Grinch Thumbprint Cookies (Printer-Friendly)

Soft, buttery thumbprint cookies with green vanilla frosting and red heart sprinkles for a festive holiday treat.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Cookies

01 - 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened (226 g)
02 - ⅔ cup granulated sugar (134 g)
03 - 1 large egg yolk
04 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
06 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Frosting

07 - 2 cups powdered sugar (240 g)
08 - 3 tablespoons whole milk (45 ml)
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (28 g)
10 - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
11 - Green food coloring gel, as needed

→ Decorations

12 - Red heart sprinkles

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes to incorporate air.
02 - Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract thoroughly to create a smooth, homogeneous mixture.
03 - Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the dough and ensure tenderness.
04 - Roll dough into 1-inch balls, arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced 2 inches apart, then chill for 30 minutes to maintain shape during baking.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Press an indentation in each dough ball center using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon. Bake 12-14 minutes until edges turn light golden.
06 - Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
07 - Beat powdered sugar, whole milk, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Incrementally add green food coloring gel until a vibrant green hue is achieved.
08 - Spoon or pipe green frosting into each cookie indentation. Press a red heart sprinkle gently into the center while frosting is still wet.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - Use gel food coloring for a vivid green color without thinning the frosting consistency.
02 - Chill dough balls before baking to prevent spreading and achieve well-defined thumbprints.
03 - Apply gentle, steady pressure when creating indentations to avoid cracking.
04 - Aim for a thick but pipeable frosting; adjust powdered sugar or milk to reach desired texture.
05 - Remove cookies from oven once edges are barely golden; cooling will complete the baking process and maintain tenderness.

Go Back