Description
Celebrate Easter with these soft, buttery, and beautifully decorated Easter cookies. Perfect for holiday gatherings, gifting, or a fun baking activity with kids. Easy to make and customizable with icing and sprinkles!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp milk (if needed)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- 3–4 tbsp milk (for icing)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for icing)
- Food coloring (for icing)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Making the Cookie Dough
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients – In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar – In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the Egg and Vanilla – Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- 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.
- Chill the Dough – Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Rolling and Baking the Cookies 6. Preheat the Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 7. Roll Out the Dough – Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. 8. Cut Out Shapes – Use Easter-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes. 9. Bake the Cookies – Place cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden. 10. Cool Completely – Transfer to a wire rack before decorating.
Decorating with Icing 11. Prepare the Icing – In a bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. 12. Color the Icing – Divide icing into bowls and mix in food coloring to create pastel shades. 13. Decorate the Cookies – Use a piping bag or spoon to decorate with icing and sprinkles. 14. Let the Icing Set – Allow cookies to sit for 30 minutes until icing hardens.
Notes
- Lemon Flavor: Add 1 tsp lemon zest.
- Chocolate Version: Replace 1/4 cup flour with cocoa powder.
- Almond or Coconut Flavor: Substitute vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- chill time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: dessert , cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Easter cookies, sugar cookies, holiday baking, decorated cookies, Easter dessert Enjoy making these festive and delicious Easter cookies!