Grinch Thumbprint Cookies (Printer-Friendly Version)

Buttery cookies topped with vibrant green frosting and a playful red heart for festive holiday joy.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cookie Dough

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

→ Frosting

07 - 2 cups powdered sugar
08 - 3 tablespoons whole milk
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
10 - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
11 - green gel food coloring

→ Decorations

12 - red heart sprinkles

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Beat softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
02 - Incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and smooth.
03 - Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until incorporated to avoid overworking the dough.
04 - Form the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to maintain shape during baking.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Using your thumb or the back of a rounded teaspoon, gently press an indentation into the center of each dough ball.
06 - Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Remove from oven and cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
07 - Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool fully before applying frosting.
08 - Beat powdered sugar, whole milk, softened butter, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Gradually add green gel food coloring until a vivid green shade is achieved.
09 - Spoon or pipe green frosting into each cookie indentation and gently press a red heart sprinkle into the center while frosting is still wet.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Use gel food coloring for vibrant frosting without thinning consistency.
02 - Chilling dough balls helps cookies retain shape and produce neat indentations.
03 - Avoid overbaking; remove cookies when edges are barely golden for a tender center.

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