Thumbprint Cookies – Hallongrottor Recipe

Introduction

Thumbprint cookies, known as Hallongrottor in Sweden, are delightful buttery treats filled with sweet marmalade. These charming little cookies are perfect for any occasion and easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 200 g Butter (7 oz), room temperature
• 265 g All-purpose flour (9.3 oz)
• 90 g Granulated sugar (3.1 oz)
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 2 tsp Vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
• 125 ml Marmalade or jam (½ cup)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring the butter to room temperature.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
3. Step 3: Using an electric mixer, beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fluffy.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder.
5. Step 5: Mix the flour mixture into the butter mixture until a dough forms.
6. Step 6: Shape the dough into two rolls about 15 cm (5.9 in) long, then cut each roll into 30 pieces.
7. Step 7: Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll each piece into a ball and place on the sheet. For a neater shape, use small cupcake liners.
8. Step 8: Use your thumb or the handle of a wooden spoon to press an indentation into each dough ball. Fill each indentation with about ½ teaspoon of marmalade.
9. Step 9: Bake in the center of the oven for 18-20 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
11. Step 11: Optionally, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor, try using raspberry or apricot jam in place of marmalade.
• You can add a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest to the dough for extra aroma.
• Chilling the dough slightly before rolling can make shaping easier.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for longer storage. To reheat, warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes to refresh their texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of jam for the filling?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite jam or marmalade. Raspberry and apricot are popular choices that complement the buttery cookie well.

Do I need to use an electric mixer for this recipe?

An electric mixer helps to achieve a fluffy butter and sugar mixture but you can mix by hand using a sturdy spoon. It may take a bit more effort but the result will still be delicious.

Thumbprint Cookies – Hallongrottor Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 144 reviews

These classic Swedish Thumbprint Cookies, known as Hallongrottor, are buttery, tender shortbread cookies filled with sweet raspberry jam. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, they offer a delightful balance of crumbly texture and fruity sweetness, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: 38-40 minutes
• Yield: 30 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Swedish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookies:

• 200 g Butter (7 oz), room temperature
• 265 g All-purpose flour (9.3 oz)
• 90 g Granulated sugar (3.1 oz)
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 2 tsp Vanilla sugar or vanilla extract
• 125 ml Marmalade or jam (½ cup), raspberry preferred

Instructions

1. Bring Butter to Room Temperature: Leave the butter out for at least 30 minutes so it softens to room temperature, making it easier to blend with the sugar.
2. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (356°F) to warm up while you prepare the dough.
3. Mix Butter, Sugar and Vanilla: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla sugar or extract until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure even distribution.
5. Make the Dough: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined to form a soft dough.
6. Shape Dough Rolls: Divide the dough in half and roll each portion into a 15 cm (5.9 inch) long log. Cut each log into 15 equal pieces, making 30 pieces total.
7. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Optionally, place small cupcake liners on the sheet for a neater cookie shape.
8. Form Cookie Balls: Roll each dough piece into a smooth ball and arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Make Indentations: Using your thumb or the handle of a wooden spoon, gently press an indentation in the center of each cookie ball to create a small well.
10. Fill with Jam: Spoon about ½ teaspoon of your chosen marmalade or raspberry jam into each indentation carefully to avoid spilling over.
11. Bake Cookies: Place the tray in the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
12. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
13. Optional Powdered Sugar Dusting: Once cooled, dust the tops of the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a decorative touch and added sweetness.
14. Enjoy: Serve your Hallongrottor with tea or coffee and enjoy this delightful Swedish treat.

Notes

• Room temperature butter is crucial for achieving the correct dough consistency.
• You can substitute raspberry jam with strawberry, apricot, or any favorite marmalade.
• For extra decorative presentation, use mini cupcake liners to hold each cookie before baking.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• These cookies freeze well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Keywords: Hallongrottor, Thumbprint Cookies, Swedish Cookies, Raspberry Jam Cookies, Shortbread Cookies, Jam-filled Cookies, Easy Baking Recipe