Easter Cookies Recipe

Easter is the perfect time to celebrate with sweet treats, and what better way to do so than with homemade Easter cookies? These delightful cookies are soft, buttery, and decorated with pastel icing, making them the perfect addition to your holiday dessert table. Whether you’re baking them for an Easter egg hunt, gifting them to loved ones, or simply indulging in a festive treat, this recipe will bring joy to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Easter Celebrations – These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them ideal for holiday gatherings.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe suitable for bakers of all levels.
• Customizable – You can decorate these cookies with royal icing, sprinkles, or even chocolate for a unique touch.
• Soft and Buttery Texture – The cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth consistency that pairs perfectly with a hint of vanilla and sugar.
• Kid-Friendly Activity – Let kids join in on the fun by decorating the cookies with colorful icing and festive designs.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Milk
• Powdered sugar
• Food coloring (for icing)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Directions

Making the Cookie Dough

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients – In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar – In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla – Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk to help it come together.
5. Chill the Dough – Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll out.

Rolling and Baking the Cookies

6. Preheat the Oven – Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Roll Out the Dough – Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
8. Cut Out Shapes – Use Easter-themed cookie cutters (bunnies, eggs, chicks) to cut out shapes from the dough.
9. Bake the Cookies – Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool Completely – Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool before decorating.

Decorating with Icing

11. Prepare the Icing – In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, a small amount of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
12. Color the Icing – Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to create pastel shades.
13. Decorate the Cookies – Use a piping bag or a spoon to decorate the cookies with icing. Add sprinkles for extra festive flair.
14. Let the Icing Set – Allow the decorated cookies to sit for at least 30 minutes to harden before serving or storing.

Variations

• Lemon-Flavored Cookies – Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Chocolate Easter Cookies – Replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
• Almond or Coconut Flavor – Substitute vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract for a unique taste.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 24 cookies (depending on size)

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep decorated cookies in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature before decorating.
• Reheating: Cookies do not need reheating, but if you prefer them warm, microwave for 5-10 seconds.

FAQs

How can I make the cookies softer?

For softer cookies, slightly underbake them and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days or freeze it for up to a month.

What type of icing works best for decorating?

Royal icing is ideal for intricate designs, while a simple powdered sugar glaze works well for a softer finish.

Can I use butter substitutes?

Yes, but using real butter gives the best flavor. Margarine or vegan butter can be used if needed.

Why is my dough too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour (a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches the right consistency.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?

Chilling the dough before baking and avoiding overmixing helps prevent cookies from spreading too much.

Can I use different cookie cutters?

Absolutely! You can make these cookies in any shape you like, from classic round cookies to detailed Easter designs.

How do I get vibrant icing colors?

Use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring for more vibrant hues without thinning the icing.

Can I add sprinkles before baking?

Yes, you can press sprinkles into the dough before baking, or add them on top of icing after baking.

What if I don’t have cookie cutters?

Use a knife to cut out shapes or roll the dough into balls and flatten them with a glass.

Conclusion

These Easter cookies are a festive and delicious treat perfect for celebrating the holiday. With their buttery texture, customizable decorations, and simple preparation, they are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or gift them to friends and family, these cookies bring a touch of sweetness to your Easter festivities. Try this recipe today and get creative with your decorations!

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