We can’t get through the holiday season without some sort of jam cookie. Jam cookies are so classic and so retro, and I think that everyone’s parents or grandparents have made them some similar style cookie before. This year, I have taken a different approach to making these jam cookies by making them gluten-free! While I am not gluten-free, I definitely appreciate these Gluten-Free Jam Thumbprint Cookies around the holidays since these cookies are a bit lighter and won’t make you too bloated after a meal…unless you eat the whole tray 😛
In this recipe I simply substitute all purpose flour for almond flour, which is simply made of finely ground almonds. The almond flour gives the cookies a slight almond flavour itself, but I amp up the flavour with a bit of almond extract. The almond flavour in combination with the raspberry and apricot jam are such great flavour combinations that everyone is sure to love! Of course, you can add whatever flavour jam you prefer…it’s all up to you and your taste!
When cooking with almond flour, you really have to make sure that you do not overcook it and that you let the cookies rest and firm up before moving them around- these cookies are super delicate since there is no gluten to hold them together. I bake these Gluten-Free Jam Thumbprint Cookies in the oven for only 10 minutes, until I see the bottoms of the cookies begin to turn golden brown and then simply remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool directly on the tray. Letting the cookies cool this way will allow the bottom of the cookie to continue cooking a bit more without the risk of burning them, and will help the cookies have a more stable base. After 15 minutes of cooling, you will see that the base is firmer, that the jam has begun to cool and turn to a firm jelly, and that the cookie is matte in colour. When you see all three of these signs, you will know that your cookies come out just perfectly! Of course, with most cookies, it is best to transfer the cookies to a baking rack to cool completely.
Serve these tasty Gluten-Free Jam Thumbprint Cookies on their own or with a nice cup of milk or tea. I’m sure that Santa would really appreciate getting these cookies on Christmas Eve as well!
What is your favourite holiday cookie recipe? Comment down below! And for the full recipe from my Gluten-Free Jam Thumbprint Cookies, click here!
Enjoy!
