Easter Cookie Recipes: Delightful Treats for Your Spring Celebration
Easter is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate this spring holiday than with a batch of delicious Easter cookies? Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, these recipes will help you create delightful treats that are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Get ready to impress everyone with your Easter cookie creations!
Easy Easter Egg Cookies
This recipe is perfect for beginners and families with kids. The simple design and quick preparation time make it an ideal choice for a fun afternoon baking session.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Icing: Royal icing (recipe below) in various pastel colors
- Decorations: Sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, edible glitter
Instructions:
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Chill dough: Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll and cut: Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut out Easter egg shapes.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before icing and decorating.
Royal Icing Recipe:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons meringue powder
- 6-7 tablespoons water
- Gel food coloring (your choice of colors)
Instructions:
- Combine powdered sugar and meringue powder in a bowl.
- Gradually add water, mixing with a mixer until smooth and glossy.
- Divide icing into separate bowls and add gel food coloring to each bowl.
Chocolate Chip Hot Cross Buns Cookies
These cookies offer a fun twist on the traditional hot cross bun, perfect for a unique Easter treat. The chocolate chips add a delicious element of surprise.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Icing: Simple glaze (recipe below)
Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-4 from the Easter Egg Cookie recipe above.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Follow steps 6-8 from the Easter Egg Cookie recipe above. Use a hot cross bun cookie cutter for shape.
Simple Glaze Recipe:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or water
- Optional: Vanilla extract
Instructions: Whisk together ingredients until smooth.
Tips for Easter Cookie Success:
- Chill your dough: Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Don't overbake: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly.
- Let them cool completely: Icing and decorating should only be done after the cookies are completely cooled.
- Get creative with decorations: Use different sprinkles, candies, or even edible markers to create unique designs.
These Easter cookie recipes are a great way to add a touch of festive cheer to your Easter celebration. Enjoy baking and happy Easter!
