Vegan Coconut Thumbprint Cookies with Orange Jam

Vegan Coconut Thumbprint Cookies are soft on the inside and crispy on the edges. They are rolled in nuts and coconut and topped with a citrusy orange jam. Dairy-free, and made with no processed ingredients, these vegan thumbprint cookies are perfect for the holiday season.

I don’t know about you but thumbprint cookies take me back to my childhood. I can remember the exact aroma that filled my house from those delicious, buttery cookies. My mom always let me put the jam on top, which was such a fun activity.

Just like a classic thumbprint cookie, this recipe tastes spot on without using processed ingredients. It amazes me how you can make a cookie taste so good without cane sugar, white flour, butter, or egg. Can I get a round of applause? LOL.

What’s To Love About These Vegan Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

They are wholesome. You won’t find any junk in this recipe. Just real, unprocessed ingredients without compromising the flavor. There’s nothing better than enjoying sweets while accomplishing a healthy holiday season.

They are tasty. If you are looking for a delicious holiday cookie recipe, look no further. These vegan cookies are hands down, to die for. They are soft on the inside and crisp on the edges. You’ll dig them for sure! 

They are a crowd-pleaser. Appealing to the eye, these darling little thumbprint cookies are an adorable addition to a plate of Christmas cookies. Bring them to a party, give them as a gift, or serve them at your next holiday gathering. 

They are easy to make. If you are short on time, this recipe is for you. Make these cookies in 30 minutes or less and no chilling is required. Grab your ingredients and get going!

They are bite-size. You’ll love serving these at a party. They are small and easy to eat which is perfect for the dessert table. Also, you won’t feel guilty having two cookies, they are that petite.

​The Ingredients for Vegan Coconut Thumbprint Cookies

Nuts and shredded coconut-You’ll use a combination of pecans, walnuts, and finely shredded coconut to chop up and roll the top of each cookie into. It adds a nice little crunch and texture to these yummy cookies. This part is optional and customizable. 

Almond flour and coconut flour-This is the base of the cookies. Only real, unprocessed flour for these healthy cookies. You will only need a little coconut flour and mainly almond flour.

​Baking powder and salt-Finish off the dry ingredients with these typical ingredients. This will help complete the flavor along with the texture of the cookies. 

Vegan butter-This is an alternative to dairy butter and it works like a charm. You will only need a little bit for this recipe. Make sure that you leave the butter out in the morning to allow it to come to room temperature. 

​Coconut oil-You’ll want to use melted but slightly cooled coconut oil to add to the wet mixture. Make sure to use the defrost option on your microwave to slightly melt the coconut oil.

Maple syrup-This is the unprocessed sweetener for these cookies. I love the maple flavor that maple syrup brings to cookies. Make sure you are using pure maple syrup and not pancake syrup.

Apple cider vinegar-You will only need one tablespoon for this recipe. Don’t worry, you won’t taste the flavor of vinegar in your cookies. This ingredient is used as a leavening agent along with baking powder.

Vanilla extract and almond extract-I highly recommend not skipping the almond extract. It really gives these cookies a delicious, nutty flavor. You can find both of these ingredients at your local grocery store in the baking section.

Orange jam-For best results,  yourself a high-quality orange jam to place in the center of each cookie. You can also use orange marmalade as an alternative which will add a slight orange bitter flavor to your cookies. 

​The Instructions

Step one: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step two: Finely chop the walnuts and pecans with a knife. You could also pulse the nuts in a food processor. Place the chopped nuts and the finely shredded coconut into a small bowl and mix it all up. Set it aside.

Step three: In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients together (coconut flour, almond flour, salt, and baking powder) with a whisk. Set the bowl aside.

Step four: In another medium bowl, mix the slightly melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and soft butter with an electric mixer for about 15 seconds or until it is nice and creamy. Then, add the vinegar, vanilla extract, and the almond extract. Mix again for about 10 seconds.

Step five: Add 1/2 of the dry mixture into the bowl of the wet mixture. Mix just until incorporated. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until combined. 

Step six: Use a medium-sized cookie scoop to scoop a ball of dough into your hands. The key is to tightly pack the dough. Use the palm of your hands to tightly shape it into a smooth ball. 

Step seven: Press the tops of the cookie dough balls into the coconut, pecan, and walnut mixture. Set the balls onto a lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart.

Step eight: Use a 1/2 teaspoon, your thumb, or the back of a small spoon to make an indent into the center of each cookie. *Be careful not to push too deep or the cookie might break apart or crack Place 1/2 teaspoon of orange jam into the center of each cookie. Use your hands to tighten some of the cracks back together and then bake them for 13 minutes. 

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking dish for about ten minutes and then carefully transfer them to a cooling rack.

How to Store the Cookies

​The cookies can be stored in an airtight container on the counter for up to 5-6 days. You can also store them in the fridge for up to 8 days. I do not recommend freezing these cookies or the dough.

Tips + Modifications

You can use any combination to roll the balls into. Coconut only, pecans only, or nothing. This part is totally up to you.

The cookies may look undercooked when you remove them from the oven. Do not worry. They will harden up as they cool and yet remain soft on the inside. 

If your dough seems sticky or hard to work with, place plastic wrap on top of the bowl and chill the dough in the fridge for 15 minutes or so.

Other Delicious Vegan Cookies to Try

These delicious Vegan Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies are loaded with rich chocolate chunks and peppermint extract. They are easy to make, made with wholesome ingredients, and plant-based. 

These soft and chewy vegan peanut butter sugar cookies will be your new favorite healthy dessert recipe. You can make them in one bowl with wholesome and simple ingredients. Just one bite of these vegan peanut butter sugar cookies and you’ll be hooked.

Enjoy!

XOXO

Michelle