Easter Thumbprint Cookies are a festive, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth treat filled with colorful pastel icing or jam. These adorable cookies are perfect for Easter gatherings, spring celebrations, or a fun baking activity with kids. With a tender shortbread-like base and a sweet filling, they’re both easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Easter – Bright, pastel-colored icing makes these cookies a festive addition to your dessert table.
- Soft and Buttery – A delicate shortbread-like texture that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable – Fill with icing, jam, lemon curd, or even chocolate!
- Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples, no special equipment needed.
- Kid-Friendly – A fun and easy baking project for kids to help with.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cookies:
- All-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt
For the Filling:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk (or lemon juice for a tangy glaze)
- Food coloring (pastel shades for Easter)
- Jam or lemon curd (optional alternative to icing)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Dough: In a bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla and almond extract. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the baking sheet.
- Make the Thumbprint Indent: Gently press your thumb or the back of a spoon into the center of each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 12-14 minutes, until edges are set but not browned. Let cool completely.
- Prepare the Icing: Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice until smooth. Divide into small bowls and tint with food coloring.
- Fill the Thumbprints: Spoon icing into the indentations or fill with jam/lemon curd. Let the icing set before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: About 20-24 cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Center: Fill with melted chocolate or Nutella instead of icing.
- Jam-Filled: Use raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jam for a fruity twist.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for a GF-friendly version.
- Drizzle Effect: Drizzle white or dark chocolate over the cookies for an elegant touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigeration: If using jam or lemon curd, keep refrigerated for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze unfilled cookies for up to 2 months. Fill after thawing.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for a month.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and don’t overmix the dough.
Can I make these without almond extract?
Yes, you can omit it or replace it with extra vanilla.
How do I get vibrant pastel colors?
Use gel food coloring for richer, pastel shades without making the icing too watery.
Can I use buttercream instead of icing?
Absolutely! Pipe or spread a small amount into the thumbprints.
What’s the best jam for these cookies?
Raspberry, apricot, or strawberry jam works best, but any thick jam will do.
How do I prevent cracks in the cookies?
Roll the dough smoothly and press gently when making the thumbprint indent.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter gives the best flavor, but margarine can be used in a pinch.
How long does the icing take to set?
It usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on humidity.
Can I add coconut or nuts?
Yes! Sprinkle coconut flakes or chopped nuts over the icing for extra texture.
Conclusion
Easter Thumbprint Cookies are a delightful, festive treat that’s easy to make and fun to decorate. Whether you fill them with pastel icing, jam, or lemon curd, they’ll be a hit at any spring celebration. Bake a batch for Easter, a baby shower, or just a cheerful treat for the season!
Print
Easter Thumbprint Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: ~24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These buttery shortbread thumbprint cookies are filled with vibrant pastel frosting or fruit jam, making them a fun and festive Easter treat! They’re easy to make, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and can be customized with different fillings and decorations like sprinkles or mini chocolate eggs.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Filling Options:
Pastel Buttercream Frosting:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Food coloring (pink, yellow, blue, or purple)
Jam Filling (Easy Option):
1/2 cup fruit jam (strawberry, raspberry, or apricot)
Optional Toppings:
Pastel sprinkles
Mini chocolate eggs
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Step 2: Shape and Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Press a small indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- If the centers puff up during baking, gently press the indentation again while warm.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
For Buttercream Frosting:
9. In a bowl, beat butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth and fluffy.
10. Divide into bowls and tint with pastel food coloring.
For Jam Filling:
11. Heat jam slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds, then stir to loosen.
Step 4: Assemble and Decorate
- Once cookies are completely cool, fill each center with frosting or jam using a spoon or piping bag.
- Decorate with sprinkles or mini chocolate eggs for a festive touch!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the dough.
- Make-ahead tip: Store unfilled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- For a chocolate version, dip the bottoms in melted white or dark chocolate!
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