Spring Easter Sugar Cookies (Print version)

Light, buttery treats topped with colorful pastel icing and festive decorations for spring celebrations.

# What you'll need:

→ Cookie Dough

01 - 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

→ Royal Icing

09 - 2 cups powdered sugar
10 - 1 1/2 tablespoons meringue powder
11 - 3-4 tablespoons water
12 - Food coloring: pastel pink, yellow, green, purple (gel preferred)
13 - Assorted Easter-themed sprinkles (optional)

# Method:

01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside for later use.
02 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.
03 - Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, beating until fully incorporated.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
05 - Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into Easter shapes using cookie cutters.
08 - Arrange cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges begin to lightly brown.
09 - Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before decorating.
10 - Combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and glossy, adjusting water for desired consistency.
11 - Divide icing into small bowls. Tint each portion with pastel food coloring.
12 - Decorate cooled cookies with colored icing and sprinkles. Allow icing to set completely before serving.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • The dough freezes beautifully so you can bake fresh cookies anytime
  • Royal icing dries smooth and perfect for detailed Easter designs
  • Kids and adults both get excited decorating with spring colors
02 -
  • Chilling time is not optional or the cookies will spread too much
  • Royal icing consistency should flow like honey for best results
  • Gel food coloring is worth the extra trip to the store
03 -
  • Rotate your baking sheets halfway through for even browning
  • Room temperature ingredients prevent the dough from separating

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