A Sweet Tradition of Easter Baking

Easter has always been a time of joy, renewal, and family gatherings. For me, one of the fondest memories of this holiday isn’t just the colorful egg hunts or baskets filled with chocolate—it’s the smell of freshly baked cookies filling the kitchen. Growing up, my grandmother had a way of turning even the simplest treats into something special.

Every Easter, she would bake buttery shortbread cookies, pressing them into delicate shapes and sprinkling them with pastel-colored sugar. They weren’t extravagant, but they were always perfect—crispy on the edges, melt-in-your-mouth soft in the center, and filled with a warmth that only homemade cookies can bring.

Now, as I carry on this tradition, I love the simplicity of these cookies. With just a few pantry ingredients, they come together effortlessly, yet they taste like something from a high-end bakery. Whether you’re making them for an Easter gathering, as gifts, or just as an afternoon treat, these Buttery Easter Shortbread Cookies are a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things bring the most joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are more than just a festive treat—they’re a celebration of everything that makes Easter baking so enjoyable. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your holiday traditions:

1. Buttery and Melt-in-Your-Mouth

The combination of butter and cornstarch gives these cookies their signature delicate, crumbly texture that dissolves beautifully with every bite.

2. Simple Ingredients, Incredible Flavor

With just flour, butter, sugar, and cornstarch, this recipe is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients for an outstanding cookie.

3. Festive and Customizable

The pastel sanding sugar adds a festive Easter touch, but you can also decorate these cookies with icing, chocolate drizzle, or even edible flowers.

4. Perfect for Gifting

Packaged in a decorative tin or placed in clear gift bags, these cookies make a thoughtful homemade Easter gift.

5. No Special Equipment Required

No stand mixer, no complicated techniques—just a simple dough that comes together easily with a bowl and a spoon.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• Sanding sugar in pastel Easter colors

Directions: From Dough to Delight

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and powdered sugar.
• Add the softened butter and mix until a soft dough forms.

2. Shape and Chill:

• Roll the dough into a log or flatten it into a disc, then wrap in plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

3. Cut and Decorate:

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into desired shapes.
• Sprinkle with pastel sanding sugar for a festive touch.

4. Bake to Perfection:

• Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.

5. Cool and Enjoy:

• Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Cookie):

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 7g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 25mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on portion size and ingredient brands.

These Buttery Easter Shortbread Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious with a festive pastel sparkle—perfect for spring celebrations!

Tips for the Best Shortbread Cookies

1. Use High-Quality Butter

Since butter is the key ingredient, using a high-quality, full-fat butter will give you the best flavor and texture. European-style butter works wonderfully in shortbread.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough

Shortbread dough should be handled gently. Overmixing can make the cookies dense instead of light and crumbly.

3. Chill for the Perfect Texture

Refrigerating the dough before baking prevents the cookies from spreading too much and ensures they hold their shape.

4. Bake at the Right Temperature

A lower baking temperature (325°F) allows the cookies to bake evenly without browning too quickly, keeping them soft and tender.

5. Let Them Cool Completely

Shortbread cookies continue to firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to eat them straight from the oven. Letting them rest for a few minutes ensures the best texture.

Fun Variations to Try

These cookies are wonderful as they are, but if you want to add a creative twist, here are some fun variations:

1. Drizzle with White Chocolate

Once cooled, drizzle the cookies with melted white chocolate for an elegant finishing touch.

2. Add Citrus Zest

A bit of lemon or orange zest in the dough adds a refreshing, springtime flavor.

3. Dip in Dark Chocolate

Half-dip each cookie in melted dark chocolate and let it set for a delicious contrast of flavors.

4. Use Different Shapes

Instead of traditional round cookies, use Easter-themed cookie cutters (bunnies, eggs, or flowers) for an extra festive touch.

5. Sprinkle with Edible Flowers

For a more sophisticated look, top each cookie with tiny edible flowers before baking.

Serving Suggestions

These buttery shortbread cookies pair well with a variety of treats and drinks. Here’s how to enjoy them to the fullest:

• With a Cup of Tea: Their delicate texture makes them perfect alongside a warm cup of chamomile or Earl Grey.
• As Part of an Easter Dessert Spread: Serve them alongside cupcakes, chocolate eggs, and fruit tarts for a beautiful dessert table.
• With Lemon Curd or Jam: Spread a bit of citrusy curd or fruit jam on top for extra sweetness.
• Alongside Ice Cream: These cookies make an excellent crunchy addition to a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

2. Can I freeze the dough?

Absolutely! Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

3. Why do my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies are spreading, your butter may have been too soft when mixing. Chilling the dough before baking helps prevent this.

4. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.

5. What’s the best way to get even cookies?

Rolling the dough to an even thickness and using a cookie cutter ensures consistent cookie sizes, helping them bake evenly.

6. Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar gives these cookies a smoother texture. If you use granulated sugar, the cookies may have a slight graininess.

7. What if I don’t have pastel sanding sugar?

You can use regular sugar mixed with a bit of food coloring, or dust the cookies with powdered sugar after baking.

Conclusion: A Cookie Worth Celebrating

Easter baking is about more than just making something delicious—it’s about creating memories, sharing traditions, and bringing a little extra joy to the season. These Buttery Easter Shortbread Cookies are the kind of treat that does just that.

They’re simple yet elegant, festive yet classic, and so incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re baking them for an Easter brunch, giving them as gifts, or just treating yourself, they’re a reminder that the best desserts don’t have to be complicated.

So, gather your ingredients, turn on some music, and enjoy the process of making something special. Because the true magic of baking isn’t just in the taste—it’s in the love and care you put into every bite.

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