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Kaufmann's Thumbprint Cookies with Vanilla and Chocolate Frostings Recipe

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4.1 from 37 reviews

  • Author: Sky
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: Makes 2 dozen small cookies

Description

Kaufmann's Thumbprint Cookies are delightful bite-sized cookies featuring a colorful jimmie sprinkle coating and a soft, buttery texture. These cookies are chilled before baking to maintain their shape and are finished with a luscious vanilla or chocolate frosting piped into their thumbprint indentations. Perfect for festive occasions or everyday treats, these cookies combine a tender cake flour base with rich frostings for a sweet, nostalgic flavor experience.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 1/3 cup shortening
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1 cup jimmie sprinkles

For the Vanilla Frosting:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar
  • 3/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/4 cup whole milk, room temperature

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cookie Dough: Beat the shortening, butter, granulated sugar, and salt together until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and well combined, which takes about 2 to 4 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
  2. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the large egg, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts until fully incorporated into the batter.
  3. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the cake flour to the mixture, mixing just until the dough starts to form. Be careful not to overbeat the dough to maintain a tender texture.
  4. Divide Dough and Shape: Divide the dough into three equal portions. Then divide each portion in half, and each half in half again, resulting in 24 small portions total. Roll each portion into small round balls.
  5. Coat with Sprinkles and Make Indentation: Dip each ball of dough into the jimmie sprinkles until coated. Press a thumbprint indentation into the top of each cookie ball.
  6. Chill the Cookies: Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up the dough, which helps maintain their shape during baking.
  7. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: While the dough chills, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two additional baking sheets with parchment paper.
  8. Bake the Cookies: Place the chilled cookies on the lined baking sheets with at least 2 inches of space between each. Bake for 15 minutes or until the cookie bottoms begin to turn slightly golden.
  9. Cool the Cookies: Transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
  10. Make Vanilla Frosting (optional): Beat the butter for about 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and lump-free, scraping the bowl frequently. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth.
  11. Make Chocolate Frosting (optional): Beat the butter for 1 to 2 minutes until smooth and lump-free. Gradually add powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, salt, and milk, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
  12. Pipe Frosting onto Cookies: Using a star tip, pipe either the vanilla or chocolate frosting into the thumbprint indentations of each cookie. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use cake flour for a tender, delicate crumb in the cookies.
  • Chilling the dough before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape and prevents spreading.
  • If you prefer, use only shortening or butter, but the blend of both gives a balance of texture and flavor.
  • Jimmie sprinkles add festive color but can be substituted with colored sugar or nonpareils.
  • Both vanilla and chocolate frostings can be stored refrigerated in airtight containers for up to a week.
  • Allow cookies to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the frosting.
  • For easiest frosting piping, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://skysrecipes.com/kaufmanns-thumbprint-cookies-with-vanilla-and-chocolate-frostings-recipe/