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THUMBPRINT COOKIES WITH ICING

Sana Umer
These buttery thumbprint cookies are soft, tender, and filled with a sweet icing glaze. Simple to make and perfect for holidays, tea time, or gifting, they’re a delightful treat with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 140 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cookies:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Icing:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 –2 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
  • Food coloring optional
  • Sprinkles optional

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Make the Dough:

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Shape the Cookies:

  • Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared sheet. Press your thumb gently in the center of each ball to create an indent.

Bake:

  • Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set but not browned. Let cookies cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the Icing:

  • In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.

Fill and Decorate:

  • Spoon icing into cookie centers and top with sprinkles if using. Let icing set before serving or storing.

Notes

Make Ahead: Dough can be chilled for up to 2 days before baking.
Customisations: Use flavoured icing or swap in jam or lemon curd instead of icing.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect for cookie exchanges or festive dessert platters.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Keyword Butter cookies, holiday treats, iced cookies, thumbprint cookies