It’s time for another classic Christmas cookie! And no holiday cookie selection is complete without the addition of thumbprint cookies. There are many versions of this cookie floating around, I dug out my Mom’s recipe for thumbprints frosted with brown sugar icing. Yummy!
Why are they called Thumbprint Cookies?
The name of this cookie comes from the way you create a depression in the cookie. Traditionally, we have been told to use our thumb. From a sheer point of practicality, this can be a little uncomfortable. First you bake the dough for 5 minutes, then press your thumb into it. That dough is HOT people! It’s not so bad for the first couple cookies but by the time you are on #18 your thumb isn’t very happy.
I just use the back of a measuring spoon. Half teaspoon size, to be precise. I’ll sometimes touch it in a little butter to prevent sticking to the dough. Works out great. 😀
Ingredients needed
For the cookie:
- Butter
- Shortening
- Brown sugar
- Egg yolk
- Vanilla
- Flour salt
- Walnuts
For the brown sugar icing:
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Brown sugar
How to make Thumbprint Cookies
This easy recipe comes straight out of the 1950’s era Betty Crocker cookbook. I specify that because the recipe is slightly different in the 1970’s and after version.
Simply cream together the butter, shortening, brown sugar, egg yolk and vanilla. Then sift in the flour and salt and stir to combine. Form dough into one-inch balls and dip each into chopped nuts. Place on a cookie sheet.
Bake 5 minutes, remove from oven and make a depression in each cookie, then bake 8 minutes more. Cool before filling.
How to make Brown Sugar Icing
This brown sugar icing is an old-fashioned, cooked frosting. Having made these cookies several times, I can tell you that if I make the recipe as it was originally written I run out of frosting. Every. Time. Which isn’t terrible if you want to fill some of the cookies with jam as I did. (See variations below) Knowing my mom, she just scaled the recipe up every time. Since I also cannot imagine that only one batch of these cookies was ever made, I’m sure larger batches of frosting followed. Therefore, the amounts I am providing are double what the original recipe states. I want to be sure you have enough frosting for all the cookies. Besides, “extra frosting is a terrible problem” said no one, EVER.
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In a small saucepan, heat the butter, brown sugar and cream. Bring to a boil. (this only takes a couple minutes for a small batch)
Remove from heat and add powdered sugar. This is another of those nuances in my Mom’s recipe box. The directions state “enough powdered sugar to thicken”. I am providing the amount that works for me, but you can obviously add a little more if you feel it needs it. Just keep in mind that the frosting does stiffen as it cools.
Frost the cookies right away, while the icing is warm.
Variations
I really like the simplicity of the thumbprint cookies with brown sugar icing, especially when you have a whole tray of holiday sweets. It provides a nice contrast to all the richness of many of the offerings. But the beauty of the thumbprint cookie is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to make your cookies into something for everyone, all from one batch:
Jam filled thumbprints – I think this is the most popular version of thumbprint cookies. Raspberry or strawberry jam are very popular, and their red color gives such a beautifully festive appearance. The one disadvantage to using jam is that it is soft and “sticky”. Which means it is tough to store in layers. So if you’re making a big batch of thumbprints, put the sturdier brown sugar frosted ones on the bottom layer, add a sheet of wax paper, then place the jam filled thumbprints on top.
Jam filled with icing – you know, I just can’t resist a frosting opportunity. So with some of my jam filled thumbprints I drizzled a little glaze. It just adds a little extra touch.
Nutella filled thumbprints – yup, can’t resist a Nutella opportunity either. Thumbprints provide a perfect spot for a dollop of Nutella. Nutella has the same challenge as jam, storage-wise. These go on the top layer of the container with the jam-filled thumbprints.
Thumbprint cookies with Brown Sugar Icing 
Jam filled thumbprints, with and without glaze 
Thumbprints with Nutella or Icing
And speaking of storage, be sure to store in an airtight container, and in a cool place. I tend to stick them in the fridge until I want to serve.
Make a batch of thumbprint cookies with icing, jam and Nutella filling and you’ll automatically have a great start to your holiday cookie selection!
📖 Recipe
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Thumbprint Cookies with Icing
Ingredients
Cookie
- ¼ cup butter softened
- ¼ cup shortening
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Chopped nuts walnuts
Brown Sugar Icing
- 5 TB cream
- 2 teaspoon butter
- 4 TB brown sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Cookie
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- Cream together butter, shortening, egg yolk and vanilla.
- Sift together flour and salt. Add to butter mixture and stir well to combine.
- Form dough into one-inch balls and dip into the nuts. Place on a cookie sheet.
- Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from oven, press thumb or back of spoon gently on top of each cookie, then return to oven. Bake an additional 8 minutes. Cool.
Brown Sugar Icing
- Add ingredients to a small saucepan. Heat and bring to a boil.
- Remove from heat and add enough powdered sugar to thicken.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Karen
Delicious! I made these for a cookie exchange and they did not disappoint. The brown sugar frosting is amazing and really takes the cookie over the top! Thanks for sharing!
Sula
Thanks Karen for the kind review. There really is something about the richness of brown sugar that makes the frosting so yummy!
Jere
I love thumbprint cookies, there are so many variations you can make. Adding the brown sugar icing is delicious with the walnuts, and perfect with hot tea for a delicious dessert.
Sula
Oh yes, these cookies are perfect with a cup of coffee or tea. Dessert or a little afternoon pick-me-up!
Lizet
I made them last year for Christmas, and they were a hit. Making them again and printing the recipe to share.
Thanks!
Sula
So glad you found a cookie you could enjoy on repeat!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
I am off this week and starting my Christmas baking. I am adding these to my list and am excited to make them!
Sula
What a fun way to spend the week - Happy Holidays!
Emily Flint
These cookies were amazing and that frosting is to die for! Everyone loved these at my party.
Sula
Perfect food for a holiday party!
Kalin Williams
I love the idea of using brown sugar icing! yum!
Sula
The frosting really sets these apart!
Giangi Townsend
Great recipe and the brown sugar icing... perfection. What a fantastic recipe! Thank you for sharing.
Sula
You're so welcome! The brown sugar icing is my favorite!
Samantha Ferraro
These thumbprints are delish!! Everyone loved them!!
Sula
Thank you!
Julia
I am saving this recipe, always wanted to try thumb cookies and never had a chance 🙂 Love the brown sugar glaze yum!
Sula
Yes that icing is super yummy!
Patty at Spoonabilities
Love that drizzle of brown sugar glaze on these classic cookies. So yummy!
Sula
Me too - it gives them a different spin, don't you think?
Audrey
These are such a fun classic holiday treat! Yum
Sula
I hope you have some soon!
Shanna Allen
These are so yummy!! I think I am going to leave them out for Santa this year.
Sula
I think Santa will be most grateful!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
Such a Christmas classic! These look and sound divine - might have to whip up a batch this week!
Sula
It's an easy one to do for a quick treat!
Nicolette
Such an easy recipe!! Thank you!
Sula
You're very welcome, Nicolette - enjoy!
Beth
Yummy! These are going to be a big hit here at the house! My husband and daughter are going to love these!
Sula
They've never failed me!
Claudia Lamascolo
A classic holiday cookie that never goes out of style and these look fabulous I need to try your recipe thanks
Sula
It's a classic for a reason - so many different ways you can fill them, and they all taste terrific!
Raquel
The Brown sugar icing makes these so special!
Sula
Thank you, I agree! It's a great, old-fashioned frosting that just has that "different" factor, you know?
Big Trouble
OMGGGG! That brown sugar icing sounds like HEAVEN!!! These cookies look AMAZING.
Sula
I hope you try them - I just love them!