Spring is in the air, and that means one thing—Easter treats! These Easter Sugar Cookies are everything you love about classic sugar cookies but with a festive twist. Soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet, they’re the ideal canvas for colorful icing and sprinkles. Whether you’re baking them for an Easter gathering, a fun afternoon with the kids, or just because cookies make everything better, trust me, this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love Easter Sugar Cookies
Versatile Perfect for Easter celebrations, spring parties, or just a sweet treat any time of year.
Budget-Friendly Made with pantry staples, so there’s no need for fancy ingredients.
Quick and Easy Simple to make, easy to roll out, and fun to decorate!
Customizable Cut them into any shape you like—bunnies, eggs, flowers, or classic rounds. Add your favorite icing colors and decorations to make them your own.
Crowd-Pleasing Kids and adults alike will love these cookies. Plus, decorating them is half the fun!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Easter Sugar Cookies
These cookies are soft, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Here’s what makes them so good:
Butter The base of the cookies, adding rich, buttery flavor and a soft texture.
Sugar Sweetens the cookies and helps create that classic sugar cookie taste.
Egg Helps bind everything together and gives the cookies a tender texture.
Vanilla Extract Adds warmth and depth of flavor. You can also use almond extract for a twist!
Flour The structure of the cookies—use all-purpose flour for the perfect balance of chewiness and crispness.
Baking Powder Helps the cookies rise slightly, making them soft yet sturdy.
Salt Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Royal Icing (for decorating) The fun part! Use pastel colors, sprinkles, or even edible glitter to make them festive.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get baking!
Cream the Butter and Sugar In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key for soft cookies!
Add the Egg and Vanilla Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Everything Together Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. If the dough feels too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before rolling.
Roll and Cut Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use your favorite Easter-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes.
Bake to Perfection Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F until the edges are just lightly golden. Let them cool completely before decorating.
Decorate with Royal Icing Use pastel-colored icing, sprinkles, or even edible gold dust to make them extra special!
Enjoy! These cookies are as fun to eat as they are to decorate.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 120 (approximate, depending on decorations used)
(These are estimates and may vary.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Easter Sugar Cookies
- Arrange them on a platter for a beautiful Easter dessert table.
- Package them in cute gift bags for a sweet homemade present.
- Serve with milk, tea, or coffee for a delightful treat.
- Let kids decorate their own cookies for a fun Easter activity!
Additional Tips
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes if it’s too soft to roll out.
- Use parchment paper when rolling the dough to prevent sticking.
- Keep decorations simple or elaborate—it’s up to you! A little icing goes a long way.
- Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to a week.
- Freeze the dough for up to 3 months for easy make-ahead cookies.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cookies and store them unfrosted for up to 3 days before decorating.
2. What’s the best way to roll out the dough evenly?
Use rolling pin guides or two equal-sized dowels on either side of your dough to keep it even.
3. Can I use store-bought icing?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-made icing works just fine.
4. How do I keep my cookies soft?
Don’t overbake them! They should be just barely golden at the edges. Also, store them in an airtight container.
5. Can I use different extracts for flavor?
Yes! Almond extract, lemon extract, or even coconut extract can add a fun twist.
6. Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes! You can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies. Just thaw before decorating.
7. What if I don’t have cookie cutters?
Use the rim of a glass to make simple round cookies, or cut shapes freehand with a knife.
8. How do I make royal icing?
Mix powdered sugar with egg whites or meringue powder and a little water until smooth.
9. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes! Pastel-colored dough can make these cookies extra festive.
10. What’s the best way to store decorated cookies?
Let the icing set completely before stacking them in a container with parchment paper between layers.
Conclusion
These Easter Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the season! They’re soft, buttery, and oh-so-fun to decorate. Whether you’re making them for a party, gifting them to loved ones, or just treating yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring a little extra joy to your Easter festivities. So grab your cookie cutters, whip up a batch, and let the decorating fun begin!
Print
Easter Sugar Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert / Holiday / Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These festive Easter Sugar Cookies are light, sweet, and perfect for holiday decorating. With a crisp edge and soft center, they serve as a delightful canvas for colorful icing and sprinkles, making them ideal treats for any Easter celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons buttermilk (adjust as needed)
- Colored sugar or sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
-
Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
-
Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and white sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and mix well.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the buttermilk slowly, adding enough to form a smooth, pliable dough.
-
Shape Cookies:
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Slightly flatten each ball with a fork or your hand, then sprinkle with colored sugar or sprinkles.
-
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
-
Cool and Decorate:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, decorate with icing once completely cooled.
Notes
- Almond extract is optional and adds a subtle extra flavor.
- Adjust the amount of buttermilk as needed to achieve the proper dough consistency.
- These cookies can also be iced after cooling for an extra festive touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg