Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Easter Egg Sugar Cookies are the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. The dough is tender and rich, with a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the colorful, creamy icing. The decorating possibilities are endless, making it a fun project for kids and adults alike. These cookies also make great gifts or party favors, as they’re easy to transport and beautifully customizable with your favorite springtime colors.
Ingredients
For the sugar dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting (see Cook’s Note)
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
For the icing:
3 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk
Assorted food coloring
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use an Easter egg-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing by mixing the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to each bowl to create your desired colors.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with the icing. Use a piping bag or a small spoon to spread the icing, and get creative with the designs!
- Allow the icing to set before serving or storing the cookies.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 8-10 minutes
Cooling time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Variations
- Flavored Dough: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest to the dough for a unique twist on the classic sugar cookie flavor.
- Different Shapes: Use different cookie cutters like bunnies, flowers, or stars for a variety of Easter-themed shapes.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
Storage/Reheating
Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container once frozen. They will keep for up to 3 months. There’s no need to reheat the cookies, as they are best enjoyed at room temperature.
FAQs
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Let the dough come to room temperature before rolling it out.
How can I make the cookies crispier?
If you prefer your cookies crispier, roll the dough thinner before cutting out shapes and bake for an extra minute or two.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used, butter gives these cookies the best flavor and texture. If you substitute margarine, the cookies might turn out slightly softer.
How do I get the icing smooth?
Be sure to add the milk gradually, adjusting the consistency of the icing as needed. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before rolling it out and baking.
Can I use royal icing instead of the icing in this recipe?
Absolutely! Royal icing can be used for a more durable finish, especially for intricate designs, as it hardens completely.
Can I make the cookies without icing?
Yes! These sugar cookies are delicious on their own, even without the icing. You can sprinkle them with colored sugar before baking for a bit of extra flair.
How can I make the cookies more festive?
Decorate the cookies with edible glitter, sprinkles, or even small candies to make them even more festive and fun.
How long will the decorated cookies last?
Decorated cookies will stay fresh for up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container.
What’s the best way to store the decorated cookies?
Once the icing has fully set, place the cookies in an airtight container in a single layer to avoid smudging the decorations.
Conclusion
Easter Egg Sugar Cookies are a fun, festive treat that will add joy to your holiday celebrations. With a simple dough, creamy icing, and endless decorating possibilities, these cookies are perfect for Easter gatherings, family activities, or just a sweet snack. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the cheerful spirit of the season with every bite!
Print
Egg Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easter Egg Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat for your spring celebrations, combining soft, buttery sugar cookies with vibrant, creamy icing. Easy to make and fun to decorate, they’re perfect for Easter parties, family activities, or as a sweet gift. With endless decoration options, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone’s face!
Ingredients
For the sugar dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting (see Cook’s Note)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
For the icing:
- 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk
- Assorted food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat together the butter, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use an Easter egg-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing by mixing the confectioners’ sugar and milk until smooth. Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring to each bowl to create your desired colors.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, decorate them with the icing. Use a piping bag or a small spoon to spread the icing, and get creative with the designs!
- Allow the icing to set before serving or storing the cookies.
Notes
- Make sure the cookies are fully cooled before decorating to avoid smudging the icing.
- If the dough is too sticky to roll out, add flour one tablespoon at a time to achieve the right consistency.
- To make the icing smoother, adjust the milk and powdered sugar ratio as needed.
- Use royal icing if you need more durable decorations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
