Are you craving a delicious and easy dessert that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further! These thumbprint cookies with frosting are a delightful treat that's surprisingly simple to make. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is perfect for you. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these melt-in-your-mouth cookies – they’re guaranteed to be a new favorite! This recipe offers a perfect blend of homemade cooking and quick dinner ideas, ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Frosting:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Food coloring (gel or liquid)
Instructions:
Making the Cookies:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and perfectly baked cookies.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works wonderfully for this step.
- Add Egg & Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Make the Indentation: Use your thumb to create an indentation in the center of each cookie. This is where the delicious frosting will go!
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Frosting:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Add Color (Optional): If you want to add color to your frosting, now is the time to gently stir in your food coloring. Start with a small amount and add more until you achieve your desired shade.
- Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, fill the indentations with frosting. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for a more elegant look.
Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This will ensure a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
- Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake, as ovens can vary.
Variations:
- Chocolate Thumbprints: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the cookie dough for rich chocolate cookies.
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) to the cookie dough for a delicious crunch.
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the cookie dough for a refreshing flavor.
- Different Frostings: Experiment with different frostings, such as cream cheese frosting or peanut butter frosting.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-180
- Fat: 8-10g
- Sugar: 10-12g
These thumbprint cookies are a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. They're perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying a sweet treat on a cozy evening. Enjoy!