Hop into Spring Classic Easter Sugar Cookies

Hop Into Spring My Easy Easter Cookies Recipe

By Emily CollinsSeptember 14, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy some Easter cookies that look like they hopped straight out of a Beatrix Potter book? This recipe is easy. They taste divine. Get ready for some serious spring baking!

Brief Overview

These Easter sugar cookies are an American classic with British charm. They are medium difficulty and take around an hour, plus decorating time. This recipe makes 24-30 cookies. Perfect for sharing.

Main Benefits

These homemade Easter cookies are a healthier alternative to store-bought treats. They're ideal for Easter cookies baking with family. What makes them special? They're a blank canvas for your creativity!

Okay, let's get these Easter cookies ranking like a Great British Bake Off winner! But first, let me tell you about the time I tried to make these for a bake sale.

Honestly? Disaster. I forgot to chill the dough. The cookies spread like crazy. They looked like abstract art!

You know? I learned my lesson. Chilling the dough is crucial. It stops them spreading in the oven. Trust me on this one. It is a game changer. So, keep it cool!

What You’ll Need

Ready to bake? Let's talk ingredients. We will need butter, sugar, an egg, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, and salt.

Easy peasy! For the icing, you will need confectioners' sugar, meringue powder, and warm water. Grab your sprinkles too! Lets get these pastel Easter cookies looking amazing!

It's important to use good quality ingredients. Room temperature butter is key for a smooth dough. Don't skimp on the vanilla! It makes all the difference.

These easy Easter cookies can be ready in no time!

We also need the right equipment. Get your bowls, mixer, rolling pin, and Easter bunny cookies cutters ready. Baking sheets and parchment paper are also essential.

Don't forget a wire rack for cooling.

Don't be afraid to experiment with flavours! Add some lemon zest for a zing. Use almond extract instead of vanilla. Go wild! Now, let's get baking!

Ingredients & Equipment for Easter Cookies That’ll Make You Say "Oh My Gosh!"

Okay, let's get these Easter cookies ranking like a Great British Bake Off winner! I am pretty confident we are going to nail these Easter sugar cookies .

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Baking!

Here’s what you'll need to create the perfect dough and royal icing Easter cookies .

For the Dough:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened ( 227g )
¾ cup granulated sugar ( 150g )
1 large egg (approx. 50g ), lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract ( 5ml )
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour ( 300g ), plus more for dusting
½ teaspoon baking powder ( 2g )
¼ teaspoon salt ( 1.5g )

The butter should be soft, but not melted! I like to leave mine out for about an hour before starting.

This helps it cream together with the sugar. high-quality butter makes a big difference in flavour. Trust me on this.

For the Royal Icing (Optional):

4 cups confectioners' sugar ( 480g )
3 tablespoons meringue powder ( 25g )
½ cup warm water ( 120ml ), plus more as needed
Gel food coloring, as desired

Decorations:

Sprinkles, edible glitter, sanding sugar, etc.

Icing can be tricky! Add water slowly to get the right consistency. You can make royal icing easter cookies that are professional looking.

Seasoning Notes: A Little Spice Never Hurt!

Vanilla extract is a must. Don't skimp on it. A little lemon zest can add a bright, fresh flavor. Almond extract is also awesome for a nutty spring cookies flavor.

It will give a real kick for these Easter cookies .

If you don’t have vanilla extract? Try maple syrup or honey instead! For a bit of Easter cookies baking flavour, you can use some fresh zest.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple!

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (stand or hand held)
Measuring cups and spoons
Rolling pin
Cookie cutters ( Easter bunny cookies or Easter chick cookies , maybe?)
Baking sheets
Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Wire cooling rack
Piping bags or squeeze bottles (for icing, optional)

Don't have a rolling pin? A clean wine bottle works in a pinch! Parchment paper is essential. It will prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

You can find it at the store at a fair price!

Okay, Let's Get These Easter Cookies Ranking!

Honestly, who doesn't love a good Easter sugar cookie ? I can still remember making these with my nan. We'd always end up with more sprinkles on the floor than on the Easter bunny cookies , lol.

So, let's get these Easter cookies ranking like a Great British Bake Off winner ! This is a classic recipe, perfect for spring cookies .

We're talking melt-in-your mouth goodness, ideal for any Easter cookies baking session. Plus, you can get super creative with your decorations think pastel Easter cookies galore! These homemade Easter cookies are bound to be a crowd pleaser.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission!

First things first, get everything ready! It's all about the mise en place , people. Make sure your butter is soft.

This is crucial. Measure out your sugar, flour, and spices before you start. It will save you time and stress.

Safety reminder: Always use oven mitts when handling hot baking sheets.

step-by-step to Easter Cookie Perfection

Cream together the softened butter (1 cup/227g) and granulated sugar (¾ cup/150g) until fluffy.
Beat in the egg (1 large) and vanilla (1 tsp/5ml).
Whisk together the flour (2 ½ cups/300g), baking powder (½ tsp/2g), and salt (¼ tsp/1.5g).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix!
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes . This stops them spreading.
Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Get your baking sheets ready with parchment paper.
Roll out the dough to ¼ inch thickness. Cut out your Easter chick cookies and bunnies!
Bake for 8- 12 minutes . Keep an eye on them. Edges should be lightly golden brown.

Pro Tips: Secrets from the Baking Trenches

Pro Tip 1: Chilling the dough is non-negotiable. Trust me on this! I've skipped it before. Disaster! Pro Tip 2: Let the cookies cool completely before decorating.

Otherwise, your royal icing Easter cookies will be a runny mess. Pro Tip 3: If you're feeling extra fancy, add some lemon zest to the dough.

It gives a lovely zing!

Okay, let's aim for these easy Easter cookies to rank like a Great British Bake Off winner !

Recipe Notes for Your Easter Cookies

Okay, let's get these Easter cookies ranking like a Great British Bake Off winner! Before we dive into the details, just remember baking is like jazz, is all about practice and improvision.

Presentation is Key, Darlings

Plating these Easter sugar cookies is half the fun! Think pastel perfection. A simple white plate really makes the colours pop.

Arrange them artfully, maybe even with some edible flowers if you're feeling fancy. Easter bunny cookies look adorable stacked slightly off-kilter.

Honestly, presentation is everything. Serve with a cold glass of milk, like we did when we were kids, or a nice cuppa if you're feeling a bit more grown-up.

Storage: Keep 'Em Fresh!

Nobody wants stale homemade easter cookies . I mean, nobody. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll last for about 3-4 days.

If you're making them ahead of time, you can freeze the baked cookies (undecorated!) for up to a month. Just thaw them completely before icing.

Freezing Instructions: Wrap cookies in plastic wrap, then foil. Reheating Tip: No reheating needed, just let them come to room temperature.

Remix Your Easter Cookie Recipe !

Want to jazz up your spring cookies ? No problem. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum!).

For a dairy-free option, try a vegan butter substitute. Seasonal Swaps: Add lemon zest in spring.

Nutrition Talk (Simplified!)

Each of these pastel easter cookies is about 120 calories. So, they’re not exactly health food, are they? But hey, it's Easter! A little indulgence never hurt anyone.

Plus, the joy they bring is priceless.

Listen, don't stress too much about perfection. Have fun with your Easter cookies baking , experiment with those royal icing easter cookies , and most importantly, enjoy sharing them with loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

My easter cookies spread too much while baking! What did I do wrong?

Oh dear, soggy bottoms are never a good look, are they? Cookie spreading is often caused by butter that's too soft or dough that's too warm. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch, and chilling the dough for the recommended time (at least 30 minutes) is crucial.

Also, don't overcrowd your baking sheet give those Easter bunnies some room to breathe!

Can I make the easter cookie dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling the dough is beneficial. You can prepare the dough up to 2-3 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before rolling it out.

You can also freeze the dough for longer storage; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.

How do I store these easter cookies to keep them fresh?

To keep your Easter cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Decorated cookies should be stored in a single layer to prevent smudging. They'll stay good for about 3-5 days.

If you live in a humid environment, consider adding a piece of parchment paper between layers to absorb any moisture.

What's the secret to perfect royal icing for decorating my easter cookies?

Royal icing can be a bit temperamental, much like a star baker facing a tricky technical challenge. The key is consistency. Start with the recipe's recommended amount of water and gradually add more, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

For outlining, you want a slightly thicker consistency; for flooding, a thinner, more spreadable consistency. Meringue powder is also your friend, it helps the icing to set firmly.

Can I make these easter cookies gluten-free or vegan?

Yes, you can! For gluten-free Easter cookies, use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a vegan butter substitute (make sure it's one that works well for baking).

Applesauce can be used as an egg substitute, but the texture might be slightly altered. Do keep a close eye on the baking time, as gluten-free and vegan cookies can sometimes bake faster.

Are there any variations I can make to these easter cookies?

Absolutely! Get creative and put your own spin on these Easter treats! You could add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavour. A dash of almond extract instead of vanilla is another great option.

For a colourful touch, try adding sprinkles directly to the dough before baking or using different coloured sugars on top. Get the kids involved and let them unleash their inner decorating stars!