This thumbprint cookie recipe with buttercream icing is an extra special treat that freezes well for any time of year.
Christmas Thumbprint Cookies
My mom used to have us help her with thumbprint cookies every Christmas when I was a kid. They are very buttery and are topped with a rich buttercream icing. It’s a real treat that I continue making to this day for the holidays.
Besides the great rich flavor, this thumbprint cookie recipe with buttercream icing is one of my favorites it freezes well for any time of year.
The recipe makes a little more than three dozen cookies, depending on how big you make the dough balls.
They need to be rolled in egg whites, then walnuts.
Tip: Make sure you chop your walnuts pretty fine or else they tend to fall off.
After 5 minutes in the oven, you take them out and use your thumb to “print” the center of the cookie, thus the name.
However, if your thumb gets too hot, a finger works just as well.
After making the “thumbprint” I also switch the trays on the oven shelves. This helps them bake more evenly.
Also, if you’d like you can skip the butter in the icing making it more like royal icing.
Using just powdered sugar and milk works, but I like this recipe because it freezes well. I think it’s the high butterfat content that allows them to freeze without losing any flavor.
And, it’s how my mom made them.
P.S. You may also like this very similar Chocolate Caramel Thumbprint recipe, or if you this Sugar Cookie Cups recipe which uses a very similar icing. You can find them and much more on my Recipes Page.
Thumbprint Cookie Recipe with Buttercream Icing
This thumbprint cookie recipe with buttercream icing is an extra special treat that freezes well for any time of year.
Ingredients
- Cookie
- 2 c flour
- 1 c butter softened, 2 sticks
- 1/2 c sugar
- 1/2 t salt
- 1 t vanilla
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 1/2 c walnuts, finely chopped
- Icing
- 4 T butter, softened
- 1 1/2 c powdered sugar
- 1 T milk
- food coloring
Instructions
- Chop walnuts and place in a shallow bowl.
- Separate eggs and place yolks in a large mixing bowl and the whites in another shallow bowl.
- Combine butter, sugar, vanilla and salt with the egg yolks.
- Gradually add in the flour.
- Using a small cookie scoop or teaspoon make balls of dough.
- Roll each ball first in the egg whites.
- Then roll in the walnuts.
- Place on a cookie tray and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 5 minutes.
- Remove and using your thumb make an impression in the center of each dough then return to the oven for 7-10 more minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
- Make the icing by combining all ingredients adding enough milk to give you a smooth, workable consistency. Keep some of the icing white and portion out the rest for as many colors as you'd like and add food coloring. Top each cookie with icing.
- Makes approx. 3 dozen cookies
Notes
This is a good recipe for freezing because the richness of the butter and egg yolk keeps the cookie tasting fresh.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 36 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 152Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 89mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 9gProtein: 2g
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Ashley
I made the dough and forgot I had appt. So I placed the dough in fridge. How long do you suggest I leave the dough out at room temperature before rolling them into balls and cook them?
Patti Estep
Ashley, you shouldn’t have to wait long. Maybe 20 minutes. Just long enough to be able to work with the dough. It will depend on how cold your fridge is and how warm your kitchen is. Have fun.
Lucy
Is it salted butter unsalted butter or margarine?
Patti Estep
Lucy, I almost always use salted butter. I know that many bakers say you should use unsalted butter and you can if you want to but I don’t.
Lisa
Can they be frozen with the icing?
Patti Estep
Yes, they can. Place them in an airtight plastic container and they should keep pretty well because of the high butter content. That being said, nothing tastes as good as fresh same day cookies.
Clarissa
What would you advise if I wanted to freeze them… Would it taste better if I froze the dough then thaw, egg, nut, bake and frost the day of. or just thaw the already frosted cookie the day of?
Patti Estep
Clarissa, I think either option is good. If you are particularly picky about freezing cookies just freeze the dough. However, that leaves you much more work to do when you want the cookies. I will say that this cookie even after it’s baked holds up pretty well in the freezer. I think it’s because they have a higher fat content than a sugar cookie.
Vanessa
These are so yummy. I love the almonds in the cookies. I am going to give these a try.
Patti
Thanks Vanessa but they are walnuts. Still good though. 🙂
Susan M
The old recipes are the best! Thanks for sharing this special family recipe. I’ve never made thumbprint cookies with icing in the center! I’ll have it try it,
Patti
Oh Susan,
You must try them with icing. They are double delicious!