Dulce de Leche Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies

These buttery, tender Dulce de Leche Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies are bursting with sweet caramel flavor. The creamy dulce de leche filling in the thumbprint center makes them irresistible treats for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dulce de leche
• Powdered sugar, for dusting optional

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350F 175C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy

Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together

Take a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball

Place the ball on the prepared baking sheet

Repeat with the remaining dough, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie

Use your thumb or the back of a teaspoon to create an indentation in the center of each cookie

Fill each indentation with a small dollop of dulce de leche

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely

If desired, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar before serving