If you’re searching for the perfect sweet treat to brighten up your springtime celebrations, look no further than this delightful Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies combine a tender, buttery base with the joyful burst of colorful icing and sprinkles, making them truly irresistible. Whether you’re baking with family or simply craving a classic cookie with a festive twist, this recipe is your go-to for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that captures the spirit of Easter in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe is carefully chosen for simplicity and impact. From the creamy butter that ensures a soft texture to the vanilla extract providing rich aroma, each element comes together to create a cookie that’s as flavorful as it is charming.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Adds essential sweetness to balance the buttery dough perfectly.
- 2/3 cup butter: Provides a rich, creamy base making the cookies tender.
- 2 eggs: Binds the ingredients while adding moisture and a slight fluffiness.
- 2 Tbsp milk: Helps create a smooth, workable dough and contributes to the cookie’s softness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, inviting flavor that enhances every bite.
- 3 1/4 cups flour: The foundation of the dough, creating structure and chewiness.
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder: Gives the cookies a slight rise for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness by enhancing overall flavor.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Essential for creating the smooth, sweet icing.
- 3-4 tbsp milk: Adjusts the icing consistency for perfect spreadability.
- 1 tsp vanilla: Adds depth and sweetness to the icing.
- Green, pink, yellow, and blue food coloring: Brings the cookies to life with vibrant Easter colors.
- Sprinkles of your choice: Adds fun texture and festive flair to the cookies.
How to Make Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF, so it’s ready to go once your dough is formed. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze—this little prep step makes a huge difference in the baking experience.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand mixer. This process incorporates air into the mixture, which is crucial for creating light, fluffy sugar cookies that practically melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add your eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, and blend again until everything is smooth and homogenous. These ingredients infuse moisture and flavor, making each bite rich and satisfying.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet ingredients and combine until a soft dough forms. This step is where the cookie’s structure comes from, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully.
Step 5: Shape and Flatten
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them evenly spaced on your baking sheet. Using a glass dipped in flour, gently press each ball to flatten it to about 1/2-inch thick—the classic sugar cookie silhouette.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for about 9 minutes, or until they just start to brown on the edges. Keep a close eye as you don’t want to overbake; the goal is a soft, tender cookie with a lightly golden crown.
Step 7: Cool Before Icing
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This is a crucial pause so the icing doesn’t melt upon contact and spoil the beautiful decoration you’re about to add.
Step 8: Prepare and Color Icing
Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla together until smooth. Divide the icing evenly into four bowls and mix in your chosen food coloring—green, pink, yellow, and blue—adding vibrancy and an unmistakable Easter charm.
Step 9: Ice and Decorate
Dip each cooled cookie carefully into the colored icing, ensuring even coverage on the surface. While the icing is still wet, sprinkle on your festive decorations for that extra bit of springtime sparkle.
Step 10: Set and Enjoy
Allow the icing to harden fully before serving or packaging your delicious Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe treats. This ensures a perfect finish with just the right bite of sweetness and texture.
How to Serve Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sprinkles is just the beginning: consider using edible glitter, small sugar pearls, or even tiny chocolate chips for a playful texture that complements the soft cookie. Fresh edible flowers can add a stunning springtime touch if you’re looking for elegance.
Side Dishes
These cookies are fantastic on their own, but pairing them with a warm cup of spiced tea, lemonade, or a creamy hot chocolate makes for an irresistibly cozy experience. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a light yogurt parfait to balance sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Easter cookies in a colorful basket lined with pastel tissue paper or place them in a clear jar tied with a vibrant ribbon for a gift that’s as charming as the cookies themselves. You can even tie small bunches onto spring-themed cupcakes for layered Easter desserts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and freshness. They’ll stay delicious for about a week—perfect for enjoying little bites throughout the spring holidays.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, freeze the unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag. Frozen cookies keep well for up to three months and can be thawed and decorated when ready.
Reheating
Though best served fresh, if you like your cookies a little warmed, pop them in a 300ºF oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can soften the cookies too much and affect the icing texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour for these cookies?
For the best texture and results, stick to all-purpose flour as called for in this Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe. Using alternatives like whole wheat or gluten-free blends may change the dough’s consistency and final cookie texture.
How can I make the icing less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet icing, try reducing the powdered sugar slightly or adding a tiny splash more milk to thin the glaze without compromising the flavor or coverage.
Can I add flavors to the icing?
Absolutely! Lemon zest, almond extract, or a touch of orange juice can be mixed into the icing for an exciting flavor twist that complements the vanilla perfectly.
Why are my cookies spreading too much in the oven?
If your cookies are losing their shape, the dough might be too warm or have too much butter. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help them hold their form better.
What’s the best way to store decorated cookies without ruining the icing?
Ensure the icing is fully hardened before stacking cookies. Use wax or parchment paper layers between cookies to prevent sticking and decoration damage during storage.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe is a wonderful way to bring joy and color to your holiday baking. Its approachable steps and delightful flavors make it perfect for bakers of all levels. I can’t wait for you to try these cookies—they’re sure to become a treasured seasonal tradition in your family. Happy baking and even happier Easter celebrations!
Print
Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate Easter with these delightful Easter Sugar Cookies, featuring a soft and tender texture topped with colorful, festive icing. Perfect for spring celebrations or any time you want a cheerful treat, these cookies are easy to make and decorated with vibrant pastel icings and sprinkles.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2/3 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Green, pink, yellow, and blue food coloring
- Sprinkles of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to ensure it is at the right temperature for even baking of the cookies.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined, adding moisture and flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms, providing structure and leavening.
- Form Cookie Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet for uniform baking.
- Flatten Cookies: Dip a glass in flour and press each dough ball down until about 1/2-inch thick, shaping the cookies for a traditional sugar cookie appearance.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 9 minutes or until the tops are starting to brown lightly. Watch carefully to avoid over-baking.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack to set and prepare for icing.
- Prepare Icing: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar to get the desired thickness.
- Color Icing: Divide the icing evenly into four small bowls and add 2 drops of green, pink, yellow, and blue food coloring to each bowl respectively, stirring well.
- Ice Cookies: Dip each cooled cookie into the colored icing to cover the surface evenly.
- Add Sprinkles: Immediately decorate the iced cookies with sprinkles before the icing begins to set.
- Set and Serve: Allow the icing to harden completely at room temperature before serving or storing the cookies in an airtight container.
Notes
- Ensure cookies are completely cool before icing to prevent melting and sliding of the icing.
- If you prefer, you can spread the icing with a knife or spoon instead of dipping for more control over the decoration.
- Use corn syrup in the icing if you want a glossier finish.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a thicker or thinner icing consistency, adjust the amount of milk or powdered sugar accordingly.
