Description
These delightful thumbprint cookies bring the joy of an Easter egg hunt to your dessert table! Buttery shortbread cookies are filled with pastel-colored icing and topped with mini chocolate eggs for a festive and delicious treat.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg yolk
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (pastel shades: pink, yellow, blue, green)
For Decoration:
- Mini chocolate eggs or pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates
- Edible sprinkles or glitter (optional)
Instructions
- Crafting the Cookie Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and egg yolk.
- Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Shaping and Baking
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Press your thumb (or the back of a small spoon) into each ball to create an indentation.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then press the indentations again while still soft. Let the cookies cool completely.
- Preparing the Icing
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint each with pastel food coloring.
- Decorating with a Festive Touch
- Spoon the colored icing into each cookie indentation.
- While the icing is still wet, place a mini chocolate egg or pastel candy in the center.
- Add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra flair.
- Allow the icing to set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- To keep the cookies soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cookie dough.
- Substitute almond extract for vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.
- Let kids get creative with icing colors and decorations for extra fun!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American