Thumbprint Cookies with Icing

Top tips for making iced thumbprint cookies

• Don’t despair if the dough looks a little crumbly as it mixes—keep mixing until the dough is smooth. I promise it will come together!
• Use finely chopped pecans for this recipe. Sometimes you can find bags of pecans at the grocery store labeled “pecan chips”. Those are perfect for this recipe. Otherwise, just chop pecan halves or regular chopped pecans into extra fine pieces.
• Once you’ve topped the cookies with icing, allow the icing to set completely before storing them. The icing will get firm and form a thin crust on the outside, which will allow you to stack them on top of each other without messing up the design. You can also store them in a single layer.

Ingredients

For the cookies

• Use softened butter for the cookie dough. It will make it easier to make the dough smooth and fully combined.
• Brown sugar provides moisture to the cookies and gives them a subtle caramelized flavor.
• An egg yolk is needed to bind the dough together, and give the cookies rich flavor.
• A touch of vanilla extract complements the pecans.
• Use all-purpose flour and make sure to measure correctly with a level measuring cup. Adding too much flour will make the cookies overly dense.
• Salt balances the sweetness. 
• Before placing the rolled cookie dough balls on the baking sheet, you’ll need to dip them in lightly beaten egg whites, and then roll them in finely chopped pecans. This process helps the nuts to adhere to the outside while baking.

For the icing

• A simple mixture of powdered sugar and milk will make the icing. The powdered sugar has cornstarch in it and will thicken the icing.
• Lastly, you’ll need food coloring, like red or green, to color the icing if desired. You’ll only need about 2-3 drops of coloring to make a nice shade. You can also use gel food coloring if you prefer more vibrant shades.

How to make Thumbprint Cookies with Icing

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Cream together the butter and brown sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer.

Add the egg yolk and vanilla, and mix until combined. 

Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the flour and salt. Stir just until incorporated. It may be crumbly at first but it will come together as the mixer runs.

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.

Roll each ball into the beaten egg whites and then into the chopped pecans. 

Place on a baking sheet. Bake for 5 minutes.

Remove from the oven and quickly press your thumb gently on top of each cookie to create an indentation.

Return to the oven for 8 minutes longer. 

Cool completely.

In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar and milk. Tint with food coloring to your desired shade. (I used two drops of regular McCormick food coloring per bowl.)

Spoon a teaspoon or two of icing into the indentation of each cookie.

Allow to harden, then serve or store for later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thumbprint cookie variations

There are so many fun ways to customize these cookies!

1. Try a different filling for the thumbprint
   • Use candied fruit (think of the fruit used in fruit cake). The candied fruit is pretty sticky, but it is prone to falling off if the cookies get turned over or stacked. I’d recommend painting the thumbprint area with a thin layer of corn syrup to “glue” the fruit into place.
   • Fill with a dessert sauce or cream like thick caramel sauce, fudge sauce, flavored cream cheese, or Nutella.
   • Add a dollop of fruit jam, jelly, or butter on top. I think raspberry jam and apple butter taste especially good paired with the pecans!
2. Swap the pecans for another topping
   • Use a different chopped nut like walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds.
   • Roll the cookies in other toppings like shredded coconut, toffee bits, crushed candy canes, or sprinkles.
   • Take the minimalist route, and leave the cookies plain on the outside.
3. Embellish the top of the cookies
   • Add sprinkles or streusel to the top of the icing/filling before it sets.
   • Drizzle candy melts or icing across the top of the cookies.

More classic Christmas cookies

Find more holiday baking inspiration with these classic cookies.

• Poinsettia Cookies
• Church Window Cookies
• Grandma’s Rum Balls
• Easy Sour Cream Cookies
• Grandma’s Do Re Mi Cookies