Spring has sprung, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of delicious, homemade Easter cookies? These easy Easter cookies recipes are perfect for baking with the family, adding a touch of sweetness to your Easter celebrations, or simply enjoying a delightful treat on a sunny afternoon. Forget those complicated, time-consuming recipes; these are quick, simple, and guaranteed to impress. Let's get baking!
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
- Easter egg sprinkles (various colors)
- Optional: Food coloring gel (pastel colors)
Instructions:
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture. Use an electric mixer for best results – it makes the process much quicker and easier.
Step 2: Adding the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined before moving on to the dry ingredients.
Step 3: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Step 4: Adding Color (Optional)
If you're using food coloring, divide the dough in half or thirds. Add a few drops of your chosen pastel food coloring to each portion and knead until the color is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Shaping and Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the cookie dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters in various Easter shapes – bunnies, eggs, chicks – to cut out your cookies. Place them onto ungreased baking sheets.
Step 6: Sprinkling and Baking
Sprinkle the cut-out cookies generously with Easter egg sprinkles. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 7: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, enjoy your beautiful and delicious Easter cookies!
Tips for Perfect Easter Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for optimal creaming.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For easier handling, chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling and cutting. This prevents spreading during baking.
- Baking Time Varies: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Royal Icing: Decorate your cooled cookies with royal icing for an extra touch of elegance.
- Different Sprinkles: Experiment with different sprinkles, such as jimmies, nonpareils, or sanding sugar.
- Flavored Cookies: Add a teaspoon of almond extract, lemon extract, or peppermint extract for a unique flavor twist.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 100-150 calories (depending on size and ingredients)
- Fat: Approximately 5-7 grams
- Sugar: Approximately 8-10 grams
These easy Easter cookies recipes are perfect for any skill level. They are a fun and delicious addition to your Easter celebrations, offering a simple yet rewarding baking experience for both seasoned bakers and enthusiastic beginners. Enjoy the process and the delightful results!