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
Scale
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
