How To Make Stamped Cookies (with pictures)

How to make stamped cookies is explained in detail in this simple, step-by-step article. We love this great holiday tradition with kids!

While stamped cookies may look fancy, they are actually quite easy to make with just a little practice. These cookies steal the show on cookie trays and dessert tables.

Stamped Cookies

Recently, I was introduced to the most beautiful stamped almond cookies by a couple friends of mine. One has been making these stamped cookies for years, and she recently spent a day making stamped shortbread cookies for Christmas where she shared her recipe and secrets.

They were sharing their pictures of these adorable cookies, and I absolutely fell in love. The cookies are adorable, with a variety of stamped patterns to choose from.

My friends, Donna and Becki, use Brown Bag Cookie Stamps, so I instantly went on the lookout for some vintage cookie stamps.

Brown Bag Stamped Shortbread Cookie Recipe

There are multiple cookie recipes out there for stamped cookies, but the one that I fell in love with is an Almond Stamped Cookie Recipe.

The almond flavor comes from a combination of almond paste and almond extract.

What I noticed is that the almond flavor actually intensifies as the cookie cools. When they are warm from the oven, there’s very little almond flavor. Just wait a couple hours, and the almond taste begins to bloom.

Ingredients for Almond Shortbread Cookies

• Unsalted Butter, softened
• Almond Paste
• Sugar
• Large Egg
• Almond Extract
• All Purpose Flour
• Salt

Utensils Needed

• Large Bowl
• Hand Mixer or Kitchen-Aid Paddle Attachment (can be done by hand, if needed)
• Spatula/ Scraper
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Cookie Sheets or Baking Sheets
• Cookie Stamps

Where can I buy cookie stamps?

My favorite cookie stamps are from the brand Brown Bag, and the Internet is the easiest place to find these adorable, high quality cookie stamps. I’ve had the best luck on websites such as Poshmark and Ebay. You might also check antique shops for cookie stamps. Another brand I really like for the cutesy design is Shaker Hearth.

What types of designs can I make with stamped cookies?

The sky is the limit when it comes to stamped cookies. I’ve seen designs for every holiday including Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, or even Happy Birthday stamps. There’s seasonal leaves, teddy bears, cats, Disney and so much more. I guarantee you can find a stamp for whatever design you might be searching for.

Do cookie stamps go before or after baking?

When using cookie stamps, the stamping process is before baking. Typically, the sugar cookie dough is rolled into a ball, then pressed with the stamp, with the last step being baking.

What types of cookies can I use cookie stamps?

There’s all sorts of recipes out there in which cookie stamps are used including sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies with spices, chocolate sugar cookies, and almond cookies to name a few. You could even try this Sour Cream Sugar Cookies recipe from Farmwife Cooks. We have had great luck with our almond shortbread recipe at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Stamped Cookies

Step By Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Using the bowl of a stand mixer (or a hand mixer), cream softened butter and almond paste on the lowest speed of your mixer until smooth.
3. Pour in sugar, and cream at medium speed.
4. Add egg and almond extract, and mix until completely incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, combine flour and salt. Add flour mixture in two portions and mix.
6. Pour dough on a lightly floured surface and knead lightly.
7. Roll a 2 inch ball of cookie dough, and use a cookie stamp to press evenly into the ball. (see notes section to decide if you want a thick and soft cookie or a thin and crispy cookie)
8. If desired, take a cookie cutter or knife and cut off the excess dough.
9. Place on a cookie sheet, 4 inches apart.
10. Bake for 10-14 minutes in the oven with the rack on the upper 1/3 part of the oven. Start checking at 10 minutes until you get the a lightly golden brown cookie.
11. Cool on the pan for several minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Instructions

Let stamped shortbread cookies cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Tips for Stamped Almond Cookies

What type of cookies do you prefer?

Do you like a soft, thick cookie or a thin, crispy cookie? The great news is that you can make both types with the same almond cookie recipe.

For a soft cookie, be sure to use a large ball of cookie dough, around 2-inch in size to start out. Use the stamp to evenly press the cookie, about 1/4 inch thick. Then, take a round cookie or biscuit cutter to cut off the excess dough. A knife will also work, it just takes a little more work.

For a thin, crispy cookie, start with a smaller ball of cookie dough, around 1-inch in size. Press the dough out with the stamp to around 1/8 inch in thickness. Do not cut off the excess dough.

For a crispier cookie, leave them in the oven just a bit longer to get a darker brown color.

Recipe FAQs

• Start with unsalted butter, if possible. Salted butter will work in a bind. Just be sure it’s softened.
• If you do not have a hand mixer or stand mixer, you can make these by hand. Just be patient, and give yourself enough time to cream the almond paste and butter together completely.
• Almond paste can be found here on Amazon if you can’t find it in the store.
• Do not chill the dough!
• There’s no need for a rolling pin. Just lightly knead with your hands.
• If desired, line your cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• Try to press evenly on the stamp so that the shortbread cookies are evenly sized. If not, one side will get browner than the other in the oven.
• If the stamp doesn’t come out right, just start over by rolling into a new ball of cookie dough.
• The almond flavor will intensify as these cool down.

Fun Cookie Recipes

Monster Cookies

Church Windows

Iced Thumbprint Cookies

Hershey Surprise Cookies

Giant Peanut Butter Cookies