Name: Easter Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Food coloring (pastel colors: pink, yellow, blue, green); Easter sprinkles for decoration

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Soft, buttery, and beautifully decorated, Easter Sugar Cookies are the ultimate festive treat! Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, decorating with kids, or simply indulging in a little seasonal sweetness, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. With crisp edges, a soft center, and the perfect amount of sweetness, they’re a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, trust me—once you start decorating with pastel icings and sprinkles, you won’t want to stop!

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Why You’ll Love Easter Sugar Cookies

Perfect for Decorating

A smooth, sturdy surface makes these cookies ideal for royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles.

Soft & Buttery

Crisp on the outside, soft on the inside—pure sugar cookie perfection.

Festive & Fun

Cut into bunnies, eggs, flowers, and chicks for a gorgeous Easter display.

Great for Make-Ahead Baking

Dough can be made ahead and stored, making holiday prep a breeze.

Kid-Friendly

A perfect baking activity for little hands—let them get creative with icing and decorations!

Ingredients in Easter Sugar Cookies

Butter

The key to rich, flavorful cookies with a soft texture.

Sugar

Gives the cookies their signature sweetness and slight crispness.

Egg

Helps bind everything together while keeping the cookies tender.

Vanilla & Almond Extract

Aromatic flavors that make these cookies extra delicious. Almond extract adds a bakery-style taste!

Flour

Provides the perfect structure for cookies that hold their shape.

Baking Powder

Adds just enough lift to keep the cookies from being too dense.

Salt

Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Royal Icing or Buttercream

For decorating—whether you love a smooth iced finish or fluffy, piped designs.

How to Make Easter Sugar Cookies

Make the Dough

In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until combined.

Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.

Chill the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies keep their shape.

Roll & Cut

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough to about ¼-inch thickness and use Easter-themed cookie cutters to create fun shapes.

Bake to Perfection

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let cool completely before decorating.

Decorate & Enjoy!

Use royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles to bring your Easter cookies to life. Get creative with pastel colors and fun designs!

How to Serve Easter Sugar Cookies

As a Holiday Dessert: Display on a festive platter at Easter brunch or dinner.
With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: A perfect afternoon treat.
As a Fun Activity: Set up a decorating station for kids (or adults!) to design their own cookies.
Packaged as Gifts: Wrap in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon for an adorable homemade gift.

Additional Tips

Chill the Dough

Cold dough keeps the cookies from spreading, ensuring perfect shapes.

Use Parchment Paper

Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Make-Ahead Dough

Store cookie dough in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Let Icing Set

Allow royal icing to dry completely before stacking or packaging cookies.

Experiment with Flavors

Try lemon zest, cinnamon, or cocoa powder for a unique twist.

FAQ

Q1: Can I freeze sugar cookie dough?

A1: Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before rolling out.

Q2: How do I keep cookies soft?

A2: Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread—it helps retain moisture.

Q3: What’s the best icing for decorating?

A3: Royal icing for a smooth, hard finish; buttercream for a softer, more textured look.

Q4: Can I make these gluten-free?

A4: Yes! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for a GF version.

Q5: How long do decorated cookies last?

A5: Up to 1 week at room temperature in an airtight container.

Q6: Can I skip the almond extract?

A6: Absolutely! Vanilla extract alone will still taste amazing.

Q7: How do I get vibrant icing colors?

A7: Use gel food coloring instead of liquid—it’s more concentrated and won’t thin out the icing.

Q8: Can I use margarine instead of butter?

A8: Butter gives the best flavor, but margarine can work in a pinch.

Q9: Do I have to chill the dough?

A9: Yes! Chilling prevents cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Q10: How do I get even cookie thickness?

A10: Use rolling pin guides or stack two rulers on either side of the dough for precision.

Final Thoughts

These Easter Sugar Cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat! Whether you’re baking for tradition, decoration, or just a sweet treat, they bring joy to any Easter celebration. So grab your cookie cutters and get creative you’re going to love these!