Classic Easter Sugar Cookies
These classic sugar cookies are perfect for Easter, featuring a tender, buttery base and festive pastel icing with optional sprinkles.
Equipment
- medium bowl
- whisk
- large bowl
- mixer
- plastic wrap
- baking sheets
- parchment paper
- silicone mats
- rolling pin
- cookie cutters
- wire rack
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- Decorator's icing/frosting store-bought or homemade
- Gel food coloring pastel shades
- Sprinkles & edible glitter optional
Instructions
Prepare Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
Cream Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy for 2-3 minutes.
Combine Wet and Dry
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined, scraping the bowl; then gradually add dry ingredients and mix on low speed until a dough forms.
Chill Dough
- Divide the dough, flatten into discs, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 2 days.
Prepare for Baking
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Roll and Cut Cookies
- On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut out Easter shapes with cookie cutters.
Bake Cookies
- Transfer cut-out cookies to prepared baking sheets, leaving 1 inch between them, and bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Cool Cookies
- Cool cookies on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorate Cookies
- Once cool, decorate with icing, using pastel gel food coloring and adding sprinkles or edible glitter as desired; allow icing to set before storing.
Notes
For best results, ensure butter is truly softened for easy creaming. Chilling the dough thoroughly is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Get creative with your cookie cutter shapes and icing designs!