Macadamia and Quandong Jam Thumbprint Cookies
Buttery cookies studded with crushed macadamia nuts and filled with tangy sweet quandong jam for a uniquely Australian treat. This australian-inspired desserts ready in about 29 minutes layers softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, vanilla extract into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 24, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup softened unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts
- 1/2 cup quandong jam
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 2/3 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/4 tsp salt. Gradually add 2 cups all-purpose flour, stirring until just combined.
- Step 3: Fold in 1/2 cup finely chopped macadamia nuts evenly throughout the dough.
- Step 4: Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart. Using your thumb or a small spoon handle, make an indentation in the center of each ball.
- Step 5: Fill each indentation with about 1/2 tsp quandong jam. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are golden and cookies are set.
- Step 6: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Macadamia and Quandong Jam Thumbprint Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 29 minutes (15 min prep + 14 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Macadamia and Quandong Jam Thumbprint Cookies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Macadamia and Quandong Jam Thumbprint Cookies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Macadamia and Quandong Jam Thumbprint Cookies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 24 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 24). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Macadamia and Quandong Jam Thumbprint Cookies?
Australian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
