easter cutout cookies Recipe
If you are on the hunt for a charming, delightful treat to bring springtime joy into your kitchen, these **easter cutout cookies** are exactly what you need. Soft, buttery, and with just the right sweet touch, these cookies inspire nostalgic fun with every bite, while their crisp edges perfectly hold any colorful icing and sprinkles you want to pile on. Whether you are decorating with kids, hosting an Easter gathering, or simply craving a festive baking project, these easter cutout cookies are a guaranteed favorite that combines simplicity with that classic holiday spirit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these easter cutout cookies lies in the simplicity of their ingredients. Each component plays a critical role, from creating the perfect dough texture to achieving the right flavor balance and a gorgeous canvas for decorating. Using pantry staples means you can whip these up anytime Easter inspiration strikes.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone for structure, ensuring your cookies hold their shape beautifully when cut and baked.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a subtle lift so cookies aren’t too dense, giving a light bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides rich flavor and tenderness to the cookies.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while contributing to that slight crispness around the edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture, giving a soft but sturdy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic sweetness that’s classic and comforting.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional): Adds a subtle, nutty hint perfect for elevating the flavor.
- 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting, optional): The base of a smooth, sweet icing to decorate your cookies with vibrant colors or simple elegance.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (for frosting, optional): Adjusts frosting consistency for easy spreading or piping.
- Food coloring (optional for frosting): Bring your cookies to life with beautiful pastel or bold holiday hues.
- Sprinkles (optional for decoration): Adds festive texture and extra fun to your easter cutout cookies.
How to Make easter cutout cookies
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Begin by whisking together your flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents and seasoning so every bite has consistent flavor and texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. This process incorporates air, giving your cookies their tender crumb and subtle crispness on the edges.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg along with vanilla and almond extracts if you decide to use them. The egg provides moisture and structure, while the extracts add that signature sweet aroma that makes these cookies feel truly special.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients on low speed, and blend until the dough just comes together. Resist overmixing here to keep cookies tender and soft instead of tough.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Divide the dough into two halves, wrap each tightly with plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This step is essential to firm up the dough, which helps your cookie shapes stay crisp and clean during baking.
Step 6: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 7: Roll and Cut Shapes
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of dough to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out Easter-themed shapes like bunnies, eggs, chicks, and flowers. This part is the best for creativity and fun!
Step 8: Arrange and Bake
Place your cut cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between them to avoid sticking. Bake in the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn a light golden color. Be sure to keep an eye on them because they can bake quickly toward the end.
Step 9: Cool Completely Before Decorating
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before attempting to frost or decorate. Cooling ensures your icings won’t melt and slide off.
Step 10: Prepare and Apply Frosting (Optional)
If decorating, whisk together powdered sugar with milk to reach your desired frosting consistency. Divide into bowls and add food coloring to create bright pastel shades perfect for Easter. Frost your cookies and finish with sprinkles, for that extra festive touch.
How to Serve easter cutout cookies
Garnishes
Add a playful wow factor with colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or tiny sugar pearls. These small touches make your easter cutout cookies look like they came straight from a cozy springtime bakery.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of tea, a fresh glass of milk, or a light fruity punch. The mild sweetness of the cookies pairs beautifully with beverages that refresh the palate and highlight their buttery flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your cookies on a charming tiered stand or arrange them on a pastel-colored platter surrounded by fresh flowers and miniature Easter eggs. Gift them in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons for a heartfelt homemade present that’s as delightful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your easter cutout cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tender and flavorful for up to a week. Layer with parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking or smudging the frosting.
Freezing
To freeze, place the unbaked cookie dough wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside a freezer bag for up to 3 months. You can also freeze baked cookies in airtight containers with parchment layers. Thaw at room temperature before decorating or eating.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This lightly softens the texture and refreshes their buttery aroma, making them taste just-baked again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for these easter cutout cookies?
All-purpose flour is best for the right balance of structure and tenderness, but you can experiment with half whole wheat for a nuttier flavor. Just keep in mind that changes may affect texture and how the cookies hold their shape.
Do I have to use almond extract?
No, almond extract is optional but it adds a lovely, subtle depth to the cookie’s flavor. If you’re not a fan or have allergies, sticking to vanilla extract alone is perfectly delicious and classic.
How thick should I roll out the dough?
Rolling the dough to about ¼-inch thickness is key to achieving cookies that bake evenly with a nice balance of soft interior and slightly crisp edges. Thinner dough can crisp too much, and thicker dough may bake unevenly.
Can I decorate the cookies with royal icing instead of powdered sugar frosting?
Absolutely! Royal icing is a fantastic choice if you want precise detailing and a hard-drying finish. Just remember to let your cookies cool completely before applying and allow plenty of drying time.
What if my cookies spread and lose shape?
This usually happens when the dough is too warm or overworked. Chilling the dough thoroughly before rolling and cutting helps maintain shape. Also, avoid adding too much butter and be sure your oven temperature is steady.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of pulling a batch of perfectly shaped easter cutout cookies from the oven, with their subtle buttery aroma filling your home. Whether you go simple or decorate them with colorful frosting and sprinkles, these cookies are a timeless spring treat that brings smiles to everyone around. So gather your ingredients, invite your favorite helpers into the kitchen, and start making your own beautiful batch of easter cutout cookies today. You’ll love every step of the process and every delicious bite that follows!
Print
easter cutout cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24–30 cookies depending on size 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These classic Easter cutout cookies are soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, making them ideal for festive decorating with colorful frosting and sprinkles. Featuring a delicate vanilla and almond flavor, they are easy to prepare and a fun activity for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Frosting and Decoration (Optional)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Food coloring
- Sprinkles
Instructions
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside to be added later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and if using, the almond extract, mixing until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed, just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
- Chill Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the dough and make it easier to roll.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Roll and Cut Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to approximately 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes for Easter.
- Arrange Cookies for Baking: Place the cutout cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart so they do not touch while baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges begin to turn a light golden color. Monitor closely to avoid overbaking which could cause dryness.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up properly.
- Prepare Frosting (Optional): Mix powdered sugar with milk to create a smooth frosting. Separate the frosting into small bowls and add food coloring to create different colors for decorating.
- Decorate Cookies: Spread or pipe the colored frosting onto the cooled cookies and add sprinkles for festive decoration. Allow the frosting to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best results, do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender texture.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for easier rolling and cleaner cookie shapes.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheets.
- Ensure cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting or sliding of decorations.
- The almond extract is optional but adds a nice complementary flavor to the vanilla.
- Decorate with frosting and sprinkles just before serving or after storing for a fresher look.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Easter cookies, cutout cookies, sugar cookies, holiday baking, decorated cookies
