Delightful Easter Cookies (Printable Version)
Buttery soft sugar cookies shaped and decorated for Easter festivities. Perfect for spring celebrations.
# What You Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Royal Icing
08 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
09 - 1 1/2–2 tablespoons milk or water
10 - 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
11 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
12 - Food coloring (assorted pastel colors)
13 - Assorted sprinkles and decorations
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside for later use.
02 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy and light, approximately 2–3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
03 - Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing just until dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.
04 - Divide dough into two equal portions, flatten into disks, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes to firm.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
06 - On lightly floured surface, roll chilled dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut shapes using Easter-themed cookie cutters.
07 - Arrange cutouts 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft. Avoid browning.
08 - Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Cool fully before decorating.
09 - Combine powdered sugar, milk or water, corn syrup, and vanilla or almond extract. Stir until smooth, adjusting liquid for desired consistency.
10 - Divide icing into bowls and tint with pastel food coloring. Decorate cooled cookies and apply sprinkles while icing remains wet. Allow icing to dry completely before serving or storing.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The cookie dough bakes up soft and buttery with just the right amount of sweetness to stand up to royal icing without becoming cloying
- Kids and adults alike can get creative with the decorating process, making it a perfect activity for Easter gatherings or spring break afternoons
02 -
- Chilling the dough is non-negotiable because warm dough spreads too much and you lose those crisp Easter shapes
- The corn syrup in the icing is essential for that professional glossy finish and proper drying, so do not skip it
03 -
- Rotate your baking sheets halfway through baking time for evenly colored cookies
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid thinning your royal icing too much