This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Let the baking begin! I haven’t made these in a long time but the memories are clear. My Mom made these every Christmas as they were my Dad’s favorite cookie. Mom always used food color in the icing tinting it green, blue, red and yellow. I understand there’s snow in our forecast for tonight so I’m going with white icing!
All you need is butter, brown sugar, an egg, vanilla, salt, flour and grated nuts.
Using a blender, combine the butter and sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla and blend until well combined.
Sift the flour and salt into the cream mixture and mix until incorporated.
Fold in the grated nuts.
Roll into one inch balls and place on a Silpat mat or parchment lined cookie sheet.
Using your thumb, press the center of the cookie creating a well.
Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 12-15 minutes.
Once cool fill the centers with icing, jam, Nutella or anything sweet.
Thumb Print Cookies
(recipe by my Mom)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup flour
1 cup grated pecans
Blend the butter and brown sugar together until creamy. Add the vanilla and egg and beat until smooth. Sift the flour and salt into the cream mixture. Blend until all flour is incorporated. Stir in the grated nuts. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a Silpat mat or parchment lined baking sheet. Press the center of each cookie with your thumb creaming a well. Bake at 375 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on a wire rack. Ice centers with an icing made with confectioners sugar, vanilla and boiling water. Fill each cookie with icing, jam, Nutella or any other sweet topping.
~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks so much for stopping by! Please don’t forget to sign up for the Giveaway! I hope to get my decorations done this week – wish me luck!
Tricia
Marilyn says
Would be very helpful to Include the quantity of cookies recipe yields. And having a jump to recipe always helps.
Like the recipe but want a large batch and have no idea what the result of this recipe would be!
Tricia Buice says
Hi Marilyn. This recipe makes approximately 32 to 36 cookies. Enjoy.
Gerry @Foodness Gracious says
You know, i've never made thumbprints and they look awesome! Thanks for your kind words on my blog also ;)<br />Take care..
Bri says
Tricia, your mom taught me to add just a touch of butter to the icing to keep it "soft" so it doesn't turn rock hard after a few days.<br />One more question: Do you keep yours in the garage like your mother did?<br />Love ya! Bri
Anna and Liz Recipes says
WOw we make these cookies every year but never used grated pecans – sounds delish!
Mary says
These sound yummy. I've never made them with brown sugar. I'll have to try that one of these days. It sounds like a great variation. Have a wonderful day!
SmileyIsles says
I love thumb print cookies and always just put a hershey kiss in the center, or jam… but NUTELLA!!! Why have I never thought of that. Genius! My son will love you for this suggestion
Tanna at The Brick Street Bungalow says
YUM! These look like perfect Christmas treats! Good luck with your decorating, Trica!! blessings ~ tanna
McMGrad89 says
I might have to go buy a new mixer! LOL (Can't find the beaters to the current one. They are hiding in a moving box somewhere in the 20 degree garage.