Delicious Gluten-Free Sunbutter Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Are you looking for a healthier spin on a classic cookie recipe? Look no further than these Gluten-Free Sunbutter Thumbprint Cookies! This recipe takes the beloved peanut butter and jelly thumbprint cookie and transforms it into a nutritious and delicious treat.
Not only are these cookies gluten-free, but they are also dairy-free, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions. And with just 5 ingredients needed, this recipe is both easy and affordable to make.
But don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you – each one is carefully chosen for its nutritional benefits. With naturally sweetened sunbutter, honey, and brown sugar, these cookies will satisfy your sweet tooth without relying on processed sugar. And with the addition of xanthan gum, these cookies maintain their signature texture without the use of gluten.
So what are you waiting for? Give these Gluten-Free Sunbutter Thumbprint Cookies a try and enjoy a healthier twist on a classic treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you craving something sweet and satisfying, but also healthy and gluten-free? Look no further than these delectable Gluten-Free Sunbutter Thumbprint Cookies. Not only are they easy to make with minimal ingredients, but they are also naturally sweetened with honey and sunflower seed butter.
But why will you love this recipe? For starters, it offers a unique twist on the classic peanut butter and jelly thumbprint cookie. Instead of using traditional peanut butter, we use sunbutter made from roasted sunflower seeds. This not only adds a nutty flavor but also makes it safe for those with nut allergies.
Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for substitutions and variations to cater to your personal preferences. You can switch out the jelly filling for any other type of jam or fruit spread that you like. You can also experiment with different types of nut or seed butters for the base of the cookie dough.
Aside from being delicious, these cookies are also dairy-free and grain-free, making them an excellent option for those with dietary restrictions. But even if you don’t have any dietary restrictions, you’ll still appreciate the wholesome ingredients in these cookies. Plus, they’re perfect for snacking on-the-go or serving as a dessert at gatherings.
So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and experience the magic of gluten-free, nut-free, and naturally sweetened cookies. Trust me; your taste buds (and health) will thank you.
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the list of ingredients you will need for this gluten-free sunbutter thumbprint cookies recipe. This simple and effortless recipe requires only a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, with a few substitutions and variations to make it your own. Gather these ingredients before starting, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a delicious batch of cookies.
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (gluten-free or regular)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 cup sunflower seed butter or creamy peanut butter (for non-dairy-free option use butter or nut spread)
Thumbprint fillings:
- Jam (strawberry, raspberry, or grape)
- Dark chocolate (dairy-free option available)
Feel free to experiment with different fillings for your thumbprint cookies! From sweet preserves to savory spreads, the possibilities are endless. Let’s get started with the recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get our hands dirty figuratively, of course! Assembling these delicious Gluten-Free Sunbutter Thumbprint Cookies is easy as pie!
Step 1: Gather Ingredients and Preheat Oven
First things first. Let’s see if you’ve got everything in your pantry to start baking:
– Flour mixture: In a medium bowl mix together 2 cups of all-purpose gluten-free flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of Xanthan gum.
– Dry ingredients: Add to flour mixture ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar (light, packed).
– Peanut Butter mixture: In another medium bowl whisk together ¾ cup of creamy Sunbutter, ⅓ cup of unsalted butter (softened), 2 Tablespoons of honey.
– Wet ingredients: Mix the peanut butter mixture with the dry ingredients until combined.
Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).
Step 2: Shape the Dough
Scoop about one tablespoon dough and roll into balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined cookie sheet approximately two inches apart. With your thumb, press gently in the middle of each ball forming an indentation.
Step 3: Fill up the Thumbprints!
Fill in each indentation with your favorite jam or jelly flavor. We recommend grape or strawberry flavors for a classic taste combination that everyone will love.
Step 4: Bake ‘Em!
Bake cookies until lightly golden brown around the edges for approximatively 12 -14 minutes.
Voila! These mouthwatering Gluten-Free Sunbutter Thumbprint Cookies are ready for serving!
Don’t forget to check out the next section for substitutions and variations if you’re feeling creative!
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s face it; there’s nothing more satisfying than being able to customize a recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences. The Gluten-Free Sunbutter Thumbprint Cookies Recipe is no exception. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try, depending on your taste buds.
Firstly, if you are lactose-intolerant, you can switch the unsalted butter for a vegan substitute or coconut oil, which adds a subtle, creamy flavor. If you want to steer clear of sugar altogether, replace the granulated sugar with honey or ½ cup packed light brown sugar. You could also use 1/4 – 1/2 cup coconut sugar if you prefer the deep flavor of molasses.
For those who may have an allergy to gluten or who maintain a gluten-free diet, use all-purpose gluten-free flour instead of regular flour. You can experiment with adding rice flour, chickpea flour, almond flour, or buckwheat flour. Also, baking soda makes gluten-free baked goods rise higher, so make sure to include this ingredient in your recipe.
If the sunflower seed butter isn’t your jam or you are allergic to nuts (peanut butter), feel free to use any nut or seed butter of your choice such as almond butter or pumpkin seed butter.
These thumbprint cookies are also versatile and flexible when it comes down to changing up the filling. For instance, replace the sunflower seed butter with peanut butter and top with jelly if you’re feeling a classic PB&J twist. Moreover, replace the jelly with dark chocolate for an indulgent crustless mini truffle tart; alternatively raspberry jam gives these thumbprints a fruity pop of color and flavor.
As always, don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen! These Gluten-Free Sunbutter Thumbprint Cookies take just minutes to prepare but deliver impressive results that will leave everyone craving for more!
Serving and Pairing
These Gluten Free Sunbutter Thumbprint Cookies are a delicious snack that can be enjoyed any time of the day! One of the things I love about these cookies is their versatility when it comes to serving and pairing. You can serve these cookies all on their own, or you can add them to your favorite dessert platter for an extra sweet treat. They’re also perfect for sharing with friends or taking to a potluck dinner.
As for pairing, there are plenty of options depending on what you’re in the mood for. A tall glass of cold almond milk pairs perfectly with these cookies because it helps balance out the sweetness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, try serving them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The combination of the rich, nutty flavors in the cookies and the warmth from the beverage is unbeatable.
If you want to take it up a notch, consider topping the cookies with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream and fresh berries. This will add a pop of color and a touch of freshness that goes great with the hearty texture of the cookies.
Finally, if you’re in the mood for a little more sweetness, try pairing these sunbutter thumbprint cookies with some dark chocolate drizzle or dipping them in your favorite flavored jelly.
No matter how you serve or pair these Gluten Free Sunbutter Thumbprint Cookies, they are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while delivering nutritious benefits that come from healthy ingredients!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve made these gluten-free sunbutter thumbprint cookies, you’ll probably want to have them around for a while. Fortunately, they’re easy and adaptable for storing and reheating. You can make them ahead of time for special occasions or simple snacking.
For easy storage, allow the cookies to cool for at least 30 minutes before transferring them to an airtight container. These can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, in the fridge for a few weeks or frozen for longer shelf life (up to three months).
If cookies are refrigerated or frozen, let them thaw at room temperature before consuming, otherwise the texture will change significantly. Reheat cookies prior to serving when needed by placing them in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F/180°C for 2-3 minutes; just enough time to warm it up and crisp up the edges.
If you plan on making these in advance, it’s better to bake without the thumbprint dent and fill only once you are ready. This will ensure your jelly thumbprints remain fresh upon serving. However, if you’re short on time before guests arrive, simply store the pre-made dough in an airtight container either in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to bake.
These sunbutter thumbprint cookies are a great dairy-free and gluten-free addition to any gathering or as an afternoon snack with tea. With all these storage options at your fingertips, there’s no reason not to keep a batch close by!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to baking gluten-free and dairy-free cookies, having a few tips up your sleeve can make all the difference. Here are some tips for perfecting these Gluten-Free Sunbutter Thumbprint Cookies:
1. Use a Blend of Gluten-Free Flours:
To get perfect texture in gluten-free cookies, I suggest using a blend of gluten-free flours like oat, almond, and coconut flour. It helps to create a texture that’s similar to regular cookies.
2. Xanthan Gum:
Xanthan gum is a natural food thickener that’s commonly used as a substitute for gluten in baking. It helps bind the ingredients together in place of gluten.
3. Creaming Butter and Sugar:
When making thumbprint cookies, be sure to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy. It creates air pockets which help make the cookies light and tender.
4. Don’t Overmix:
Overmixing can result in tough, dense cookies. Mix until everything is just combined and then stop.
5. Chill the Dough:
Chilling the dough for at least an hour before baking allows the fat to solidify, making it easier to roll into balls and indent with your thumb without sticking.
6. Use Creamy Sunbutter:
Creamy sunbutter works best for this recipe because it spreads out nicely when spooned into the indentations made by your thumb.
7. Add Preserves After Baking:
After you’ve baked the cookies, spoon or pipe the preserves into the indentations while they’re still warm.
8. Store Cookies Properly:
Keep leftover thumbprint cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for longer shelf life.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create perfect Gluten-Free Sunbutter Thumbprint Cookies every time that are naturally sweetened and vegan-friendly!
Bottom Line
You don’t have to sacrifice your health or your taste buds to accommodate your dietary restrictions. This Gluten Free Sunbutter Thumbprint Cookies Recipe proves that you can have delicious and healthy snacks without compromising your lifestyle choices.
By incorporating alternative ingredients such as sunbutter and xanthan gum, you can create cookies that are not only naturally sweetened and oil-free but also dairy-free, gluten-free, and grain-free. Plus, this recipe requires only five simple ingredients and one bowl making it an easy and stress-free baking experience even for novice bakers.
Whether you’re looking for a tasty after-school snack or a treat to share with friends, these thumbprint cookies will satisfy your cravings while providing you with wholesome and nutritious delights. So, what are you waiting for? Try this recipe today and join the thousands who already fell in love with these delicious cookies!
Gluten Free Sunbutter Thumbprint Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (Gluten Free)
- 3/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (or margarine-1 stick)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cup nut butter (sunflower seed)
- sugar, for rolling cookies
- 10 ounces jam, of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350'F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients together.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter until white. Add sugar and honey and beat until fluffy. Add Sun butter and blend.
- Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into mixture. Cover and allow dough to sit in a cool place for 1 hour.
- Using a medium-size or smaller ice cream scoop, scoop out dough and roll each one in sugar. Place sugar-coated balls on prepared cookie sheet.
- Press your thumb or index finger into the center of each ball. Fill indentation with jam of choice.
- Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Cookies will seem under-baked. Leave them on cookie sheet for 5 minutes. Then transfer to cooling rack.
- *TIP SunGold Sunbutter, made with sunflower seeds, is available at www.sunbutter.com.