easter cookies Recipe
If you are looking to add a burst of festive joy to your Easter celebrations, these delightful easter cookies are just the treat you need. Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, these cookies are a canvas for vibrant icing and playful shapes that bring springtime charm right to your table. Whether you are baking with kids or wanting to impress guests, this recipe combines simplicity with endless creativity to make your Easter unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this easter cookies recipe plays a crucial role in creating a tender texture and a rich flavor that melts in your mouth. These basics come together beautifully to give you the perfect cookie foundation before you add your personal decorative touch.
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: This forms the structure of the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape while staying soft.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a subtle lift to keep the cookies light and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks): Provides rich moisture and a creamy texture, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth feeling.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the tender crumb.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder that holds the dough together while adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with warm, comforting flavor.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional): Gives a subtle nutty aroma for an extra special touch.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for icing): The base for smooth and sweet icing perfect for decorating.
- 3-4 tablespoons milk (for icing): Adjusts the icing consistency, making it easy to pipe or spread.
- Various colors food coloring (for icing): Brings your easter cookies to life with all the cheerful shades of spring.
How to Make easter cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready before you mix your dough sets you up for success.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures your cookies will have an even texture without any lumps.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This crucial step aerates the dough, helping your easter cookies keep a tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until fully incorporated. These ingredients add depth of flavor and richness that make every bite irresistible.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the flour mixture to your butter mixture, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as that can create a tougher cookie. Your dough should be smooth and slightly firm.
Step 6: Roll and Cut Out Shapes
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thick. Now comes the fun part: use your favorite Easter-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes like bunnies, eggs, and flowers. Place them carefully on your prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading.
Step 7: Bake Until Lightly Golden
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch closely for a slight golden tint around the edges — that signal means they are perfectly baked and ready to cool.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. Cooling fully is important so that your icing won’t melt when applied.
Step 9: Prepare the Icing
Mix powdered sugar and milk in a bowl until smooth and spreadable. Divide the icing into smaller bowls and tint each with your chosen food coloring. This is where your creativity shines to make truly festive easter cookies.
Step 10: Decorate and Let Set
Use a piping bag, spoon, or even a clean paintbrush to decorate your cooled cookies. Once adorned, allow the icing to set at room temperature so your designs stay perfect.
How to Serve easter cookies
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can elevate the presentation of your easter cookies. Think of sprinkles, edible glitter, or small sugar pearls applied just before the icing sets to add sparkle and texture that delight the eyes and taste buds alike.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with light, complementary treats like fresh fruit salad, a pot of herbal tea, or even a mild cheese plate. The balance between sweet cookies and fresh or creamy sides makes for a lovely Easter brunch or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
To really charm your guests, arrange your decorated easter cookies on a tiered platter with fresh flowers and pastel ribbons. You can also wrap individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with colorful twine to give as delightful edible party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any easter cookies left over, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to a week — perfect for those who want to savor the flavors a little longer.
Freezing
You can freeze the plain, un-iced cookies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them to room temperature before decorating. This makes holiday prep much easier.
Reheating
While easter cookies are best enjoyed fresh, you can warm them slightly in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes to revive their softness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the texture rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a substitute for almond extract?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of almond extract or have allergies, you can simply omit it or substitute with a little extra vanilla extract. The cookies will still have a wonderful flavor.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and avoid overmixing the dough. Also, chill the cut-out shapes briefly before baking if your kitchen is warm. These tips help maintain crisp, defined shapes.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator. Just let it come to room temperature before rolling and cutting your easter cookies for best results.
What is the best way to decorate these cookies with kids?
Simple! Let kids use colored icing in small bowls with spoons or piping bags, and provide a variety of fun sprinkles or candy toppings. Decorating easter cookies is a perfect family activity full of creativity and laughter.
Are these cookies suitable for special dietary needs?
This traditional recipe uses standard ingredients, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends or dairy-free butter substitutes. Just keep in mind that texture and flavor might vary slightly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about baking easter cookies with loved ones — the mixing, rolling, cutting, and decorating transform simple ingredients into joyful memories and delicious moments. I hope this recipe inspires you to create bright, beautiful treats that bring smiles all around your Easter table. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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easter cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24–30 cookies depending on size 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these classic Easter cookies, soft and buttery sugar cookies cut into festive shapes and decorated with colorful icing. Perfect for holiday celebrations, these cookies combine a simple dough with sweet, customizable icing to bring fun and flavor to your Easter table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Icing Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- Various colors of food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside to ensure cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or wooden spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and optional almond extract until the mixture is well combined and smooth, adding depth to the cookie flavor.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and toughening the cookies.
- Roll and Cut Shapes: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the cookie dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use Easter-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they’re perfectly baked without overcooking.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which is essential for best icing adherence.
- Prepare Icing: While the cookies cool, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and desired colors of food coloring in a bowl until the icing reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency suitable for decorating.
- Decorate and Set: Use the prepared icing to decorate the cooled cookies as desired. Allow the icing to set completely before serving to ensure a neat, festive appearance.
Notes
- For a softer cookie, do not overbake; remove just as edges start to turn golden.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before rolling can help prevent spreading during baking.
- Almond extract is optional but adds a nice complementary flavor to vanilla.
- Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired icing thickness.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant icing colors without thinning the icing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Easter cookies, sugar cookies, holiday cookies, decorated cookies, festive treats
