Easter Sugar Cookies:Baking A Delicious Holiday Tradition

Introduction

Easter Sugar Cookies are the perfect festive treat—soft, buttery, and decorated with pastel icing! These delicious cookies are not only fun to bake but also great for decorating with family and friends. Whether shaped like bunnies, eggs, or flowers, they make an adorable and tasty addition to any Easter celebration.

A Brief History

Sugar cookies date back to the 1700s and are believed to have originated in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, where German settlers baked buttery, sweet cookies known as “Nazareth cookies.” Over time, they became popular for holiday celebrations, including Easter. Today, they are enjoyed in various shapes and colors, making them a timeless classic for festive occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Soft & Buttery – Perfectly tender with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Easy to Decorate – A fun activity for kids and adults alike!
Festive & Customizable – Use different colors, sprinkles, and designs.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Dough can be prepped in advance.

Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (pastel shades)
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. Make the Dough:
   • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add egg, vanilla, and almond extract, mixing until combined.
   • Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough:
   • Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Roll & Cut:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness on a floured surface.
   • Cut into Easter shapes (bunnies, eggs, flowers, etc.).
4. Bake:
   • Place cookies on a lined baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
   • Let cool completely before decorating.
5. Make the Icing:
   • Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
   • Divide into bowls, add food coloring, and stir.
6. Decorate:
   • Use a piping bag or spoon to ice cookies.
   • Add sprinkles or designs.
7. Set & Enjoy!
   • Let the icing harden before serving.

Tips & Variations

No Chill Option – If short on time, roll the dough between parchment sheets and freeze for 15 minutes.
Make It Citrus-Flavored – Add lemon or orange zest for a fresh twist!
Royal Icing Alternative – Use egg whites and powdered sugar for a firmer icing.
Gluten-Free Option – Swap for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store Easter Sugar Cookies?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight before rolling.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?
Chill the dough before baking and don’t overbeat the butter.

Can I use buttercream instead of icing?
Absolutely! Buttercream makes the cookies extra creamy and rich.

Final Thoughts

Easter Sugar Cookies are a delightful holiday treat that brings joy to both bakers and eaters alike! Whether you’re decorating with the kids, giving them as gifts, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies make Easter even sweeter. Try them out this year and create some delicious memories! 🐰🌷

Would you like a fun Easter dessert menu to go with these cookies? 😊

Easter Sugar Cookies:

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 30

Calories 110 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 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
• Food coloring optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• In a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
• In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
• Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
• Divide dough into portions and add food coloring to each portion if desired.
• Roll out dough on a floured surface and cut into Easter-themed shapes with cookie cutters.
• Place cookies on prepared baking sheets and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly golden.
• Allow cookies to cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Decorate with icing or sprinkles if desired.