Graeter’s Ice Cream is a local favorite for anyone who grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their buttery rich ice cream is simply the best. But the ice cream was, typically, out of our budget for a regular treat. So my mom would buy us their cute shortbread cookies, filled with colorful icing. One day, I was at a homeschool carry-in when I saw some cute iced thumbprint cookies that looked exactly like my favorite childhood cookies. Begging my friend, Shanda, for her recipe, I now love making these thumbprint cookies with icing several times a year.
What Are Iced Thumbprint Cookies?
Thumbprint cookies have traditionally been filled with jam or jelly nestled within a soft, crumbly exterior. These confections were often associated with holiday gatherings or served with tea. Their simplicity and lightly sweet taste have made them a staple in many cultures.
Today, you see thumbprint cookies show up all over Pinterest. But my favorite are referred to as iced thumbprint cookies or almond tea cookies. These versions swap the traditional jam for a dollop of sweet, flavorful icing, giving that lovely contrast of the plain shortbread cookie with the sugary sweetness of the icing. Perfect! And as mentioned, the icing not only adds the perfect amount of sweetness, it also allows for delightful customization.
Whether you’re preparing for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, or a baby shower, the icing can be colored and flavored to match the theme of any celebration. Sprinkles, edible glitter, or other decorations can make these delightful cookies as visually appealing as they are delicious. Key Takeaways:
- Thumbprint cookies have evolved from jam-filled treats to include variations like iced thumbprint or almond tea cookies.
- Iced thumbprint cookies offer creative flexibility with colors and flavors, making them perfect for any occasion, from Christmas to Valentine’s and Easter.
- Decorating these cookies allows for personalization, making them a delightful addition to holiday festivities and celebrations.
Instructions to Make Iced Thumbprint Cookies
Alright, enough talking, let’s dive into how to make these delightful cookies. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees.
First, cream your shortening and butter together. Next, add your brown sugar and beat until fluffy.
Separate your eggs whites from the egg yolks. Beat your egg yolks and add to mixture. Also add in your vanilla and then mix all together.
Measure out your flour and salt and blend all together, just until mixed.
Next, you’ll want to hand roll out 1 inch balls. Depending on how big or small you make your cookies, you’ll have around 26-30 cookies.
Place cookie balls onto a cookie sheet and put in oven for 5 minutes. Make sure to set a timer.
After 5 minutes, pull out the cookies and make an impression in the middle of each cookie. You can use the end of a butter knife or the back of teaspoon.
Slide the cookie sheet back into the oven and cook another 8 more minutes.
Remove cookies from the oven but allow them to cool on the cookie sheet. They will be slightly fragile, but will firm up a bit after they cool.
While your cookies are cooling, its time to make the icing. Mix shortening, milk, almond flavoring, and powdered sugar. Ideally, you want your icing to be pretty thick, but still thin enough that it will fill in the indents on your cookie. Once the icing sets in the heart of your cookies, it should be shiny but have a slight crust on top.
If you choose, add a touch of food coloring to your icing, turning your thumbprint cookies into holiday cookies, Valentine’s sweets, or festive Easter treats.
Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies with Icing
Set the Timer – These cookies have to have the “thumbprint” made at the correct time. Too early and your impression will disappear. And if you wait too long, more of the outer edges of the cookie will crack than you truly want. A little cracking around the edges looks pretty, but too much makes your cookie look crumbly.
Almond Flavoring – While I use vanilla in the cookie dough, I use almond flavoring for the icing. It really elevates your cookies and makes one think of the holidays!
Icing Consistency – Getting the consistency right is crucial. Too runny, and it will slide right off. If your icing is too thick, it would not settle smoothly. I aim for a texture that ribbons off the spoon but holds its shape when drizzled. Achieving just the right consistency is crucial for perfect decorating. Add a teaspoon or two of milk to transform the icing into the ideal texture for spreading elegantly across each cookie. If you need to make it thicker than just add more powdered sugar.
To adapt for seasons, I play with colors and flavors. Green and mint for a refreshing twist, fitting for Christmas. Pink with a drop of raspberry extract makes for a Valentine’s affair to remember. And for Easter, pastels bring a spring freshness that is irresistible.
How to Gift Iced Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies are perfect for parties and for gifts. Here are some tips for making them for gifts.
Bake cookies, allow to cool and them freeze in freezer bags. They will keep fresh in the freezer.
When ready to give as gifts, remove the cookies from the freezer and make the icing. Ice and decorate and then allow the icing to harden.
After the icing has set, then you can place in a little glass jar or a cellophane bag.
Iced thumbprint cookies are such a fun way to brighten up any party or holiday! Make sure to hold a few back for yourself, as your beautifully decorated tea cookies will disappear quickly!
Make sure to PIN this recipe for later and check out the easy recipe below!
Simply Delicious Iced Thumbprint Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla
- 2 eggs – yolks only
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups flour
Icing
- 2 tbls shortening
- 1 tsp almond flavoring
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Cream softened butter and shortening.
- Add brown sugar and cream until fluffy.
- Add beaten egg yolks and vanilla and blend.
- Then add in flour and salt and mix without over blending.
- Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place on ungreased cookie sheet
- Bake cookies for 5 minutes. Remove from oven and use back of teaspoon or end of knife to make impressions in the middle of each cookie.
- Place back in the oven and set the timer for 8 more minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow cookies to completely cool on cookie sheet.
- While cookies are cooling combine icing ingredients. Icing should be thick but still glossy. You want it to easily fill your cookie centers and then harden slightly upon setting.
- With a spoon, fill the cookie hearts and allow to set.
