Oh, let me tell you about the joy of making thumbprint cookies with icing! There’s something so delightful about rolling the soft dough into little balls, creating those perfect little indents, and filling them with vibrant fruit jam. It’s like a little hug of sweetness waiting to be enjoyed! The best part? Drizzling that luscious icing on top once they’re cool—it’s pure magic. These cookies are a nostalgic throwback to my childhood, filled with love and warmth. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on this sweet treat that’s perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients for Thumbprint Cookies with Icing

Gathering the ingredients for these delightful thumbprint cookies with icing is super easy! Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar for that perfect sweetness
• 1 egg yolk to bind it all together
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for a warm, comforting flavor
• 2 cups all-purpose flour to create the tender base
• 1/4 teaspoon salt to balance the sweetness
• 1/2 cup fruit jam of your choice (I love raspberry or apricot!)
• 1 cup powdered sugar for the icing
• 2 tablespoons milk to achieve the right icing consistency
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for an extra layer of flavor

With these ingredients on hand, you’ll be all set to create some cookie magic!

How to Prepare Thumbprint Cookies with Icing

Getting these thumbprint cookies with icing just right is a breeze! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, in a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients! Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined; don’t overmix! Once the dough comes together, roll it into small balls—about 1 inch in diameter—and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Here comes the fun part: use your thumb to make a little indentation in the center of each ball. Fill each thumbprint with your favorite fruit jam (I usually go for a generous scoop!).

Bake these beauties in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before icing. Speaking of icing, let’s whip that up next!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
4. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined.
5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Make an indentation in each ball with your thumb and fill with fruit jam.
7. Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are golden.
8. Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack before icing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic thumbprint cookies with a delightful twist of icing
• Easy to make and perfect for all skill levels
• Customizable with your favorite jams and icing flavors
• Soft, buttery texture that melts in your mouth
• Perfect for gifting or sharing at gatherings
• Quick preparation time—just 20 minutes of prep!

Tips for Success with Thumbprint Cookies with Icing

To make sure your thumbprint cookies with icing turn out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, be sure your butter is softened but not melted; that’ll help achieve that fluffy texture. When making the indents, don’t press too hard—just enough to hold the jam without compromising the cookie shape. And speaking of jam, a thicker jam works best to prevent it from overflowing while baking! For the icing, adjust the milk to get your desired consistency; I like it a bit thick for a nice drizzle. Lastly, let your cookies cool completely before icing to avoid any melty mess!

Variations of Thumbprint Cookies with Icing

One of the best things about thumbprint cookies with icing is how versatile they are! You can easily switch up the fruit jam in the center—try using lemon curd for a zesty kick or chocolate ganache for a decadent twist. Want to play around with the icing? How about adding a splash of orange juice for a citrusy zing or using maple syrup instead of milk for a unique flavor? You could even incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the dough for a warm, cozy touch. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun with it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious thumbprint cookies with icing fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have leftovers, I recommend placing a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. If you want to enjoy them warm, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. But honestly, they’re delightful at room temperature, too—just like a little bite of nostalgia!

Nutritional Information

These thumbprint cookies with icing are not only a treat for your taste buds but also come with some estimated nutritional data. Each cookie contains roughly 150 calories, with about 12 grams of sugar and 7 grams of fat. Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes!

FAQ About Thumbprint Cookies with Icing

Can I use other types of jam?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite jams—raspberry, strawberry, or even lemon curd can all work beautifully.

What if my icing is too runny?
No worries! Just add a bit more powdered sugar until you reach the right thickness for drizzling over your cookies.

Can I freeze thumbprint cookies with icing?
Yes, you can! Just make sure they’re completely cool, then store them in an airtight container. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges! They should be slightly firm to the touch but still soft in the center.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Definitely! They store well in an airtight container for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping in advance.

Thumbprint Cookies with Icing: 7 Sweet Secrets to Bliss

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious thumbprint cookies topped with sweet icing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fruit jam (your choice)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream together the butter and sugar in a bowl.
3. Add egg yolk and vanilla, mixing well.
4. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
5. Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet.
6. Make an indentation in each ball with your thumb.
7. Fill each indentation with fruit jam.
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are golden.
9. Let cookies cool completely.
10. Mix powdered sugar, milk, and almond extract for icing.
11. Drizzle icing over cooled cookies.

Notes

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• Use different jams for variety.
• Adjust icing thickness with more or less milk.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: thumbprint cookies, icing, dessert, baking