Easter Egg Sugar Cookies

Easter Egg Sugar Cookies are delightful, buttery cookies decorated with colorful icing to resemble festive Easter eggs. These cookies are not only delicious but also a fun and creative project for the whole family. Whether you’re hosting an Easter party, looking for a fun baking project with kids, or wanting to create beautiful homemade gifts, these cookies are the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and festive: Perfect for Easter celebrations.
• Easy to make: Simple sugar cookie dough and icing.
• Great for kids: Decorating cookies is a fun activity for all ages.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite colors and designs.
• Make-ahead friendly: The cookies can be baked and decorated in advance.

Ingredients

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

For the Sugar Cookies

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Icing

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (or more for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring (in pastel shades)
• Sprinkles and decorative sugars (optional)

Directions

Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until well combined.
4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms.
5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).

Roll and Cut the Cookies

6. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
8. Cut Into Shapes: Use an egg-shaped cookie cutter to cut out cookies. Place on the prepared baking sheets about 1 inch apart.

Bake the Cookies

9. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Make the Icing

11. Mix Icing: In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
12. Color the Icing: Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to achieve your desired pastel shades.

Decorate the Cookies

13. Ice the Cookies: Use a spoon, piping bag, or squeeze bottle to apply the icing to the cookies. Spread evenly and let the icing set slightly.
14. Add Decorations: Use additional icing, sprinkles, or decorative sugars to create fun Easter egg designs.
15. Set the Icing: Allow the icing to harden completely before storing or serving.

Serve

16. Display and Enjoy: Arrange the decorated cookies on a platter for a festive presentation.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies (depending on size)
• Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Additional Time: 30 minutes (for decorating)
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and a teaspoon of lemon juice to the dough for a citrus twist.
• Chocolate Icing: Mix cocoa powder into the icing for a chocolatey touch.
• Royal Icing: Use royal icing for a more professional, glossy finish.
• Flavor Boost: Swap vanilla extract for almond, coconut, or orange extract.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and decorate as needed.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dough and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rolling and baking.

FAQs

How do I keep my cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough thoroughly before rolling and baking. You can also refrigerate the cut-out cookies for 10 minutes before baking.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, you can use refrigerated sugar cookie dough as a time-saving option.

How do I get smooth icing on the cookies?

For a smooth finish, use a piping bag or a squeeze bottle and allow the icing to flow naturally. Tap the cookie gently to settle the icing.

Can I make this recipe without a cookie cutter?

Yes, you can shape the dough into egg shapes using a knife or make round cookies and decorate them like eggs.

What if my icing is too runny?

Add more powdered sugar to thicken the icing or let it sit for a few minutes to firm up.

Can I use natural food coloring?

Yes, natural food colorings made from fruits, vegetables, or plant extracts work well for a pastel effect.

How do I prevent the icing from smudging?

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

Can I use royal icing for detailed designs?

Yes, royal icing is perfect for intricate designs and dries with a firm, glossy finish.

How do I store decorated cookies without damaging them?

Layer cookies between sheets of wax or parchment paper in an airtight container.

Are these cookies good for gifting?

Absolutely! Pack the cookies in decorative bags or boxes for a beautiful homemade gift.

Conclusion

Easter Egg Sugar Cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday with a sweet and festive treat. These buttery cookies are not only delicious but also offer a fun opportunity to get creative with icing and decorations. Whether you keep it simple or go all-out with detailed designs, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your Easter celebrations. Gather your loved ones, break out the icing colors, and enjoy a delightful baking experience with these charming Easter egg cookies!

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