Description
These Easter Thumbprint Cookies are delightful buttery treats filled with smooth pastel-colored candy melts or white chocolate and topped with festive mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans. Perfect for spring celebrations and holiday gatherings, these cookies combine a tender, flavorful dough with a sweet, colorful center for a charming seasonal dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling and Toppings
- Pastel-colored candy melts or white chocolate (for filling)
- Pastel sprinkles (optional)
- Mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and provide an even baking surface.
- Make Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until smooth. Gradually incorporate the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to gently press a small well into the center of each cookie ball.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden. Carefully remove from the oven and, while still warm, gently re-press the centers to maintain the thumbprint indent if necessary. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Melt Filling: In a heatproof bowl, melt the pastel-colored candy melts or white chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 20 to 30 seconds until smooth and fully melted, being careful not to burn the chocolate.
- Fill and Decorate: Spoon or pipe the melted chocolate into the thumbprint wells of each cooled cookie. Immediately top with a mini chocolate egg or jelly bean and add pastel sprinkles if you like for extra festive flair. Let the filling set completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For a festive twist, enhance the cookie dough with a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
