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Delicious thumbprint cookies with colorful icing filling on a white plate.

Thumbprint Cookies With Icing Filling

These delightful thumbprint cookies feature a tender, buttery base perfect for holding a sweet, vibrant icing filling. A classic treat, they are easy to make and wonderfully customizable with various icing flavors and colors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 42 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cookie Dough
  • 1 cup Unsalted butter softened
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1 Large egg separated
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 cup Chopped nuts optional, for rolling
Icing Filling
  • 2 cups Powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp Milk
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
  • Food coloring optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Whisk

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy in a large bowl, then beat in the egg yolk and vanilla extract.
  2. Gradually add flour and salt to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms; chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to firm it up.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper.
  4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls, dip each into the whisked egg white, then roll in chopped nuts if using.
  5. Place balls on prepared baking sheets, make an indentation in the center of each with your thumb, and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
  6. While cookies cool, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the icing; add food coloring if desired.
  7. Once cookies are completely cool, spoon or pipe the prepared icing into the thumbprint indentations.

Notes

For best results, ensure your butter is truly softened for easy creaming, and do not overbake the cookies to keep them tender.