Delightful Easter Cookies (Print Version)
Buttery soft sugar cookies decorated with colorful royal icing and sprinkles, shaped for Easter celebrations.
# What You Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Royal Icing
08 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
09 - 1 1/2–2 tablespoons milk or water
10 - 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
11 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
12 - Food coloring (assorted pastel colors)
13 - Assorted sprinkles and decorations
# How to Make It:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside for later use.
02 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy, approximately 2–3 minutes. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
03 - Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing just until dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.
04 - Divide dough in half, shape into flattened disks, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes.
05 - Set oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - Roll chilled dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut shapes using Easter-themed cookie cutters.
07 - Arrange cutouts 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft and pale.
08 - Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
09 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk or water, corn syrup, and vanilla or almond extract until smooth. Adjust liquid to achieve desired piping consistency.
10 - Portion icing into separate bowls and tint with food coloring. Pipe or spread onto cooled cookies. Apply sprinkles while icing remains wet. Allow decorated cookies to dry completely at room temperature before storing.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The dough is incredibly forgiving and rolls out beautifully without sticking
- These cookies stay soft for days unlike other cutout recipes that turn hard
- Kids and adults both get genuinely excited about decorating them together
02 -
- Chilling the dough is non negotiable or your cookies will spread and lose their shape
- Overworking the dough makes tough cookies so mix until just combined
- The icing consistency should be like thick honey for easy spreading
03 -
- Rotate your baking sheets halfway through for even browning
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant colors