Hey there, my friend. You are going to love making these decorated Easter cookies. They are fun, easy, and perfect for the holiday. You do not need fancy baking skills to pull this off. I will walk you through everything, from making the dough to decorating them like a pro.
If you have ever struggled with sugar cookies spreading in the oven or icing not setting right, do not worry. I have simple tricks to fix all that.
Let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils you need to make this recipe.
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutters (Easter shapes like eggs, bunnies, and chicks)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
- Piping bags
- Small bowls (for mixing icing colors)
- Toothpicks (for detailing icing)
Important Info
- Servings: 24 medium-sized cookies
- Estimated Cost: You will spend around $10 to make this recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Additional Time: 1 hour (for chilling dough and setting icing)
- Calories Per Serving: 120 calories per cookie
- Cook Method: Baking
- Season: Spring
- Courses: Dessert, Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Diets: VegetarianDiet
How to Make Easter Cookies Decorated Recipe
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Royal Icing
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons meringue powder
- 5 tablespoons water
- Food coloring (pastel colors for Easter)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | Salted butter (reduce salt in recipe) |
| Granulated sugar | Powdered sugar |
| Vanilla extract | Maple syrup or almond extract |
| All-purpose flour | Gluten-free flour blend |
| Meringue powder | Pasteurized egg whites (2 tablespoons) |
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
- Use Easter-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.
- To make the icing, mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth.
- Divide the icing into small bowls and add food coloring to each.
- Transfer icing into piping bags and decorate cookies as desired.
- Allow icing to set for about 30 minutes before serving or storing.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough before rolling to prevent spreading.
- If your icing is too thick, add a few drops of water. If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Use a toothpick to pop air bubbles in the icing for a smooth finish.
- Let the first layer of icing dry before adding details on top.
- Store extra icing in an airtight container for up to a week.
What to Serve with Easter Cookies
These cookies go great with a cup of hot chocolate, milk, or tea. If you are hosting an Easter brunch, they pair well with fruit platters and light pastries.
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
Place the decorated cookies on a festive platter or wrap them in clear bags with ribbons for gifts. If serving at a party, arrange them on a tiered stand for a pretty display.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
These cookies are perfect for Easter gatherings, kids’ parties, and gift-giving. They are great for Easter egg hunts because they are easy to pack and do not require plates or utensils.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Refrigeration
- If you want to keep them fresh longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- They will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing
- Place cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough up to 3 days in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before rolling.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This happens when the butter is too soft or the dough was not chilled enough. Always chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and baking.
Can I use buttercream instead of royal icing?
Yes, but buttercream will not harden like royal icing. If you prefer a softer icing, buttercream is a good option.
How do I get bright icing colors?
Use gel food coloring instead of liquid food coloring. It gives more vibrant colors without making the icing runny.
Can kids help decorate these cookies?
Yes, kids will love decorating these cookies. Set up a decorating station with different icing colors and sprinkles for them to get creative.
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