Classic Easter Sugar Cookies
These classic Easter sugar cookies are perfect for your holiday celebration. Soft, buttery cookies are decorated with colorful royal icing and sprinkles for a festive treat.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone mats
- Large bowl
- Mixer
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Plastic wrap
- Rolling pin
- Easter-themed cookie cutters
- Wire rack
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Food coloring pastel colors: pink, yellow, blue, green
Decoration
- Royal icing components meringue powder, powdered sugar, water
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide the dough and knead in desired pastel food colorings.
- Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
- Use Easter-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes and carefully place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch between them.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, then transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Decorating
- Prepare royal icing according to package directions, dividing and coloring it with food coloring as desired.
- Decorate the cooled cookies with royal icing and sprinkles, then let the icing set completely before storing or serving.
Notes
For best results, make sure your butter is truly softened, but not melted. If the dough is too sticky to roll, chill it for a bit longer. Get creative with your cookie cutters and icing colors!