Easter Sugar Cookies

Nothing says Easter quite like a batch of beautifully decorated Easter Sugar Cookies! These soft, buttery cookies with crisp edges and a melt-in-your-mouth texture are the perfect sweet treat for spring. Whether you’re making them for an Easter gathering, gifting them in festive baskets, or just having fun in the kitchen with kids, these cookies are as delightful to decorate as they are to eat.

This recipe creates sugar cookies that hold their shape perfectly, making them ideal for cut-out cookies in fun Easter shapes like bunnies, eggs, and flowers. Plus, we’ll cover the best tips for achieving a smooth royal icing finish that makes your cookies look like they came straight from a bakery.

If you’ve ever struggled with sugar cookies that spread too much, turn out too dry, or lose their shape, you’re in the right place. We’ll go over all the essential techniques to ensure perfect results every time. So, get your cookie cutters ready, and let’s bake some festive Easter Sugar Cookies!

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Why You’ll Love These Easter Sugar Cookies

• Perfectly soft and buttery – These cookies strike the right balance between a tender, buttery inside and crisp edges.
• Hold their shape beautifully – No more cookies that spread into unrecognizable blobs! This dough is designed for cut-out cookies.
• Fun for decorating – With royal icing or a simple glaze, these cookies are a blank canvas for your creativity.
• Make-ahead friendly – The dough can be refrigerated or frozen for easy prep ahead of time.
• Ideal for Easter baskets and gifts – Package them in decorative boxes or wrap them individually for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Easy to customize – Add flavors like lemon, almond, or vanilla to match your taste preferences.

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Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
• Cook time: 10-12 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: About 24 medium-sized cookies

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Nutritional Information (Per Cookie, Without Icing)

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 9g

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Ingredients for Easter Sugar Cookies

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract for a different flavor)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 320g (2 ½ cups) plain (all-purpose) flour

For the Royal Icing (Optional for Decorating):

• 250g (2 cups) icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 1 large egg white (or 2 tbsp meringue powder + 2 tbsp water)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp water (adjust for consistency)
• Gel food coloring (pastel colors for Easter)

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Easter Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Proper creaming creates air pockets, ensuring soft, tender cookies.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract (or almond extract if using). Mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten them into discs, and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or 30 minutes in the freezer). Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll and cut out shapes.

Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line baking trays with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 6mm (1/4 inch) thick.

Use Easter-themed cookie cutters (bunnies, eggs, chicks, etc.) to cut out shapes, then transfer them to the prepared baking trays, leaving about 2cm (1 inch) between cookies.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Avoid overbaking, as the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Let the cookies sit on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Royal Icing

Step 1: Mix the Icing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the icing sugar, egg white (or meringue powder + water), and vanilla extract until smooth. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water, adjusting as needed to reach a piping consistency. The icing should be thick enough to hold its shape but still flow smoothly.

Step 2: Color the Icing

Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint each with gel food coloring in pastel Easter colors like pink, yellow, blue, and green.

Step 3: Decorate the Cookies

Transfer the icing into piping bags with fine tips or use squeeze bottles for more control. Outline each cookie with a thin border of icing, then fill in the center. Use a toothpick to spread the icing evenly and pop any air bubbles.

For a more detailed design, allow the base layer to dry for 30 minutes, then add extra patterns, polka dots, or lines on top.

Step 4: Let the Icing Set

Allow decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for 8-12 hours until the icing hardens. If you need them to set faster, place them in front of a fan for 1-2 hours.

Ingredient Background

The beauty of Easter Sugar Cookies comes from the simple yet high-quality ingredients that ensure a perfect texture and flavor. Let’s break down some of the key components.

1. Butter

Butter is the foundation of these cookies, giving them rich flavor and a tender texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt levels in the recipe. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted to achieve the right consistency.

2. Sugar

Granulated sugar is the sweetening agent in these cookies. It also helps create a light and crisp texture on the edges. If you prefer a slightly chewier cookie, you can substitute half of the sugar with light brown sugar, which adds a touch of moisture.

3. Flour

All-purpose flour is ideal for sugar cookies because it provides structure without making them too dense. Be sure to measure your flour correctly—scooping directly from the bag can lead to excess flour and a dry dough. Instead, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.

4. Eggs

Eggs act as a binding agent, giving the cookies structure and helping them hold their shape. They also contribute to a soft and delicate texture.

5. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract enhances the flavor and aroma of the cookies. For a fun variation, try almond extract, lemon zest, or even a dash of cinnamon.

6. Baking Powder

A small amount of baking powder ensures that the cookies rise slightly, keeping them light and delicate without losing their shape.

Technique Tips for Easter Sugar Cookies

Getting the perfect sugar cookies is all about technique. Follow these tips to ensure success every time.

1. Keep the Dough Chilled

Chilling the dough is essential for sugar cookies that hold their shape. If the dough is too warm, the cookies will spread too much in the oven. Aim to chill the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling it out.

2. Roll Dough Evenly

For cookies that bake evenly, roll the dough to a consistent ¼-inch thickness. You can use rolling pin rings or place two wooden dowels on either side of the dough to ensure even rolling.

3. Use Parchment Paper or Silicone Mats

To prevent cookies from sticking or browning unevenly, bake them on parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. These also help distribute heat evenly, preventing burnt bottoms.

4. Don’t Overbake

Sugar cookies should be slightly underbaked when you remove them from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool. If they turn golden brown, they’ve been in too long—aim for a lightly set texture with pale edges.

5. Let the Cookies Cool Before Decorating

If the cookies are warm, the icing will melt and become runny. Allow cookies to cool completely before decorating with royal icing.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

There are countless ways to present and decorate Easter Sugar Cookies to make them extra special.

For a classic Easter look, use pastel-colored icing in soft pinks, blues, yellows, and greens. Decorate egg-shaped cookies with intricate designs like polka dots, zig-zags, or floral patterns.

For a rustic, homemade touch, leave some cookies un-iced and instead sprinkle them with colored sugar or a light dusting of powdered sugar before baking.

For a modern, elegant look, use white royal icing as a base and add delicate gold accents using edible gold dust or metallic food paint. This works beautifully on bunny-shaped cookies!

Freezing and Storing Easter Sugar Cookies

Making these cookies ahead of time? No problem! Here’s how to store them properly.

1. Storing Baked Cookies

Once the cookies have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking.

2. Freezing the Dough

To freeze sugar cookie dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a sealed freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let the dough thaw in the fridge overnight before rolling it out.

3. Freezing Decorated Cookies

If you’ve already decorated your cookies with royal icing, you can freeze them as well! Arrange them in a single layer inside an airtight container and place parchment paper between layers. Let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Healthier Twist Ideas

Want to make your Easter Sugar Cookies a little healthier? Here are a few simple swaps.

1. Use Whole Wheat Flour

Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. This gives the cookies a slightly nuttier taste and firmer texture.

2. Reduce Sugar

Cut down the sugar by ¼ cup and use honey or maple syrup instead for a more natural sweetness.

3. Use Coconut Oil

Swap butter for coconut oil to reduce saturated fat while keeping the cookies soft and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions for Events

These Easter Sugar Cookies are perfect for a variety of events!

For an Easter brunch, display them on a tiered dessert stand alongside cupcakes, macarons, and carrot cake. They add a festive touch to any spread.

For kids’ parties, set up a cookie decorating station where children can ice their own cookies with sprinkles, edible glitter, and candy decorations.

For gift-giving, wrap the cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons and tuck them into Easter baskets alongside chocolates and stuffed bunnies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread too much, the dough was likely too warm. Always chill the dough before rolling and baking.

2. Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Yes! Substitute 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water for each egg to make them egg-free.

3. Can I use store-bought icing instead?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, use pre-made royal icing or colored icing gels.

4. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

5. How long do decorated cookies last?

Once decorated, sugar cookies last for up to 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container.

6. Can I make mini versions?

Yes! Use smaller cookie cutters and reduce the baking time to 7-8 minutes.

7. Can I add flavors like lemon or almond?

Yes! Add 1 tsp almond extract or 1 tbsp lemon zest for a flavorful twist.

8. Can I air-dry royal icing faster?

Place decorated cookies in front of a fan to help the icing set within 1-2 hours.

9. What’s the best way to get pastel-colored icing?

Use gel food coloring in small amounts to achieve soft pastel shades.

10. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Use vegan butter and a flaxseed egg substitute for a fully vegan version.

Conclusion

These Easter Sugar Cookies are a festive, fun, and delicious way to celebrate the season! Whether you enjoy them plain, iced, or decorated with intricate patterns, they’re a treat that brings joy to all ages. Try them out for your next Easter gathering, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family. Happy baking!

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