Picture this: It’s Easter morning, the sun is shining, and your kitchen smells like butter, sugar, and pure happiness. You’ve just pulled a batch of soft, chewy cookies out of the oven, ready to frost and decorate into festive masterpieces. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect way to kick off the holiday? Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, prepping for an Easter egg hunt, or simply craving something sweet, these Homemade Easter Cookies are here to save the day.
In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making Easy Easter Sugar Cookies that are as fun to decorate as they are delicious to eat. From tips for baking buttery perfection to creative ideas for decorating with buttercream frosting, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
Why These Easter Desserts Are a Must-Try
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about why these cookies deserve a spot on your Easter dessert table. Sure, there are tons of treats out there, but there’s something magical about homemade cookies—especially when they’re frosted with colorful buttercream and sprinkled with festive flair.
- They’re kid-friendly: Little hands love helping roll dough, frost cookies, and sprinkle toppings.
- They’re versatile: Whether you’re going for pastel elegance or playful designs, these cookies can be customized to fit any vibe.
- No eggs required: Yes, you read that right! This recipe skips the eggs, making it easier (and allergy-friendly).
Now, who wouldn’t want to bite into one of these buttery beauties?
What You’ll Need to Make Easy Easter Sugar Cookies
Let’s keep things simple. Chances are, you already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cookies
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup softened butter
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Buttercream Frosting
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pastel gel food coloring
- Easter sprinkles
Simple enough, right? Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!
How to Make These Easter Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Like a Pro
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease your baking sheets. A little prep goes a long way in ensuring your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now.
Step 3: Cream It Up
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, and sour cream on medium speed for about a minute. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—this is key to keeping your cookies soft and chewy.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass to create those charming jagged edges. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
Step 6: Cool Before Decorating
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience pays off here—warm cookies can melt the frosting, and nobody wants a melty masterpiece.
Step 7: Frost and Decorate
Now comes the fun part! Whip up your buttercream frosting by creaming together the butter, milk, and vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Divide the frosting into bowls and tint each with pastel gel food coloring. Once your cookies are completely cool, frost generously and top with Easter sprinkles.
Tips for Making the Best Easter Sugar Cookies
- Soften Your Butter Properly: Cold butter won’t cream well, and melted butter will ruin the texture. Aim for room temperature butter—it should be soft but not greasy.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Think of cookie dough like pancake batter—the less you mess with it, the better the results.
- Experiment with Colors: Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues without thinning out the frosting. Want to go beyond pastels? Try bold colors or even metallic shades for a modern twist.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Sprinkles are classic, but crushed candy, edible glitter, or even tiny chocolate eggs can take your cookies to the next level.
Easter Sugar Cookie Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Festive Treats
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup softened butter
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pastel gel food coloring
- Easter sprinkles
- Simple enough right? Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!
Instructions
- Step: Prep Like a Pro: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease your baking sheets. A little prep goes a long way in ensuring your cookies bake evenly.
- Step: Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this aside for now.
- Step: Cream It Up: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, and sour cream on medium speed for about a minute. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until smooth and creamy.
- Step: Bring It All Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix—this is key to keeping your cookies soft and chewy.
- Step: Shape and Bake: Using a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass to create those charming jagged edges. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Step: Cool Before Decorating: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience pays off here—warm cookies can melt the frosting, and nobody wants a melty masterpiece.
- Step: Frost and Decorate: Now comes the fun part! Whip up your buttercream frosting by creaming together the butter, milk, and vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Divide the frosting into bowls and tint each with pastel gel food coloring. Once your cookies are completely cool, frost generously and top with Easter sprinkles.
Notes
- Be sure your butter is fully softened for easy creaming.
- Mix your dough until it’s just combined to keep the cookies soft.
- Always ensure cookies are fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Nutritional values are approximate and can change with different brands and modifications.
Easter Sugar Cookie Ideas to Inspire You
If you’re looking for ways to make your cookies stand out, here are a few ideas:
- Buttery Italian Easter Cookies: Add a hint of almond extract to the dough for a subtle nod to Italian flavors.
- Easter Sugar Cookies With Buttercream: Go all out with layered frosting designs, like stripes, polka dots, or even bunny faces.
- Mini Dessert Platter: Pair your cookies with other Easter treats, like mini cupcakes or chocolate-covered strawberries, for a show-stopping spread.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Easter Gathering
Imagine setting out a plate of these Easter Desserts Cookies at your next gathering. The soft, buttery texture paired with the sweet tang of buttercream is sure to win over hearts (and stomachs). Plus, they’re easy enough for kids to help decorate, making them a hit with families.
And let’s not forget—they’re not just for Easter! Swap the sprinkles and colors, and you’ve got a treat perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or even random Tuesday afternoons.
Storing and Freezing Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To freeze, layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
Final Thoughts: Sweet Treats, Happy Memories
There’s something special about baking cookies for loved ones. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of Homemade Easter Desserts or experimenting with new Easter Sugar Cookie Ideas , the process brings people together. So grab your apron, crank up some music, and let the magic happen.
Ready to try this recipe? We’d love to hear how it turns out! Share your creations with us on social media using #GreatGrubEasterCookies. And don’t forget to pin this post for later—you’ll want to bookmark this gem for years to come.
More Recipes to Try
- Easter M&M Rice Krispie Treats
- Flower Pretzel Bites
- Easter Bread Recipe
- Bunny Bait Recipe
- Easter Egg Oreo Cookie Balls
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out! Leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram, and #foodiecreator on social media to show off your creation.
