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Easter Egg Hunt Thumbprint Cookies: A Sweet Tradition for Springtime Joy

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. Crafting the Cookie Dough
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Mix in the vanilla extract and egg yolk.
  5. Gradually add flour and salt, stirring until a soft dough forms.
  6. Shaping and Baking
  7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
  8. Press your thumb (or the back of a small spoon) into each ball to create an indentation.
  9. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
  10. Remove from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then press the indentations again while still soft. Let the cookies cool completely.
  11. Preparing the Icing
  12. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  13. Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint each with pastel food coloring.
  14. Decorating with a Festive Touch
  15. Spoon the colored icing into each cookie indentation.
  16. While the icing is still wet, place a mini chocolate egg or pastel candy in the center.
  17. Add sprinkles or edible glitter for extra flair.
  18. 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!

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