Thumbprint Cookies with Icing and Sprinkles (or Nuts)
Ingredients
- 1 cpowdered sugar
- 1 csalted butter
cold, cubed
- ½ tsppure vanilla extract
- ½ tspalmond extract
- 2 call-purpose flour
- 2 cpowdered sugar
- ½ tsppure vanilla extract
- 2 tbspmilk
i use whole milk
- salt
- 2 dropsliquid food coloring
- sprinkles
nuts, etc., for topping
Directions
- 1
Combine powdered sugar and cold, cubed butter in the bowl of a food processor or stand mixer. Cream them together until well-combined and smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add in extracts.
- 2
Gradually add in flour, processing until fully incorporated and dough is well mixed. Place dough in refrigerator, covered, to chill for an hour.
- 3
Roll dough into smooth tablespoon-sized balls and place 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- 4
Use the back of a utensil, your thumb, a teaspoon measuring spoon or a wine cork to press a shallow indentation in the center of each dough ball (about halfway down).
- 5
Place baking sheet in freezer to chill for 15 minutes while you preheat the oven to 350°F and place the rack in the center of the oven.
- 6
Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until edges of cookies are slightly golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes on the baking sheet, then gently transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Thumbprint cookie filling
- 1
While cookies are cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and 2 tbsps of milk.
- 2
Add up to 2 more tablespoons of milk as needed, a little at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- 3
Add a pinch of salt to taste. Divide into smaller bowls and add drops of food coloring until desired colors are reached.
- 4
Immediately top with sprinkles or nuts, let icing set, and serve!
Thumbprint Cookies with Icing and Sprinkles (or Nuts)
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Simply-Recipes-Thumbprint-Cookies-LEAD-13-4ee6f2b1e4cf4d9c84f362b7c57adaaa.JPG)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ALR-269703-perfect-thumbprint-cookies-VAT-step-08-bb811493713648e7b2156a0b0496a228.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/10222-raspberry-and-almond-shortbread-thumbprints-ingredients-step-vat-hero-4x3-1-4a3e7e1b16314afbb82976b333813a0f.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/11587-Sugar-Cookie-Icing-DDMFS-3X4-11870-54dd1242ddf341249c7702482e9f994c.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 47 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a touch of holiday nostalgia that's as delightful to make as it is to eat? These old fashioned thumbprint cookies with icing are the ultimate festive treat, perfect for sharing and savoring.
This recipe works wonders by combining a rich, buttery cookie base with a versatile, sweet topping. The harmony of pure vanilla extract and almond extract in the cookie dough creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile, while the generous amount of powdered sugar in the icing ensures a smooth, creamy finish that perfectly complements the tender cookie. It’s a classic for a reason, delivering pure comfort in every bite.
Prepare for a truly enchanting experience with these thumbprint cookies. You’ll find a tender, buttery shortbread-like cookie that practically melts in your mouth, providing the ideal foundation for the sweet, smooth icing. The pop of colorful sprinkles or the earthy crunch of nuts adds a delightful textural contrast and makes each cookie a miniature work of art. These are the kind of cookies that bring warmth to any gathering, making them feel effortlessly special and inviting.
Customization & Variations
The beauty of these thumbprint cookies lies in their adaptability. You can easily switch out the toppings—classic sprinkles add a festive touch, or opt for chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a more sophisticated crunch. For the icing, while a classic powdered sugar icing is provided, the description notes you can also use buttercream or even chocolate icing to suit your preference. Feel free to experiment with different liquid food coloring drops to match any holiday or theme.
These versatile cookies are ideal for holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or simply a cozy evening treat with a warm beverage. Arrange them on a platter for an impressive spread that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone.