There’s something magical about Easter sugar cookies, whether you’re rolling, cutting, or icing them, the process is as joyful as the final bite. These soft, buttery, and perfectly sweet cookies are an instant hit for any spring celebration. Decorated with colorful royal icing and a sprinkle of sprinkles, they become the prettiest treats around!

FULL RECIPE:

Ingredients

For the Sugar Cookies:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Royal Icing:

3 cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons meringue powder
4-5 tablespoons water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs and wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to prevent the cookies from spreading during baking.
Roll and Cut the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use Easter-themed cookie cutters (e.g., bunnies, eggs, chicks) to cut out shapes. Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies should remain soft and chewy. Once baked, let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
Prepare the Royal Icing: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla extract for flavor. If desired, divide the icing into bowls and add food coloring to create your desired pastel shades.
Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, use a piping bag or squeeze bottle to outline the edges with royal icing. Fill in the center with a flood-consistency icing, using a toothpick to spread it evenly. Add sprinkles, edible glitter, or additional icing details as desired.
Let the Icing Dry: Allow the royal icing to dry completely, which can take 1-2 hours depending on the thickness. Once dry, the cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cookie (of 24)
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 60mg
Total Carbohydrate: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 1g

Why Easter Sugar Cookies Are Special

What makes Easter sugar cookies stand out is their combination of taste and aesthetics. Unlike other desserts that are primarily enjoyed for their flavor, these cookies are a visual delight as well. You can customize them with pastel colors, intricate designs, and even edible glitter to match the festive mood of Easter. Another reason they are special is the tradition behind them. Many families make baking and decorating Easter cookies an annual event, involving kids in rolling out dough, using cookie cutters, and adding colorful icing.

The Versatility of Easter Sugar Cookies

One of the best things about Easter sugar cookies is their versatility. While they are perfect for Easter, they can easily be adapted for other occasions by changing the shape of the cookie cutters and the colors of the icing. You can make these cookies in different flavors by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or even a hint of cinnamon for a unique twist. In addition to being a great treat for home, these cookies also make wonderful gifts.

Tips for Decorating Easter Sugar Cookies

Decorating sugar cookies is the most exciting part of the process, but it can also be challenging if you don’t have the right techniques. Here are some tips to make your Easter cookies look professional and beautiful:

Use the Right Icing Consistency: Royal icing is the best choice for decorating cookies, but its consistency is key. A thicker icing is great for outlining the cookies, while a thinner icing works well for filling in designs. If the icing is too thick, add a few drops of water; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Plan Your Colors: Soft pastel shades like pink, yellow, lavender, and mint green are perfect for Easter-themed cookies. You can also add white icing for contrast and delicate detailing.
Use Piping Bags and Toothpicks: Piping bags with fine tips help create precise outlines and intricate details. If you don’t have piping bags, you can use a small ziplock bag and cut a tiny hole in one corner. A toothpick is useful for spreading icing evenly and fixing small mistakes.
Add Sprinkles and Edible Decorations: To make your cookies extra festive, use sprinkles, sanding sugar, or edible pearls. Gold or silver edible dust can add an elegant touch.
Let the Icing Dry Completely: Royal icing takes time to set, so be patient. Allow the cookies to dry at room temperature for a few hours before stacking or packaging them.

How to Store Easter Sugar Cookies

Proper storage is important to keep your Easter sugar cookies fresh and delicious. Here are the best ways to store them:

At Room Temperature: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent icing from smudging.
In the Refrigerator: If you need to keep them fresh for longer, refrigerate them in an airtight container. However, be aware that condensation can sometimes affect the icing.
In the Freezer: You can freeze undecorated sugar cookies for up to three months. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container or ziplock bag. When ready to use, thaw them at room temperature before decorating.

The History of Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies have been around for centuries, with origins tracing back to the 1700s. They were originally called “Nazareth Cookies,” named after the Pennsylvania town where they were first created by German Protestant settlers. These early sugar cookies were simple and made with just flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla similar to the modern version we enjoy today. Over time, sugar cookies became popular for holidays and celebrations because they could be easily shaped and decorated. Today, they are a staple for Christmas, Halloween, Valentine’s Day, and of course, Easter.

Fun Easter Cookie Ideas

If you’re looking for creative ways to make your Easter sugar cookies stand out, try these fun ideas:

Bunny Faces: Decorate round cookies with bunny ears and cute facial features.
Easter Eggs: Use different pastel colors and patterns like polka dots, stripes, and swirls.
Spring Flowers: Create daisy, tulip, or sunflower designs using icing and edible pearls.
Baby Chicks: Make yellow chick-shaped cookies with tiny beaks and eyes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced bakers can run into issues when making sugar cookies. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Not Chilling the Dough: If you skip chilling, the cookies may spread too much and lose their shape.
Overbaking: Sugar cookies should be light in color with just a hint of golden edges. Overbaking makes them dry and brittle.
Using Too Much Flour When Rolling: Excess flour can make the dough tough. Instead, roll it between parchment paper or use a light dusting of flour.
Rushing the Decorating Process: Let the cookies cool completely before applying icing, or it will melt and spread.

Conclusion

Easter sugar cookies are more than just a holiday treat—they are a delightful combination of tradition, creativity, and deliciousness. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these cookies are fun to make and even more enjoyable to eat. With their beautifully decorated designs and buttery flavor, they bring joy to Easter celebrations and create lasting memories with family and friends.

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