If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the joy and colors of spring, this Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are soft, sweet, and perfectly buttery with a subtle vanilla touch, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser at any Easter gathering. What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up a batch that looks as festive as it tastes—thanks to the colorful glazing and sprinkles that bring every cookie to life. Whether you’re baking with kids or just want to add some handmade charm to your holiday, this Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe is a wonderful go-to that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even though these cookies feel fancy, you’ll be happy to find that the ingredients are simple, straightforward, and easy to find. Each one plays its crucial role: the butter adds richness, the eggs give binding and tenderness, and the flour with baking powder ensures that perfect soft texture. The powdered sugar icing and vibrant food coloring seal the deal by adding that classic sugar cookie sweetness and festive flair.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Sweetens the dough while helping create that soft crumb.
- 2/3 cup butter: Provides richness and a tender bite when creamed thoroughly.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients and add moisture for softness.
- 2 Tbsp milk: Keeps the dough moist and easy to mix.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings a warm, inviting aroma and flavor.
- 3 1/4 cups flour: The base that holds everything together with just enough structure.
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise lightly and stay fluffy.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: The foundation for the irresistible glaze.
- 3-4 tbsp milk: Adjusts the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- 1 tsp vanilla (for glaze): Adds flavor depth to the icing.
- Food coloring (green, pink, yellow, blue): Creates fun, pastel tones perfect for Easter.
- Sprinkles of your choice: Adds that extra festive crunch and color surprise.
How to Make Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Get things started by preheating your oven to 350ºF. While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze. Having these prepped first makes the whole baking process feel smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using a hand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key for getting those soft cookies with just the right texture—the creamed butter traps air, leading to a tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Beat again until everything is smooth and uniform. This ensures that the flavors and moisture are perfectly blended throughout your dough.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir just until the dough comes together, being careful not to overmix. Overworking the dough can lead to tougher cookies, and we want these to be soft and delicate, just right for Easter celebrations.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them spaced evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Then, dip a glass in flour and gently press each ball down to about 1/2-inch thickness. This gives the classic sugar cookie shape with a smooth surface that’s perfect for decorating.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your cookies into the oven and let them bake for 9 minutes or until the edges just start to brown gently. That golden tip-off means the perfect chewiness has been achieved with a slight crisp on the outside.
Step 7: Cool Completely Before Decorating
Once baked, let the cookies cool fully on a wire rack. This step is crucial because decorating warm cookies can cause the icing to melt and run, losing that charming colorful appeal.
Step 8: Make the Glaze and Decorate
Prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk and vanilla, adjusting milk quantity to get a smooth yet thick consistency. Divide it into separate bowls and tint each with your choice of food coloring—green, pink, yellow, and blue make an irresistible Easter palette. Dip each cookie top or use a spoon to drizzle the glaze, then sprinkle your chosen sprinkles on top before it sets. The result is cheerful, glossy, and perfectly festive.
How to Serve Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles are your best friend when it comes to adding a bit of joyful crunch and color. Try pastel jimmies or tiny nonpareils for a classic Easter look, or get creative with edible glitter for that extra sparkle. Fresh edible flowers can also be a stunning garnish, adding a subtle floral hint and visual wow factor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with light refreshments. A cup of chamomile or mint tea highlights their sweetness without overpowering the palate, or serve alongside a colorful fruit salad to keep the Easter vibe fresh and balanced. For kids, a glass of cold milk or a fruity punch complements the sugar cookies delightfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes a party! Arrange your Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe on a tiered serving tray with decorative pastel liners or place them in small clear bags tied with ribbon to give as gifts. You can also use cookie cutters to create themed shapes and arrange them alongside fresh spring flowers on a serving board for a show-stopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, keep them airtight at room temperature for up to 4 days. Storing them this way preserves the cookies’ lovely texture and keeps the glaze from softening too much. You can also layer parchment paper between cookies if stacking to avoid sticking.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully, whether iced or plain. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a sealable bag or container. They’ll keep up to three months this way, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy holiday schedules.
Reheating
To refresh frozen cookies, allow them to thaw fully at room temperature. If you want that warm-out-of-the-oven feeling, pop them in a 300ºF oven for 3-5 minutes. The gentle heat revives softness and aroma without melting the glaze too much.
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Butter is essential for the rich flavor and tender texture of these sugar cookies, so margarine won’t provide the same delicious results. Stick with real butter for best outcomes.
How do I prevent the glaze from cracking?
Make sure your cookies are completely cool before glazing and avoid applying too thick a layer. Glaze that’s too thick or applied on warm cookies can crack as it dries.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend, but be aware the texture might vary slightly. Using a blend designed for baking usually gives the best results.
How long do these cookies keep fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies stay fresh for about four days before starting to lose their optimal softness.
Can I add flavor variations?
Absolutely! Adding almond extract instead of vanilla in the dough or mixing in citrus zest can make delightful flavor twists for your Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There is something so joyful about baking and sharing these Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe—it’s a surefire way to brighten up your holiday table and bring smiles all around. Their soft texture, sweet glaze, and cheerful colors make them an absolute favorite that will have everyone coming back for more. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking to make your Easter celebration extra special this year!
Print
Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Easter Sugar Cookies are perfect for celebrating springtime with colorful decorations and a buttery, soft texture. Easy to make and decorated with a sweet vanilla glaze and festive sprinkles, they are ideal for sharing with family and friends during Easter festivities.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2/3 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Green, pink, yellow, and blue food coloring
- Sprinkles of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to allow easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture and mix until a dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten the Cookies: Dip a glass in flour and gently press each dough ball down until approximately 1/2-inch thick to create an even surface for baking.
- Bake: Place the cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 9 minutes, or until the tops begin to lightly brown.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.
- Prepare and Apply Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth glaze. Divide into separate bowls and tint each with desired food coloring. Use a spoon or brush to glaze the cooled cookies and decorate with sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- The flour-dipped glass helps prevent sticking and creates an even cookie surface.
- Customize the glaze colors and sprinkles for a festive appearance.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
