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Valentine's Sprinkle Thumbprint Cookies

These Valentine’s Sprinkle Thumbprint Cookies are soft, chewy sugar cookies rolled in festive sprinkles, filled with fluffy buttercream, and topped with a sweet heart sprinkle. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for Valentine’s Day parties, gifting, or a festive homemade treat.
Prep Time15 minutes
Servings: 20 cookies
Author: Emily - My Messy Kitchen

Ingredients

For the cookies:

  • ¾ cup salted butter room temperature. I use salted but you can use unsalted butter if you prefer!
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg room temperature
  • 1 tbsp corn starch
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup sprinkles

For the frosting:

  • ½ cup salted butter room temperature. I use salted but you can use unsalted butter if you prefer!
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tbsp heavy cream or milk room temperature
  • extra heart sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

For the cookies:

  • In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and egg and mix until combined.
  • With the mixer on low, add the cornstarch, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour. Mix until a soft dough forms.Using a medium cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons of dough), portion the dough into balls. Roll each ball in the sprinkles, pressing gently to adhere. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chilled dough balls on lined baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are set but centers are still soft.
  • Immediately after removing from the oven, use the bottom of a tablespoon measuring spoon to gently press into the center of each warm cookie to create a well. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting:

  • Beat the butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt. Beat on medium-high until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes), adding a bit more cream if needed to reach piping consistency.
  • Once the cookies are fully cooled, pipe buttercream into the centers. Top with a heart sprinkle and enjoy!