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Irresistible Strawberry Shortcake Thumbprint Cookies

These Strawberry Shortcake Thumbprint Cookies capture the joy of a classic summer dessert in a bite-sized treat. With buttery shortbread, fresh strawberry filling, and a creamy glaze, they’re perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup Fresh Strawberries, diced
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (for filling)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon Milk or Cream (for glaze)
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar, sifted

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Beat in the vanilla extract until just combined.
  3. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  5. While the dough chills, prepare your strawberry compote. In a small saucepan, combine the diced fresh strawberries, a tablespoon of granulated sugar (or to taste), and the fresh lemon juice.
  6. In a tiny bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry.
  7. Bring the strawberry mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry.
  8. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and transfer to a small bowl to cool completely.
  9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  10. Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet.
  11. Using your thumb (or the back of a small measuring spoon), gently press an indentation into the center of each cookie ball.
  12. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might still look a little soft.
  13. Remove from the oven and immediately re-press the indentations with your thumb or spoon if they've puffed up during baking.
  14. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  15. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  16. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating until well combined and smooth.
  17. Add 1 teaspoon of milk or cream at a time, beating until you reach your desired drizzly consistency.
  18. Once the cookies are completely cool, spoon about 1/2 teaspoon of the cooled strawberry filling into each thumbprint.
  19. Drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over the strawberry filling and the cookie.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chilling the cookie dough is crucial to prevent spreading. For a richer glaze, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature.