Easter Sugar Cookies

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Author: Catherine
Published:
Decorated Easter Sugar Cookies in various pastel colors for festive celebrations

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Easter Sugar Cookies

Easter Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of springtime. These cookies are not just another dessert; they are a canvas for creativity and tradition, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Imagine buttery, sweet cookies that crumble beautifully with each bite, providing that comforting feeling that comes with homemade treats. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to crafting these whimsical delights, guaranteed to bring joy to your Easter gatherings.

The beauty of Easter Sugar Cookies lies in their versatility. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a variety of shapes and sizes that make for stunning decorations. From bunnies to eggs, these cookies not just taste good; they also add a festive touch to any holiday table. So gather your loved ones, and let’s get baking these charming cookies that are worth every moment spent in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easter Sugar Cookies are easy to prepare, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. The family-friendly nature of this recipe allows everyone to join in on the fun. You can create a bonding experience while shaping and decorating the cookies, and the best part? They come together quickly, so you won’t be spending all day in the kitchen.

The minimal ingredients required are also a major plus. With just 2¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, and a handful of other pantry staples, you can whip up a batch of these cookies without a trip to the grocery store. The uncomplicated steps ensure a straightforward baking adventure, leading to delightful cookies that will enchant everyone at your Easter celebration.

Ingredients for Easter Sugar Cookies

To create these delightful Easter Sugar Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to creamy perfection
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, adding a lovely sweetness
  • 1 large egg, binding everything together
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract, infusing warmth and flavor
  • Sugar sprinkles or icing for decoration, adding that colorful Easter touch

Each ingredient plays a unique role in creating the sugary, buttery delight that we know and love. When combined, they transform into an irresistible treat that evokes the spirit of celebration.

Step-by-Step Directions for Easter Sugar Cookies

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), creating a warm environment for your cookies to bake perfectly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. This step is crucial—it creates the base for a rich, tender cookie.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix this dry ingredient blend into the butter-sugar mixture until just combined. Try not to overmix; a gentle hand here ensures tender cookies.
  4. Fold in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well incorporated, infusing your dough with delectable flavor.
  5. With a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets, making sure to give each cookie some space to expand.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, filling your kitchen with a heavenly aroma.
  7. Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating them with icing or sugar sprinkles to add a festive touch!

Tips & Tricks

To make the most out of your Easter Sugar Cookies, here are some chef’s secrets and optional enhancements:

  • If you want to add a deeper flavor, consider incorporating a hint of almond extract alongside the vanilla.
  • Chill your dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help create thicker cookies that hold their shape.
  • If you want uniform shapes for decorative purposes, use cookie cutters and roll out the dough to ¼-inch thickness before baking.
  • For a vibrant decoration, use colored sugar sprinkles that align with the Easter theme, such as pastel colors.
  • Don’t forget to let your icing dry completely before stacking the cookies or placing them in containers.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Easter Sugar Cookies are delightful on their own but can be elevated even further. Consider serving them alongside a refreshing glass of lemonade or sweet iced tea to balance out their sweetness. They also make fantastic gifts when beautifully packaged in cellophane bags tied with colorful ribbons.

For a more elaborate presentation, pair your cookies with Easter-themed cupcakes or a light fruit salad, adding color and variety to your dessert table. Another fun way is to create a tray of mixed cookies where these Easter delights shine brightly among other favorites.

Nutritional Information

As with any delightful dessert, it’s good to be mindful of the indulgence these cookies represent. Each cookie (using the provided recipe to yield about 24 cookies) contains approximately 150 calories. The nutritional breakdown includes:

  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 35mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 10g
  • Protein: 1g

While they are a bit indulgent, they can be enjoyed on special occasions like Easter when shared with loved ones!

Storing Tips & Variations for Easter Sugar Cookies

If you find yourself with leftover cookies (though that is often a rarity!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To maintain that fresh-baked taste, you can freeze the cookies. Wrap each one separately in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-friendly container. They can be stored for up to three months and easily thawed when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

For a healthier twist, consider swapping half of the all-purpose flour for almond flour for a nutty flavor. You can also play with add-ins such as chocolate chips or dried fruits to create unique variations that cater to different palates.

Conclusion for Easter Sugar Cookies

There’s nothing quite like biting into a homemade Easter Sugar Cookie, and with this recipe, creating your batch has never been easier. With the delightful flavors and the fun of decorating, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite for years to come. So, don your aprons and gather your loved ones in the kitchen—it’s time to bring joy and sweetness to your Easter celebrations with these charming cookies!

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, using unsalted butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture.

3. How do I store leftover cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

4. Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?
Yes! Royal icing is perfect for decorating and can create intricate designs for even more festive cookies.

5. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture or unsweetened applesauce, but this may alter the texture slightly. Try 1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for a vegan alternative.

Print

Easter Sugar Cookies

A delightful treat embodying the spirit of springtime, these Easter Sugar Cookies are perfect for sharing and decorating.

  • Author: catherine
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Sugar sprinkles or icing for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the butter-sugar mixture until just combined.
  4. Fold in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Portion the dough onto parchment-lined baking sheets with space between each cookie.
  6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
  7. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Notes

Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking for thicker cookies. Use cookie cutters for uniform shapes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 35mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 21g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

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