Delightful Easter Sugar Cookies (Printable view)
Buttery soft sugar cookies shaped for Easter celebrations with colorful royal icing and sprinkles.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Royal Icing
08 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
09 - 1 1/2–2 tablespoons milk or water
10 - 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
11 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
12 - Food coloring (assorted pastel colors)
13 - Assorted sprinkles and decorations
# Steps:
01 - Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside for later use.
02 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy, approximately 2–3 minutes. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
03 - Gradually blend dry ingredients into wet mixture, mixing just until dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
04 - Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes.
05 - Heat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
06 - Roll chilled dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut shapes using Easter-themed cutters.
07 - Arrange cookies 1 inch apart on prepared sheets. Bake 8–10 minutes until edges are set but not browned.
08 - Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool fully before decorating.
09 - Combine powdered sugar, milk or water, corn syrup, and vanilla or almond extract. Adjust consistency to desired thickness.
10 - Portion icing and tint with food coloring. Apply to cooled cookies and add sprinkles before icing sets. Let icing dry completely before storing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The dough is incredibly forgiving and easy to work with, even for beginners
- These cookies stay soft for days unlike so many other cutout cookie recipes
- Perfect canvas for getting creative with colors and decorations
02 -
- Chilling the dough is non negotiable or your cookies will spread and lose their shapes
- Rolling dough between two sheets of parchment paper prevents sticking and keeps thickness even
- Icing consistency makes the difference between professional looking cookies and a messy experience
03 -
- Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for bright spring flavor that cuts through the sweetness
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid to avoid thinning out your icing