Easter Cookies Recipes
Desserts

Easter Cookies Recipes

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Easter is a time of renewal, joy, and celebration, and what better way to commemorate the occasion than with a batch of festive cookies? Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, contributing to a spring-themed potluck, or simply indulging in some holiday baking, Easter cookies are a delightful way to spread cheer. From classic sugar cookies shaped like bunnies to sophisticated lemon-flavored treats, there’s a recipe for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to crafting delectable Easter cookies that are as tasty as they are beautiful.

Classic Easter Sugar Cookies


Sugar cookies are a timeless choice for any occasion. With the right cookie cutters and a little creativity, these can easily transform into Easter-themed delights.

    Ingredients:


    2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
    1 teaspoon baking powder
    ½ teaspoon salt
    1 cup unsalted butter, softened
    1 cup granulated sugar
    1 large egg
    2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    Food coloring (optional)


    Instructions:


    Prepare the Dough: Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.


    Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two portions. Flatten each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.


    Roll and Cut: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use Easter-themed cookie cutters (bunnies, eggs, chicks) to cut out shapes.


    Bake: Arrange the cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Cool completely before decorating.


    Decorate: Use royal icing or colored sugar to embellish the cookies.

    Lemon Bunny Cookies


    Bright and zesty, these lemon cookies are shaped like adorable bunnies and bring a refreshing twist to traditional Easter treats.

      Ingredients:


      2 cups all-purpose flour
      ½ teaspoon baking soda
      ¼ teaspoon salt
      1 cup unsalted butter, softened
      ¾ cup granulated sugar
      Zest of 2 lemons
      2 tablespoons lemon juice
      1 large egg
      Powdered sugar for dusting


      Instructions:


      Mix the Dough: Combine flour, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, then mix in lemon zest, lemon juice, and egg. Gradually add the dry ingredients.


      Chill and Shape: Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out and use bunny-shaped cutters to form cookies.


      Bake: Place cookies on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.


      Finish: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a lemon glaze.

      Easter Nest Cookies


      These cookies mimic a bird’s nest, complete with chocolate eggs as decoration. They’re fun to make and perfect for kids!

        Ingredients:


        1 cup unsalted butter, softened
        ¾ cup brown sugar
        1 teaspoon vanilla extract
        2 cups all-purpose flour
        ½ teaspoon salt
        1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
        Mini chocolate eggs for decoration


        Instructions:


        Prepare the Dough: Cream the butter and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract.

        Gradually add flour and salt. Stir in the shredded coconut.


        Shape Nests: Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Place on a baking sheet and press the center with your thumb to form a nest shape.


        Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes. Let cool.


        Decorate: Fill the center of each “nest” with mini chocolate eggs.

        Carrot Cake Cookies


        Inspired by the flavors of carrot cake, these cookies are soft, moist, and topped with a cream cheese glaze.

          Ingredients:


          1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
          ½ teaspoon baking soda
          ½ teaspoon cinnamon
          ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
          ½ teaspoon salt
          ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
          ½ cup brown sugar
          ¼ cup granulated sugar
          1 large egg
          1 teaspoon vanilla extract
          1 cup grated carrots
          ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)


          For the Glaze:


          4 ounces cream cheese, softened
          1 cup powdered sugar
          1 teaspoon vanilla extract


          Instructions:


          Prepare Dough: Combine dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, cream butter and sugars, then mix in egg and vanilla. Stir in grated carrots and nuts, then gradually incorporate the dry mixture.


          Bake: Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.


          Add Glaze: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cookies.

          Pastel Meringue Cookies


          Light and airy, these cookies are perfect for Easter with their pastel hues and delicate texture.

            Ingredients:


            4 large egg whites
            1 cup granulated sugar
            ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
            1 teaspoon vanilla extract
            Food coloring (pastel shades)


            Instructions:


            Whip the Egg Whites: Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C). Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Mix in vanilla.


            Color the Mixture: Divide the meringue into separate bowls and add food coloring to each.


            Shape and Bake: Pipe onto a lined baking sheet in desired shapes. Bake for 1 ½ hours, then let cool completely in the oven.

            Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread


            Buttery shortbread cookies dipped in chocolate make a simple yet elegant treat.

              Ingredients:


              2 cups all-purpose flour
              ½ cup granulated sugar
              1 cup unsalted butter, softened
              1 teaspoon vanilla extract
              8 ounces dark or white chocolate, melted
              Sprinkles for decoration


              Instructions:


              Make the Dough: Mix flour and sugar. Add butter and vanilla, mixing until the dough comes together.


              Shape and Bake: Roll dough into a log, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes. Slice into rounds and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.


              Dip in Chocolate: Once cooled, dip half of each cookie into melted chocolate. Add sprinkles before the chocolate sets.

              Easter Egg Thumbprint Cookies


              These colorful cookies are a hit with kids and feature a dollop of jam or chocolate in the center.

                Ingredients:


                1 cup unsalted butter, softened
                ½ cup granulated sugar
                2 large egg yolks
                1 teaspoon vanilla extract
                2 cups all-purpose flour
                Assorted jams or melted chocolate


                Instructions:


                Prepare the Dough: Cream butter and sugar, then mix in egg yolks and vanilla. Gradually add flour until a dough forms.


                Shape Cookies: Roll dough into small balls, press the center with your thumb, and fill with jam or chocolate.


                Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes.


                Tips for Perfect Easter Cookies


                Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh butter, vanilla, and other ingredients make a noticeable difference.


                Plan Decorations in Advance: Invest in pastel food coloring, sprinkles, and themed cutters.


                Involve the Family: Cookie decorating is a fun activity for all ages.


                Store Properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.


                Conclusion


                Easter cookies are more than just desserts—they’re a way to bring people together and create lasting memories. With these recipes, you can add a personal touch to your celebrations and delight everyone with your baking skills. Whether you opt for the zesty lemon bunnies, elegant shortbread, or playful nest cookies, these treats are sure to be a hit. So roll up your sleeves, grab your cookie cutters, and let the Easter baking festivities begin!

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