Thumbprint Cookies With Icing

There’s something special about a freshly baked cookie that can fill the home with warmth and comfort. Thumbprint cookies, in particular, have a nostalgic quality that makes them a favorite in many households. They remind me of childhood baking days spent with family, and I believe they have a unique ability to bring everyone together. Whether it’s for a cozy evening at home or a gathering with friends, these cookies are sure to create happy memories.

At the heart of these delightful treats are key ingredients that contribute to their rich flavor and tender texture. You’ll use 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, which provides a creamy richness, paired with 2/3 cup of granulated sugar for that perfect touch of sweetness. A hint of 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor, while 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt form the base. Finally, a heartwarming filling of 1/2 cup of fruit preserves, such as raspberry or apricot, adds a burst of flavor, and for the icing, you’ll use 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and another 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The combination of these ingredients results in cookies that are not only deliciously sweet but also have a lovely fruity tang.

Baking thumbprint cookies is straightforward and fun, making it an ideal activity for cooks at any level, even those who are new to the kitchen. You begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, you’ll cream together the softened butter and sugar until they’re fluffy, mix in the vanilla, and gradually add in the flour and salt. Rolling the dough into 1-inch balls, you’ll place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment, create an indentation in each, and fill them with your choice of fruit preserves. After baking for 12-15 minutes, they’ll be lightly golden and ready to cool. Drizzling them with fresh icing completes the process, adding a beautiful finish to these classic cookies.

These thumbprint cookies are perfect for chilly nights when you want something sweet to warm your heart, or they can be the star of your next potluck. Everyone will love the unique flavor and charming presentation. Now, let’s delve into why this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Thumbprint Cookies With Icing

• Quick: With just a few simple steps, you can have these cookies baked and cooling in less than an hour.
• Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry, making this an easy recipe to tackle.
• Comfort Food: The combination of butter, sugar, and fruit preserves creates a familiar and comforting treat.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy these cookies, making them a great choice for family gatherings.
• Customizable: You can change the type of fruit preserves for different flavors, allowing for plenty of creative options.

Unsalted Butter Tips

When selecting butter for your thumbprint cookies, always opt for unsalted butter. This allows you to control the salt level in your baking, leading to a more balanced flavor. Ensure that the butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter should give slightly when pressed but still hold its shape. If it’s too melted, the texture of your cookies may become overly runny.

Options for Substitutions

• Butter: Use coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option.
• Sugar: Brown sugar can be substituted for granulated sugar to add a deeper flavor.
• Flour: For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with an all-purpose gluten-free blend.
• Fruit Preserves: Any fruit spread, such as strawberry or blueberry, can replace raspberry or apricot.
• Milk: Almond milk or any plant-based milk can be used instead of regular milk for the icing.
• Icing Flavor: Add a touch of lemon juice to the icing for a zesty twist.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

When making thumbprint cookies, there are a few common pitfalls to be aware of. One mistake is overmixing the dough after adding the flour. This can lead to tough cookies instead of tender ones. Mix just until everything is combined for the best texture.

Another common misstep is not chilling the dough if it’s too soft. If your dough feels overly sticky, it’s best to refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes, making it easier to roll into balls.

Be cautious not to fill the cookie indents too heavily with preserves; too much can spill over during baking, creating a mess. Aim for just a teaspoon of filling in each to ensure a nice appearance and clean bite.

Lastly, keep an eye on your cookies while baking. Overbaking can lead to dryness, so check for a lightly golden edge after about 12 minutes and adjust your baking time as needed.

What to Serve With Thumbprint Cookies With Icing?

Thumbprint cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for a cozy afternoon snack. You might also consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. A light fruit salad can contrast nicely, as the freshness of the fruit will complement the sweetness of the cookies.

Storage Instructions

Store: You can keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They remain soft and tasty for several days!

Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Place them in a sealed plastic bag or airtight container, layering parchment paper between the cookies to prevent sticking.

Reheat: If you want to enjoy them warm, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F until warmed through.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: About 24 cookies

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1800-2000
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 80-90g
• Carbohydrates: 250-270g

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fruit preserves (e.g., raspberry or apricot)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract for icing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 2/3 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important for incorporating air into the dough.

Step 3: Add Vanilla

Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. This adds a delightful flavor to your cookies.

Step 4: Combine Flour and Salt

Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even baking.

Step 6: Indent and Fill

Using your thumb or the back of a measuring teaspoon, create an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill these indents with about 1 teaspoon of fruit preserves, being cautious not to overfill them.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

Step 8: Cool and Prepare Icing

Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet. In the meantime, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a small bowl to prepare the icing.

Step 9: Drizzle Icing

Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the prepared icing over the tops of each cookie. Let the icing set before serving.

Step 10: Enjoy!

Your thumbprint cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! Share them with family and friends, or keep them all for yourself.

In conclusion, thumbprint cookies with icing are a delightful treat that combines simplicity with deliciousness. I encourage you to try this recipe, and I would love to hear what you think about it. Feel free to share your thoughts or any variations you tried, and while you’re here, check out some of my other posts for more comforting recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance. Simply refrigerate it for up to two days before baking.

What type of fruit preserves works best?

Raspberry and apricot preserves are traditional choices, but feel free to experiment with others, like strawberry or peach, based on your preference.

How do I store leftover cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

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