Description
These Easter sugar cookies are the perfect way to celebrate spring with family and friends. Soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened, they hold their shape beautifully when cut into festive designs. Decorate them with pastel icing, sprinkles, and fun patterns to make a treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re making them for Easter baskets, dessert tables, or a fun decorating activity, these cookies bring joy to every bite!
Ingredients
- 2¾ 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
- Assorted food coloring
- Decorative sprinkles or candies
Royal Icing:
-
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5 tablespoons water
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
-
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into sections if using food coloring, kneading in the color until evenly distributed.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use Easter-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely before decorating.
- For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
- Pipe or spread the icing onto the cookies and decorate with sprinkles or candies.
Notes
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies’ shapes crisp.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without adding excess liquid.
- If you prefer softer cookies, bake them for a minute less.
- Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American