“`html
There is something truly magical about making and sharing an Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe that brings both the joy of the season and the warmth of homemade love to your kitchen. These cookies are perfect for celebrating spring, with their soft, buttery texture and delightfully sweet icing that can be colored in cheerful pastel hues. Whether you’re baking with kids or surprising your guests, this Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe promises flavors that will make your holiday extra special and a tradition worth repeating year after year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you really need to create this delightful treat are a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the perfect cookie base and that irresistibly smooth icing. From the richness of butter to the light fluffiness from baking powder, every component works together to deliver the ideal balance of texture, flavor, and color.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that tender crumb in the cookie.
- 2/3 cup butter: Brings richness and moisture, making the cookies wonderfully soft.
- 2 eggs: Acts as a binder and gives structure to the dough.
- 2 Tbsp milk: Adds a bit of moisture for a smooth dough and tender finish.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, fragrant notes.
- 3 1/4 cups flour: The foundation for the dough, it provides the necessary structure.
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise gently for a light texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Essential for making that smooth, sweet icing that coats each cookie perfectly.
- 3-4 tbsp milk (for icing): Adjust to get the perfect icing consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla (for icing): Adds warmth and depth to the frosting flavor.
- Green, pink, yellow, and blue food coloring: Bring your cookies to life with fun, pastel Easter shades.
- Sprinkles of your choice: Adds a playful touch and extra sweetness once the icing sets.
How to Make Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350ºF. This ensures everything bakes evenly from the start. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating a tender cookie texture packed with airiness.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and velvety. These ingredients add moisture and a subtle depth of flavor that you’ll love tasting in every bite.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually mix them into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms. The dough should be easy to handle but not sticky.
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and set them on the prepared sheet. Dip a glass in flour and gently flatten each ball to about 1/2 inch thick. This step gives your sugar cookies that classic round shape and even thickness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 9 minutes, keeping a close watch as they turn just golden at the edges. The tops should be starting to brown slightly, signaling they’re perfectly baked but still soft inside.
Step 7: Cool Completely Before Icing
Let the cookies cool fully on a wire rack. This is important because applying icing to warm cookies will cause it to melt and slide right off, and who wants that?
Step 8: Prepare and Color the Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth, adjusting until you get a thick yet spreadable icing. Divide your icing into four bowls and add your chosen food coloring to each, creating a pastel palette perfect for Easter.
Step 9: Ice and Decorate
Dip each cooled cookie into the colorful icing, turning to cover completely. While the icing is still wet, sprinkle your favorite sprinkles on top for girly, festive flair and crunchy texture.
Step 10: Let the Icing Set
Allow the iced cookies to rest at room temperature until the frosting hardens. This locking-in step ensures your Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe looks just as good as they taste when it’s time to enjoy.
How to Serve Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles are the classic go-to, but consider edible glitter or tiny sugar pearls for an elegant touch. A dash of shredded coconut dyed green can also mimic grass, adding a whimsical, springtime feel to your presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these festive cookies with a light, fruity tea or a refreshing lemonade to balance their sweetness. For a more indulgent spread, creamy milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies in a colorful Easter basket lined with pastel tissue paper for a charming gift or centerpiece. Alternatively, stack them with wax paper between layers on a cake stand to showcase their painted pastel hues and invite guests to help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The container helps maintain soft centers and crisp edges while preserving the vibrancy of the icing.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked, uniced cookies by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag for up to three months. Just thaw completely before icing and decorating to enjoy fresh-tasting cookies anytime.
Reheating
Since these sugar cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, avoid microwaving them. If you prefer a warm cookie, pop one in the oven at 300ºF for 3-4 minutes, but skip the icing during warming to keep your decorations intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour in this Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe?
All-purpose flour is best for texture and structure, but you can experiment with gluten-free blends. Just be mindful of changes in dough consistency and baking time.
What kind of sprinkles work best?
Any sprinkles you love will do, but smaller, pastel-colored sprinkles or sugar pearls complement the Easter theme beautifully and stick well to the icing.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Substitute butter with a plant-based alternative, use flax eggs or other egg replacers, and choose a vegan-friendly milk substitute for the recipe to keep the flavors intact.
Why do my cookies spread too much when baking?
This usually happens if the dough is too warm or the butter is too soft. Chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking to help maintain lovely, thick cookies.
How long does the icing take to harden?
It typically takes about 1-2 hours at room temperature, depending on humidity. If you’re in a hurry, placing the iced cookies in the fridge can speed up the process.
Final Thoughts
Making these cheerful treats is such a happy ritual, and the Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe brings a burst of sweetness that feels like spring on your plate. Whether for a family gathering, gifting friends, or just indulging your sweet tooth, I encourage you to bake a batch soon and enjoy every colorful, delightful bite!
“`
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
Delight in these classic Easter Sugar Cookies, perfect for celebrating the holiday with festive colors and sprinkles. This recipe yields tender, buttery cookies coated with vibrant, sweet icing that is easy to prepare and fun to decorate. Ideal for family gatherings or cookie exchanges, these sugar cookies combine simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create a seasonal treat everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2/3 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups 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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to ensure it reaches the appropriate temperature for even baking once the cookies are ready.
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined, providing moisture and flavor.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix until a dough forms, ensuring even distribution of the rising agents and seasoning.
- Form cookie balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and arrange them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow room for spreading.
- Flatten cookies: Dip a glass in flour and gently press each dough ball down to about 1/2-inch thickness, creating the classic sugar cookie shape and uniform thickness for even baking.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 9 minutes or until the tops start to show light browning. Watch carefully to avoid over-baking, which can dry them out.
- Cool cookies: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before applying icing to prevent melting and sliding.
- Prepare icing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk to thin or powdered sugar to thicken the icing as needed.
- Color icing: Divide the icing evenly into four small bowls. Add 2 drops of green, pink, yellow, and blue food coloring to each bowl respectively, mixing well to achieve vibrant pastel shades.
- Ice cookies: Dip each cooled cookie into the colored icing, evenly coating the surface. Alternatively, spread the icing over each cookie with a spoon or spatula if preferred.
- Add sprinkles: Immediately decorate the iced cookies with your choice of sprinkles before the icing sets to ensure they adhere properly.
- Set and serve: Allow the icing to harden completely at room temperature before serving or storing the cookies to preserve the decoration and prevent smudging.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature to achieve the best creaming results.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cookie release and cleanup.
- Adjust milk quantity in the icing to get your preferred consistency—thicker for piping, thinner for dipping.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
