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–+ servings
Thumbprint Cookies
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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 75 kcal

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
Keyword butter cookies, classic cookies, holiday cookies, homemade dessert, retro recipe, thumbprint, vintage baking
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