Thumbprint Cookies with Icing

Looking for a simple, classic baking recipe to try? Then these classic Thumbprint Cookies with Icing will do the job. This delicious treat combines the buttery goodness of a simple cookie with a sweet, customizable icing center. 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a baking newbie, this sugar cookie recipe is perfect for you – easy to follow, fun to make, and, most importantly, incredibly tasty. 

These buttery shortbread Thumbprint Cookies are like little time capsules of childhood, bringing back sweet memories of baking days with grandma. With a soft feel and a pop of sweet icing in the middle, they’re guaranteed to be well-received at any gathering and will quickly become one of your favorite cookie recipes.

Plus, the icing in the center of the cookie allows you to get creative – go wild with colors and flavors to make these cookies your own!

Ingredients

Substitutions and Additions

• Butter Substitute: If you only have unsalted butter, no worries, just add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the batter and the icing.
• Vanilla Extract Option: If vanilla extract isn’t in the cupboard today, why not try almond extract? It’ll give your cookies a unique twist. 
• Flour: This recipe calls for all-purpose flour. We tend to use unbleached flour in our kitchens, but bleached will work just fine.

Icing/Filling Substitutions

• Salted Butter Substitute: If you’re out of butter for your icing, use margarine or unsalted butter. When using unsalted butter, remember to add a dash of salt!
• Almond Extract Option: Not in the mood for almond flavor? Swap it with vanilla extract, or try coconut extract if you’re feeling a tad adventurous. It will give your tender cookies an exotic touch.
• Milk Replacement: If you’re all out of milk, almond milk, soy milk, or even water in a pinch can serve as a decent substitute. It will still give your icing the perfect consistency.

How To Make Thumbprint Cookies

1 – Preheat the oven to a temperature of 350°F.

2 – Combine softened butter, white sugar, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients until they become light and fluffy.

3 – Incorporate the flour into the mixture and gently combine until thoroughly blended.

4 – Take 1 ½ tablespoons of dough and shape it into rounds. I prefer using a #40 scoop. Arrange the cookie rounds on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray.

5 – Create a slight indentation in the center of each cookie ball using the back of a rounded measuring teaspoon or your thumb. This will help ensure even baking.

6 – Pop the cookies into the oven, which should already be heated. Allow them to bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until the bottom edges get a lovely golden brown shade. Make sure that the cookies are then allowed to cool thoroughly on a wire rack.

7 – While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing by placing butter, powdered sugar, and extracts in a medium bowl. Mix on high speed with an electric mixer or hand mixer until thoroughly combined. Gradually add approximately half of the milk and continue beating until the icing becomes light and fluffy.

8 – To ensure the desired consistency of the icing, conduct a test. If you prefer a thinner icing, gradually incorporate the remaining milk while continuously mixing for a minute.

9 – Using a piping bag, carefully pipe the icing into the indents on the cookies and set them aside until the tops have formed a perfectl crust.

Recipe Tips

Here are a few handy tips to enhance your Thumbprint Cookies:

• Color: To add a pop of different colors to your cookies, consider using gel food coloring to tint the icing. A few drops will do the job! Pink icing for Valentine’s Day, green for St. Patrick’s Day, blue cookies for the 4th of July, or even multicolored for a birthday party – the vibrant hues are the perfect addition to make your cookies stand out and delight the eyes as much as your guests!
• Chilling: If your dough seems too soft to handle, don’t hesitate to chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or so. This will help harden the dough, making it easier to shape and less likely to spread while baking. 
• Rotate your baking sheets: If you’re making a big batch, rotate your baking sheets from top to bottom and front to back halfway through the baking time. This will ensure even baking for all your cookies.

Add Some Extra Flavor

• Chocolate Chip Twist: Add a dash of fancy to your buttery cookies by sprinkling some semi-sweet chocolate chips into your dough. They’ll melt into gooey pockets of sweetness that are sure to please!
• Nutty Crunch: If you want a bit of crunch in your cookie, why not try adding some crushed nuts? Almonds, pecans, or even pistachios could add a delightful crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
• Fruity Jam Thumbprints. Want a sweet treat in your cookie? Consider swirling a bit of your favorite jam into the thumbprint. Strawberry or Raspberry jam, or even apricot jam could lend a sweet, tangy zip to the buttery cookie. Add the jam to the indent in the cookie before you bake them for best results.

Storage

If you’re not serving these cookies right away, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. 

To preserve them even longer, you could freeze the baked, unfilled cookies for up to a month and add the icing when ready to serve.

Can I Use a Stand Mixer To Mix the Cookie Dough?

Absolutely! A stand mixer can undoubtedly make your work a lot easier. Just make sure you mix at a low speed to avoid overworking the dough, which can result in tough cookies.

What if I Don’t Have a Cookie Scoop?

No worries at all! You can also use a regular tablespoon to scoop up the dough and roll them using your hands. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect – the rustic look is part of the charm!

Can I Freeze the Dough for Later Use?

Yes, you can! 

In fact, freezing the dough can even improve the flavor of your cookies. Roll the dough in your hands and place them on a baking sheet, and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough to a zip-top bag and keep them in the freezer. When ready to bake, just pull them out, let them thaw, make your thumb imprints and bake as directed.

How Do I Prevent the Cookies From Spreading Too Much?

If your cookies spread too much, your dough might be too warm. Try chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.  

More Cookies You Have to Try

• Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Sprinkle Cookies
• Lemon Curd Cookies
• Pie Crust Cookies

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