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    Easy Gluten Free & Paleo Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies (Vegan Option!) Recipe Index

    Easy Gluten Free & Paleo Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies (Vegan Option!)

    Published: Dec 2, 2021 by Nicki Sizemore · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Gluten free raspberry thumbprint cookies on a marble surface.
    Gluten free raspberry thumbprint cookies on a marble surface.

    These gluten free almond thumbprint cookies come together quickly and will disappear just as fast. They have an irresistible sweet almond flavor, a chewy center and a burst of sweet jam in the center. Best of all, they’re naturally paleo, dairy-free, and they can easily be made vegan! The cookies are a delicious everyday treat, and they're also a fabulous (healthy) Christmas cookie. [Don't miss the step-by-step VIDEO below.]

    Gluten free and paleo raspberry thumbprint cookies on a marble surface.

    Gluten free thumbprint cookies

    As you may know from this Cassava Cookie Bar and this Vegan Cookie Bar post, I’m a rather impatient baker. Meaning, even though I love eating cookies, I don’t always love baking them. However, almond thumbprint cookies are one of my favorite holiday cookies, and I set out to develop a healthier gluten free version that was streamlined and easy-to-make yet delicious. Mission accomplished!

    Raspberry vegan thumbprint cookies on a serving platter.

    Grain free almond flour thumbprint cookies

    These GF thumbprint cookies are made with just almond flour, making them grain free. They’re also naturally sweetened with coconut sugar, making them paleo.

    Vegan thumbprint cookies 

    You can either use a regular egg or a flax egg to make these cookies (see the FAQs below), meaning you can easily make vegan thumbprint cookies (and nobody will have a clue!).

    All of the ingredients for the gluten free thumbprint cookies arranged on a marble surface with labels.

    Ingredients:

    • Almond flour gives the cookies a rich flavor and texture
    • Cinnamon lends a hint of warmth
    • An egg binds the cookies together, or you can use a flax egg for vegan cookies (see the FAQs below)
    • Coconut sugar lends natural sweetness (you can use brown sugar instead)
    • Almond extract gives the cookies a delicious marzipan-like flavor
    • Almond milk (or any milk you like) and vegetable oil lend moisture
    • Raspberry or cherry jam give the cookies a sweet pop of flavor and complement the almond flavor (if you follow a paleo diet, be sure to use a paleo jam)

    How to make paleo thumbprint cookies:

    • In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, cinnamon and salt. Use your fingers to break up any clumps of almond flour. 
    The dry ingredients for the gluten free thumbprint cookies in a bowl with a whisk.
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg (or flax egg), coconut sugar, milk, oil and almond extract. 
    A hand whisking together the wet ingredients for the thumbprint cookie recipe.
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir to combine (the batter will be thick).
    The cookie batter in a bowl with a spatula.
    • Scoop the cookies out onto a parchment lined baking sheet (use a mini ice cream scoop or 2 spoons). 
    A hand scooping the gluten free thumbprint cookie dough onto a parchment lined baking sheet using a mini ice cream scoop.
    • Using a damp finger, make an indentation in each cookie. 
    Process shot showing a finger making indentations in the cookies.
    • Fill each indentation with raspberry or cherry jam. 
    A hand spooning jam into the thumbprint cookies.
    • Bake the cookies until they’re golden brown on top. Let them cool on the baking sheet (they will firm up as they cool).
    Baked paleo thumbprint cookies on a parchment lined baking sheet.

    How to serve the cookies

    The cookies are fabulous for Christmas and the holidays, especially since they can appeal to all eaters at the table. However, we make them year-round - I keep a stash in the freezer, which my kids love for weeknight desserts and after-school snacks.

    Raspberry almond thumbprint cookies stacked on a countertop.

    FAQs

    Can I freeze thumbprint cookies?

    Yes! Freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. They're delicious straight out of the freezer!

    What jam is best in thumbprint cookies?

    I recommend using raspberry or cherry jam in these almond thumbprint cookies, which complement the sweet almond flavor. (The flavor of apricot jam gets lost and strawberry jam is a bit overpowering.) 

    How do you make vegan thumbprint cookies?

    To make vegan thumbprint cookies, use a flax egg in place of the regular egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit until thickened. Stir the flax egg into the wet ingredients as indicated.

    Close up of a gluten free thumbprint cookie with a bite taken out.

    Tips for this recipe:

    • I always recommend baking with an inexpensive kitchen scale, especially when using gluten free flours, which can vary widely in weight depending on how they're scooped. If you don’t have a scale, spoon the almond flour into measuring cups.
    • A mini ice cream scoop makes it really easy to scoop the cookie dough!
    • Pre-cut parchment paper is one of the best kitchens inventions ever (just saying!). It's always ready and waiting and doesn't curl at the edges.
    • Pure almond extract gives these cookies a delicious marzipan-like flavor.
    • For paleo thumbprint cookies, be sure to use a paleo friendly jam. 

    *This post contains Amazon and other affiliate links to products I use and love (from which I earn income, at no cost to you). Thank you or supporting From Scratch Fast!

    Other cookies and treats to try:

    • Mini Pecan Tarts
    • No-Bake Vegan Cookie Bars
    • Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
    • Pumpkin Breakfast Cookies
    • Triple Chocolate Zucchini Brownies

    Watch the video!

    Stay connected

    I'd love to answer any of your questions and see what you're cooking!! Don't forget to rate this recipe and leave a comment below. Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Pinterest, and be sure to tag @fromscratchfast so that I can share your creations!

    Get the recipe!

    Gluten free vegan thumbprint cookies on a marble surface.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe

    Paleo Almond Thumbprint Cookies (Vegan Option!)

    These gluten free almond thumbprint cookies have an irresistible marzipan-like flavor, a chewy center and a burst of sweet jam in the center. Best of all, they’re naturally paleo and dairy-free, and they can easily be made vegan! The vegan cookies are made with a flax egg instead of a regular egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or until slightly thickened (it will look viscous). The healthy cookies are a delicious everyday treat, and they're also fabulous for the holidays!
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: gluten free thumbprint cookies, healthy Christmas cookies, paleo thumbprint cookies, vegan thumbprint cookies
    Servings: 25 cookies
    Author: Nicki Sizemore

    Ingredients

    Dry ingredients

    • 2 cups (220g) almond flour
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt

    Wet ingredients

    • 1 large egg or 1 flax egg (see header)
    • ½ cup (80g) coconut sugar (or ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar)
    • ¼ cup neutral vegetable oil
    • 2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk (or any milk)
    • ¾ teaspoon almond extract
    • ¼ cup raspberry or cherry jam

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

    Mix the dry ingredients

    • In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Use your fingers to break up any clumps of almond flour.

    Mix the wet ingredients and combine

    • In a small bowl, whisk together the egg (or flax egg), coconut sugar, oil, almond milk and almond extract until smooth.
    • Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir until smooth (the dough will be quite thick). If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes to firm up (this will make the dough easier to scoop).

    Scoop and bake

    • Using a mini ice cream scoop or two spoons, scoop out 1-inch size balls of the dough and place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
    • Using a damp finger, make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill each cookie with about ¼-½ teaspoon of jam.
    • Bake the cookies for 14-16 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through, or until they're golden around the edges. Cool the cookies on the baking sheets (they will firm up as they cool).

    Notes

    Storage: The cookies can sit at room temperature for up to 8 hours, or they can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. The also freeze beautifully (you can stash them for up to 2 months)! Once chilled the cookies will become wonderfully chewy (they're delicious straight out of the freezer).
    Tips:
    • I always recommend baking with an inexpensive kitchen scale, especially when using gluten free flours, which can vary widely in weight depending on how they're scooped. If you don’t have a scale, spoon the almond flour into measuring cups.
    • A mini ice cream scoop makes it really easy to scoop the cookie dough!
    • Pure almond extract gives these cookies a delicious marzipan-like flavor.
    • I recommend using raspberry or cherry jam in these almond thumbprint cookies, which complement the sweet almond flavor (apricot jam tends to get lost, and strawberry jam is a bit too overpowering). For paleo thumbprint cookies, be sure to use a paleo friendly jam. 
    • Check out these Mini Pecan Tarts, these No-Bake Vegan Cookie Bars, and these Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies!

    More Desserts

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      Healthy Gluten Free Apple Honey Cake (Paleo!)
    • Four different gluten free pies in a quadrant.
      Gluten Free Pie Recipes (+ New Class!)
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      Easy Maple Glaze (for donuts, scones, cakes and more!)
    • A hand dipping a spoon into a bowl of homemade strawberry sauce.
      Easy Homemade Strawberry Sauce (and how to serve it!)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Laura says

      December 16, 2022 at 2:31 pm

      Hi Nicki!
      If I make these with hazelnut flour, should I omit the almond extract, or use something else?
      Thanks!
      Laura

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        December 16, 2022 at 2:35 pm

        Hi Laura, if you want the hazelnut flavor to shine through then I would swap out the almond extract for vanilla extract or even a hazelnut liqueur. I hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Andra says

      December 04, 2021 at 6:21 am

      5 stars
      Deliciosas! Me encantaron. Gracias!

      Reply
      • Nicki Sizemore says

        December 06, 2021 at 7:54 am

        Hi Andra, I'm so glad you loved the cookies!

        Reply

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    Welcome! I’m Nicki Sizemore, a trained chef, recipe developer and cookbook author. My mission is to help you make wholesome & delicious food from scratch without spending hours in the kitchen. All of my recipes are naturally gluten-free.

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