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Easter Thumbprint Cookies

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  • Author: samahkitchen
  • 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

Units Scale

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

12 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

  1. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  2. Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until combined.
  3. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
  3. Press a small indentation in the center of each cookie using your thumb or the back of a teaspoon.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  5. 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

  1. Once cookies are completely cool, fill each center with frosting or jam using a spoon or piping bag.
  2. 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!