Are you craving a delicious and easy dessert that's perfect for any occasion? Look no further! These thumbprint cookies with icing are a delightful treat that's surprisingly simple to make. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is your ticket to homemade happiness. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these beautiful and tasty cookies – perfect for tea time, holiday gatherings, or a simple sweet treat any day of the week.
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
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Jam or preserves of your choice (e.g., raspberry, apricot, strawberry)
Instructions:
Making the Cookie Dough:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!
- 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 perfectly for this step.
- Add Egg & Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- 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!
- 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 Thumbprints: Use your thumb to create a small indentation in the center of each cookie. This is where the delicious jam will go!
Baking the Cookies:
- 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 Icing:
- Whisk Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Add Color (Optional): If using food coloring, add a few drops at a time until you achieve your preferred shade.
- Fill & Frost: Once the cookies are completely cool, fill each indentation with a teaspoon of your favorite jam or preserves. Then, drizzle or pipe the icing over the jam.
Tips for Perfect Thumbprint Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened but not melted. This ensures a smooth and creamy cookie dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Baking Time Variation: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate Thumbprints: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the cookie dough for a decadent chocolate twist.
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for a warm, comforting flavor.
- Different Fillings: Experiment with different jams, jellies, or even Nutella for the filling.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 Fat: Approximately 8-10g Sugar: Approximately 15-20g
Enjoy these delightful homemade thumbprint cookies! They are a simple yet impressive treat that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Happy baking!