Description
Soft, buttery shortbread cookies topped with smooth, colorful vanilla icing. These iced thumbprint cookies are perfect for any occasion โ festive holidays, family gatherings, or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1ยฝ tbsp milk
- ยฝ tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy (2โ3 minutes).
- Add flour and salt; mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Chill dough for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350ยฐF and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into 1ยฝ-inch balls and arrange 1 inch apart.
- Press a deep thumbprint in each ball.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then re-press centers and bake another 6โ8 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Tint icing if desired, fill cookie centers, and let set overnight or chill briefly.
Notes
Chill the dough well to prevent spreading. Re-press indentations after the first bake for a perfect shape. Store iced cookies in airtight containers at room temperature up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
