Easter Cookies Recipe
This Easter Cookies Recipe offers a simple, quick, and festive way to bake soft, buttery cookies perfect for celebrating the season. With easy-to-find ingredients and customizable decorations, these cookies are ideal for bakers of all levels and bring a touch of spring joy to your kitchen and celebrations.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour is used)
Base Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or dairy-free butter for vegan option)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Decorations
- Food coloring (gel-based recommended)
- Sprinkles
- Icing
- Edible markers
- Powdered sugar
- Melted white chocolate
Optional Add-ins & Variations
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder (for chocolate variation)
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (for citrus burst)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped almonds or pecans (for nutty upgrade)
- Prepare the Dough: Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder, then gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a smooth dough forms. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to make rolling easier and to help cookies maintain their shape.
- Roll and Cut the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use festive cookie cutters such as eggs, bunnies, or flowers to create shapes. If cutters are not available, cut the dough into simple shapes like squares or circles with a knife or improvise with household items like bottle caps or jar lids. Transfer the cut shapes onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just turn golden. Monitor closely to prevent overbaking which can dry out the cookies. After baking, transfer to a wire rack and allow cookies to cool completely before decorating or serving.
- Decorate and Enjoy: Once cookies have fully cooled, decorate them with icing, sprinkles, edible markers, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. For an elegant touch, drizzle with melted white chocolate. Let decorations set before serving or packaging.
Notes
- Chill the dough before rolling to prevent spreading and keep shapes crisp.
- Mix flour just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
- Use parchment paper on baking sheets for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Always cool cookies fully before decorating to avoid melting icing.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and softness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Easter cookies, soft cookies, buttery cookies, festive cookies, holiday baking, spring treats, decorated cookies