Thumbprint Cookies are a classic treat beloved for their tender, buttery texture and charming appearance. Traditionally rolled in nuts and gently indented before baking, these cookies are finished with a dollop of butter frosting in any flavor, giving them a festive and nostalgic flair. Whether served at holiday gatherings or tea time, they deliver a delightful contrast between the crisp nutty exterior and the soft, sweet center. This version uses both butter and shortening for a perfectly balanced texture, and maple frosting is suggested as a particularly delicious option.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup shortening (softened)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 1 cup flour
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 1 egg white (for dipping, slightly beaten)
- ½ cup nuts (finely chopped, for coating)
- butter frosting (maple or flavor of choice, for filling)
Instructions
Step 1: Cream Base
- Cream together butter, shortening, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg yolk and vanilla. Mix well.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients
- Stir in flour and salt until a soft dough forms.
Step 3: Shape and Coat
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls.
- Dip each ball in slightly beaten egg white.
- Roll in finely chopped nuts to coat.
Step 4: Initial Bake
- Place cookies on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Thumbprint & Finish Bake
- Remove cookies from oven and gently press thumb into center of each.
- Return to oven and bake an additional 8 minutes.
Step 6: Frosting Fill
- Cool cookies on a rack.
- Decorate centers with a dab of butter frosting.
- Maple frosting is especially delicious.
Tips
- Use finely chopped walnuts or pecans for the nut coating
- Chill dough briefly if too soft to roll
- Make deeper thumbprints after first bake if needed
- Fill with jam, jelly, or frosting instead of butter frosting
- Maple frosting pairs especially well, as noted on the card
- Roll cookies evenly for consistent baking
- Toast nuts lightly for deeper flavor
- Dust finished cookies lightly with powdered sugar
- Store in airtight container up to 5 days
- These cookies freeze well unfilled
Nutrition
Calories: 75kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 1gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 24mgPotassium: 26mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 0.5mg
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