Thumbprint Cookies with Pear Jam (Vegan)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines two treats in one homemade spiced pear jam and tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies. The almond flour adds a delicate nutty flavor, while the cinnamon-spiced pear jam gives a fruity, aromatic touch. They’re dairy-free, egg-free, and simple to prepare, yet they look beautiful and taste bakery-quality.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Spiced Pear Jam
2 large pears, slightly firm (such as red pears), peeled, cored, and diced
¼ cup sugar
3 tablespoons water
Juice of ½ lemon
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Cookies
⅓ cup coconut oil, at room temperature
⅓ cup vegan cream cheese alternative, at room temperature
½ cup sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup almond flour
1 teaspoon natural vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Directions

Make the Spiced Pear Jam:

1. In a small saucepan, combine pears, sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until pears soften and the mixture thickens, about 10–12 minutes.
3. Mash lightly with a fork or potato masher for a chunky texture, or blend for a smoother jam.
4. Set aside to cool completely.

Make the Cookies:
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. In a large bowl, beat coconut oil, vegan cream cheese, and sugar until light and fluffy.
7. Add vanilla extract and mix until combined.
8. Stir in all-purpose flour, almond flour, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
9. Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to press an indentation in the center of each ball.
11. Fill each indentation with a small amount of cooled pear jam.
12. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
13. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

Serves: About 20 cookies
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes (includes jam and cookies)
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Swap the pear jam for your favorite fruit preserves like raspberry, apricot, or fig.
• Add a pinch of ground cardamom or ginger to the jam for extra spice.
• Drizzle cooled cookies with melted vegan chocolate for a fancier look.
• Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to make them gluten-free.
• Roll cookie dough balls in sugar before baking for extra sparkle and sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies (without jam) for up to 2 months, adding jam after thawing. No reheating is necessary enjoy at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought jam instead of making pear jam?

Yes, any high-quality fruit jam will work in place of the homemade pear jam.

Can I make the pear jam ahead of time?

Absolutely prepare it up to 5 days in advance and store in the fridge.

Can I use fresh pears that are very ripe?

Yes, but they will cook down faster and may create a softer jam.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

What’s the best vegan cream cheese alternative?

Choose one with a neutral flavor, such as almond- or cashew-based varieties.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, it doubles easily for larger batches.

Do I need to peel the pears?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother jam texture, but it’s optional.

How do I keep the jam from overflowing during baking?

Don’t overfill the indentations about ½ teaspoon is enough per cookie.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, freeze dough balls for up to 2 months and bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These vegan Thumbprint Cookies with Pear Jam are a delightful blend of tender, nutty cookie and fragrant spiced fruit filling. They’re beautiful on any dessert table, easy to adapt to your favorite flavors, and simple enough for beginner bakers. Whether for holidays, special occasions, or just a sweet treat, they’re sure to be a hit.

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