Thumbprint Cookies with Icing Recipe

Thumbprint cookies with icing are soft, buttery cookies with a slight crisp on the outside and a delightful, sweet icing-filled center. These classic treats are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply as an everyday dessert. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and customizable flavors, they are a must-bake for cookie lovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft and buttery – The perfect balance of crisp edges and a tender center.
  • Easy to customize – Use different icing flavors or food coloring for festive variations.
  • Great for any occasion – Perfect for holidays, parties, or as a simple homemade treat.
  • Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples you likely already have.

Ingredients

Thumbprint Cookies with Icing Recipe 10 Thumbprint cookies with icing are soft, buttery cookies with a slight crisp on the outside and a delightful, sweet icing-filled center. These classic treats are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply as an everyday dessert. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and customizable flavors, they are a must-bake for cookie lovers!

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

For the Cookies:

  • Unsalted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Egg yolk
  • Vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt

For the Icing:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla or almond extract
  • Food coloring (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar – In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  3. Add egg yolk and vanilla – Mix until well combined.
  4. Incorporate dry ingredients – Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
  5. Shape the cookies – Roll dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Make indentations – Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to create a small well in the center of each cookie.
  7. Bake – Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before adding icing.
  8. Make the icing – Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. If desired, add food coloring for different icing shades.
  9. Fill the cookies – Spoon or pipe icing into the center of each cookie. Let set before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 12 minutes
  • Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Lemon Thumbprint Cookies – Add lemon zest to the dough and use lemon icing.
  • Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies – Replace ¼ cup of flour with cocoa powder.
  • Nutty Cookies – Roll dough balls in crushed nuts before baking.
  • Festive Cookies – Use different icing colors for holiday-themed cookies.
  • Jam-Filled Thumbprints – Swap icing for fruit preserves for a classic version.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  • Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to a week for extra freshness.
  • Freezing: Freeze un-iced cookies in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw and ice before serving.

FAQs

Thumbprint Cookies with Icing Recipe
Thumbprint Cookies with Icing Recipe 11 Thumbprint cookies with icing are soft, buttery cookies with a slight crisp on the outside and a delightful, sweet icing-filled center. These classic treats are perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply as an everyday dessert. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and customizable flavors, they are a must-bake for cookie lovers!

Can I use store-bought icing?

Yes! Store-bought icing works well if you’re short on time.

How do I keep my cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking to help retain shape.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Bake the cookies a day in advance and ice them before serving.

What’s the best way to fill the indentations evenly?

Use a piping bag or a small spoon for more precise filling.

Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?

Absolutely! Almond extract adds a delicious nutty flavor.

Why did my cookies crack?

This can happen if the dough is too dry—make sure to cream the butter and sugar well.

Can I use colored icing for special occasions?

Yes! Add food coloring to the icing to match any holiday or event.

Should I refrigerate the dough before baking?

It’s not necessary, but chilling can help the cookies hold their shape better.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and bake in batches.

How do I make icing thicker or thinner?

Add more powdered sugar for thicker icing or more milk for a thinner consistency.

Conclusion

Thumbprint cookies with icing are a simple yet elegant treat that can be customized for any occasion. With their buttery texture and sweet, creamy icing centers, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Bake a batch today and enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of coffee or tea!

Print
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Thumbprint Cookies with Icing Recipe

Thumbprint Cookies with Icing Recipe

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Thumbprint Cookies are soft, buttery shortbread-style cookies with a delicate, sweet icing filling. They’re easy to make and can be customized with different flavors of icing. A perfect treat for any occasion!


Ingredients

Scale
For the Cookies:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Icing:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 12 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
  • Food coloring (optional)

Instructions

Preheat & Prep – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make the Cookie Dough – In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla.

Add Dry Ingredients – Stir in flour and salt until combined. The dough will be soft but should hold together.

Shape & Press – Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press a small indentation in the center of each cookie.

Bake – Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Make the Icing – In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.

Fill the Cookies – Spoon or pipe the icing into the indentations of the cooled cookies. Let the icing set before serving.


Notes

  • If the cookies puff up while baking, gently press the centers again after removing them from the oven.
  • For a firmer icing, reduce the milk slightly.
  • You can add lemon, orange, or peppermint extract to the icing for different flavors.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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