Easter Basket Cookies

Easter Basket Cookies are a festive and adorable springtime treat that’s perfect for Easter celebrations, parties, or simply baking with the kids. These charming cookies are made to resemble tiny Easter baskets, filled with colorful candy “eggs” and topped with sweet buttercream “grass.” Not only are they fun to decorate, but they’re also delicious and completely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and festive for Easter parties and spring gatherings
• Kid-friendly and perfect for decorating together
• Soft, peanut butter cookie base with creamy, colorful frosting
• Customizable with your favorite candies and colors
• Great make-ahead option for holiday events

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the cookies:

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Shortening
• Creamy peanut butter
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs
• Milk
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda

For the frosting:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Green food coloring

For decoration:

• Mini chocolate eggs or peanut butter M&Ms
• Sour candy straws (optional, for basket handles)

Directions

1. Make the cookie dough:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, shortening, peanut butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy. Add eggs and milk, then mix well. Stir in flour and baking soda until dough forms.
2. Bake the cookie cups:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a mini muffin pan with non-stick spray. Roll dough into balls and press into the muffin wells. Use the back of a spoon or tart press to form a cup shape. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden.
3. Cool:
   Let cookie cups cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the frosting:
   Beat softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until light and fluffy. Tint with green food coloring until the desired grass-like color is achieved.
5. Decorate:
   Pipe or spread the green frosting into the center of each cookie cup to resemble grass. Top with 2–3 mini chocolate eggs or peanut butter M&Ms. Optionally, insert candy straws into each side to create a handle.

Servings and timing

Servings: About 24 cookie cups
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 32 minutes (plus cooling and decorating)

Variations

• Chocolate base: Use chocolate cookie dough instead of peanut butter
• Handle-free: Skip the candy handles for easier prep
• Coconut grass: Use green-tinted shredded coconut instead of frosting for the grass
• Gluten-free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend

Storage/reheating

• Storage: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
• Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookie cups for up to 3 months; thaw before decorating
• Reheating: Not necessary—these are served at room temperature

FAQs

What kind of candy works best for the “eggs”?

Mini eggs like Cadbury Mini Eggs or peanut butter M&Ms are perfect.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, sugar or peanut butter cookie dough can be used for convenience.

How do I keep the cookie cups from puffing up?

Press the centers down again gently after baking while still warm.

Can I use cupcake liners?

You can, but greasing the pan directly helps create cleaner cookie basket edges.

How long in advance can I make these?

You can bake the cookie cups 2–3 days ahead and decorate the day of serving.

Can I color the frosting in different shades?

Absolutely! Use pastel colors for variety and added Easter flair.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?

Use a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off or simply spoon the frosting in.

Are these cookies freezer-friendly?

Yes, freeze the baked (undecorated) cups and decorate after thawing.

Can I use a different frosting?

Sure! Try cream cheese frosting or your favorite buttercream recipe.

Do I need to refrigerate the cookies?

No, unless you use cream cheese frosting. Otherwise, store at room temperature.

Conclusion

Easter Basket Cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat—bringing a festive touch to your holiday celebrations with their adorable design and sweet, buttery flavor. Whether you’re entertaining guests, prepping treats for an Easter egg hunt, or baking with kids, these cookies are sure to be a seasonal favorite.

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