Shortbread Thumbprint Cookies – 7 Ways

unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

white granulated sugar

pure vanilla extract

cornstarch

all-purpose flour, divided (measured correctly - spoon and level method) plus 1-2 tablespoons as needed

milk *optional and only as needed (add a little bit at a time)

*Plus extra granulated sugar in a bowl for rolling dough (optional)

Various Options

Classic Jam Thumbprints - raspberry jam (strawberry jam, apricot jam, blackberry jam, powdered sugar, milk & vanilla extract for the glaze)

Hershey's Kisses - chocolate (peppermint or cookies and cream)

Turtle Thumbprints - caramel squares (heavy cream, pecan halves, melted chocolate and caramel sauce)

Nutella M&M's - Nutella (mini festive M&M's)

Peppermint - Melted white chocolate (crushed candy canes)

Snowman - White chocolate melts (blue round nonpareil sprinkles, orange jimmies sprinkles, black licorice for the eyes and mouth - cut to size)

Rudolph - pretzels (Red Smarties, cut black licorice for the eyes and mouth - cut to size)