Easter Cookies Recipe

Celebrate Easter with these delightful homemade Easter cookies! These buttery, sweet treats are easy to make and perfect for decorating with colorful icing and sprinkles. Whether you’re baking with kids or preparing a festive dessert, these cookies will bring joy to any Easter gathering.

What Are Easter Cookies?

Easter cookies are classic sugar cookies, shaped into festive designs like bunnies, eggs, and chicks. They have a soft, buttery texture with a hint of vanilla, and they’re beautifully decorated with homemade icing. These cookies are perfect for Easter celebrations, gifts, or a fun baking activity.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples for a quick and easy dough.
• Fun to decorate – Perfect for kids and adults to get creative.
• Make-ahead friendly – Dough can be prepared in advance.
• Versatile – Customize with different shapes, colors, and decorations.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup (226g) butter, softened
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ½ cups (312g) flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Icing:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring
• Sprinkles (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Dough

1. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Gradually add flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Rolling and Cutting the Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness.
3. Use Easter-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
4. Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Baking the Cookies

1. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
2. Remove from the oven and let cookies cool completely before decorating.

Decorating the Cookies

1. In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Divide icing into separate bowls and add food coloring as desired.
3. Use a piping bag or a spoon to decorate the cookies.
4. Add sprinkles for extra fun, then let the icing set before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy with a glass of milk or hot cocoa.
• Arrange on a festive Easter dessert table.
• Wrap in decorative bags for Easter gifts.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Keep decorated cookies in a single layer to prevent smudging.

Freezing Instructions

• For the dough: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling and baking.
• For baked cookies: Freeze undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Decorate after thawing.

Recipe Variations

• Lemon-flavored cookies – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough.
• Chocolate version – Substitute ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder.
• Gluten-free option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Almond-flavored icing – Swap vanilla extract for almond extract.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Chill it for up to 2 days in the fridge or freeze for longer storage.

How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?
Make sure the dough is well-chilled before rolling and baking.

What’s the best way to apply icing?
A piping bag gives precise designs, but a spoon or brush works too for a rustic look.

These festive Easter cookies are a delicious and fun way to celebrate the holiday. With a simple dough and co

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