Easter Shortbread Cookies

Easter Shortbread Cookies are a charming, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that brings the joy of spring to your table. With their delicate crumb, soft sweetness, and simple yet elegant design, these cookies are perfect for celebrating the Easter season. Whether shaped into bunnies, eggs, flowers, or chicks, they make a delightful addition to dessert trays, Easter baskets, or festive tea parties. Decorated with pastel icing or left plain for a rustic, homemade feel, Easter shortbread cookies are a timeless classic that captures the essence of spring in every bite.

These cookies are made from a simple combination of butter, flour, and sugar—no eggs or leavening agents—resulting in a tender, crisp texture that’s uniquely rich and satisfying. They’re easy to make, store well, and offer endless decorating possibilities. Whether you enjoy them with a hot cup of tea or share them as part of a holiday treat box, these cookies bring sweetness, beauty, and seasonal cheer to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture

• Classic shortbread made with real butter delivers an irresistibly rich, tender bite
• A delightful cookie that’s subtly sweet and crisp without being crumbly

Perfect for decorating

• Ideal for Easter-themed cookie cutters and pastel decorations
• Beautifully holds its shape while baking for clean, detailed designs

Simple ingredients

• Made with pantry staples and no complicated techniques
• Egg-free and easy to adapt for different flavor variations

Great for gifting and events

• Package in treat bags or cookie boxes for Easter baskets and spring celebrations
• Makes a lovely homemade gift for family, friends, or neighbors

Make-ahead friendly

• Dough can be made and chilled in advance
• Baked cookies stay fresh for days and freeze beautifully

Preparation Time and Servings:

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Chill time: 30 minutes
• Bake time: 12 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 2 minutes
• Yield: About 24 cookies (depending on size and shape)
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 160
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

For the Shortbread Cookies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ teaspoon almond extract or lemon zest (for added flavor)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for a lighter, melt-away texture)
• Pastel sprinkles for decorating
• Colored sanding sugar

For Optional Icing Decoration:

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk or water
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring (pastel shades like pink, yellow, purple, green)
• Piping bags or small brushes for decorating

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the butter and sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes)
• Add vanilla extract and optional almond extract or lemon zest, mixing to combine

2. Add the dry ingredients

• Gradually add flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms
• If using cornstarch, add it with the flour for extra tenderness

3. Chill the dough

• Divide dough into two discs and wrap in plastic wrap
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 days) to firm up for easy rolling

4. Roll and cut cookies

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C)
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper
• Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness
• Cut with Easter-themed cookie cutters (bunnies, eggs, flowers, chicks)

5. Bake the cookies

• Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between
• Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are just lightly golden
• Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely

6. Decorate (optional)

• Mix icing by combining powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth
• Divide icing into bowls and color with gel food coloring
• Decorate cookies using piping bags, toothpicks, or small brushes
• Let icing dry completely before storing or packaging

7. Serve or store

• Enjoy cookies fresh or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
• Cookies can also be packaged for gifting or frozen for later

Ingredient Background

Butter

• The foundation of shortbread cookies, giving them their signature rich flavor and tender bite
• Use high-quality unsalted butter for the best results

Powdered sugar

• Creates a soft, smooth texture and slightly sweet flavor
• Helps cookies hold their shape without spreading too much

Flour

• All-purpose flour provides structure and crispness
• A small amount of cornstarch can be added to make cookies lighter and more delicate

Vanilla and optional flavorings

• Vanilla adds warmth and depth
• Almond extract or lemon zest offers a bright twist for a spring flavor profile

Technique Tips

• Use room-temperature butter for smooth, fluffy mixing
• Chill dough thoroughly before rolling to prevent sticking and help cookies hold shape
• Roll dough evenly for consistent baking
• Bake just until edges are slightly golden to keep cookies tender
• Let cookies cool completely before decorating for best icing adhesion
• Store cookies flat in layers with parchment to protect decoration

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Decorate with pastel royal icing for an elegant finish
• Use edible glitter, sprinkles, or sugar pearls for a festive look
• Dust with powdered sugar for a classic, rustic appearance
• Serve cookies in a spring-themed tiered tray or cookie stand
• Package in decorative Easter bags or boxes with ribbon and gift tags
• Create a cookie bouquet by attaching cookies to lollipop sticks

Additional Tips for Success

• Double the batch and freeze half of the dough for future baking
• Decorate with kids using sprinkles and icing for a fun Easter activity
• Use a silicone baking mat to prevent cookies from over-browning on the bottom
• Dip cookies halfway in white chocolate for a decadent finish
• Add tiny fondant decorations like flowers or bunny tails for a professional touch
• Don’t overbake—shortbread is best when just set and lightly golden

Recipe Variations

• Lemon Shortbread Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest and a few drops of lemon extract
• Almond Shortbread Cookies: Use almond extract and top with sliced almonds
• Chocolate Dipped Shortbread: Dip cooled cookies in melted dark or white chocolate
• Matcha Shortbread: Add 1 teaspoon matcha powder for a green tea twist
• Sprinkle Shortbread Cookies: Mix colorful sprinkles into the dough for a fun, festive look
• Spiced Shortbread: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm twist

Freezing and Storage

Storing

• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days
• Store decorated cookies in single layers with parchment between to protect icing

Freezing

• Freeze unbaked dough discs for up to 2 months—thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling
• Freeze baked, undecorated cookies for up to 3 months in airtight containers
• Thaw baked cookies at room temperature and decorate once fully defrosted

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Reduce sugar slightly for a less-sweet cookie
• Use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber and nutrients
• Replace a portion of butter with coconut oil for a lighter texture
• Add ground flaxseed or chia seeds for a nutritional boost
• Use natural food coloring made from fruit or vegetable powders for decoration
• Skip the icing and add a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar for a wholesome alternative

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Include in Easter brunch spreads or spring dessert platters
• Serve with herbal tea or lemonade for a charming afternoon treat
• Add to cookie boxes or Easter baskets as homemade gifts
• Arrange on pastel serving trays for a spring tea party
• Use as party favors at Easter gatherings or baby showers
• Offer alongside fresh fruit and chocolate eggs for a seasonal dessert table

Special Equipment

• Mixing bowls and electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Easter-themed cookie cutters
• Baking sheets and parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Piping bags or zip-top bags for icing
• Food coloring gels and sprinkles

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make the shortbread dough ahead of time?

• Yes! The dough can be chilled for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

2. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

• Yes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape and bake evenly without spreading.

3. Can I use a different type of sugar?

• Powdered sugar is best for texture, but granulated sugar can be used in a pinch, though the cookies will be slightly crumblier.

4. How do I prevent the cookies from overbaking?

• Watch closely and remove them when the edges are just lightly golden—the centers should still be pale.

5. Can I decorate with royal icing?

• Absolutely! Royal icing works well and dries firm, making it ideal for detailed decorations or cookie gifts.

6. How do I get smooth icing on the cookies?

• Use a thicker icing to outline and a thinner one to flood the center. Let each layer dry before adding details.

7. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?

• Yes. Use a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free version with similar texture.

8. What shapes are best for Easter shortbread cookies?

• Bunnies, eggs, chicks, flowers, butterflies, and crosses are all popular and festive options.

Conclusion

Easter Shortbread Cookies are a delightful, festive treat that combines buttery richness with elegant presentation. Whether you keep them simple or go all out with icing and decorations, these cookies are a beautiful way to celebrate the season. With their tender texture, light sweetness, and endless customization options, they’re a joy to bake, serve, and share.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift boxes, or just a spring afternoon snack, these cookies are more than just dessert—they’re a celebration of warmth, tradition, and homemade happiness. Once you try them, they’ll become a beloved part of your Easter baking tradition for years to come.

Print