/2015/05/14/one-lovely-blog-award/
veggiesdontbite
Awe, thank you so much David! You're too kind. I'll definitely go check out your post!
Plia
still trying to fully transition to vegan...
veggiesdontbite
Plia, don't be too hard on yourself! I fully believe in a small step by step process. I too am on the journey and do what I can. This is a great book for recipe ideas! If you have the idea then it's so much easier to make delicious plant based food! Thanks so much for being here and I'm always here if you have any questions!