Name: Easter Egg Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 68 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All Purpose Flour; ½ teaspoon Salt; ½ teaspoon Baking Powder; ½ cup Unsalted Butter (Softened); ⅔ cup Granulated Sugar; 2 Egg Yolks; 2 tablespoons Sour Cream; 1 ½ tablespoons Vanilla Extract; 1 teaspoon Lemon Extract (optional); 4 cups Powdered Sugar (sifted); 3 tablespoons Meringue Powder; 9-12 tablespoons Water (Room Temperature); Gel Food Coloring

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There’s something magical about baking sugar cookies, especially when it comes to the festive times of year. For me, Easter Egg Sugar Cookies represent not just a delicious treat but a family tradition that brings everyone together. I remember as a child, my mom would gather us in the kitchen, flour dusting the countertop, as we rolled and cut dough into playful shapes. The anticipation of decorating those cookies with vibrant colors and sweet icing was always exhilarating. Now, as an adult, I carry on this tradition with my kids, eagerly teaching them the art of cookie making. These cookies aren’t just for eating; they’re a canvas of creativity and joy, adding a sweet touch to our Easter celebrations.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
1 hr 8 mins

Prep Time:
60 mins

Cook Time:
8 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
120 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
6 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Whisk, Mixing Bowl

Why You Need This Easter Egg Sugar Cookies

1. Perfect for Celebrations

What I love about Easter Egg Sugar Cookies is their adaptability for any celebration. They can be personalized for birthdays, holidays, or just a fun family afternoon. You can cut them into various shapes beyond eggs, making them a versatile cookie for year-round enjoyment.

2. Easy to Make

This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for baking novices and seasoned pros alike. It doesn’t require advanced skills or special tools, just some basic ingredients you likely have in your pantry. It’s a great way to introduce kids to the art of baking.

3. Deliciously Sweet

These cookies are not only fun to make but also incredibly delicious. The combination of sugar, butter, and a hint of vanilla results in a sweet, soft cookie that’s irresistible fresh out of the oven. Once they’re frosted, they become a visual and flavorful delight.

4. Creative Decorating

Every batch of Easter Egg Sugar Cookies allows for endless creativity. From simple icing patterns to elaborate designs, you can unleash your imagination. This is the part of baking I cherish most, and it’s always exciting to see how each cookie turns out.

5. Makes Memories

Baking together creates lasting memories that you will cherish for years. The laughter, the flour fights, and the shared excitement of decorating cookies let you bond over something sweet. These are the moments that become cherished family traditions.

What Goes Into Easter Egg Sugar Cookies

Creating Easter Egg Sugar Cookies involves a selection of ingredients that work harmoniously together to create a delightful treat. Each component plays a crucial role, from the base of all-purpose flour providing structure to the butter that gives it richness. The powdered sugar contributes to the smoothness of the icing that transforms these cookies into vibrant Easter eggs.

2 cups All Purpose Flour: The foundation of any great cookie, this gives the necessary structure.
½ teaspoon Salt: A little salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
½ teaspoon Baking Powder: This is the leavening agent that helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
½ cup Unsalted Butter: Softened, this adds a rich flavor and tender texture.
⅔ cup Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps create a slightly crispy edge.
2 Egg Yolks: Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
2 tablespoons Sour Cream: Provides a slight tang and keeps the cookies soft.
1 ½ tablespoons Vanilla Extract: For that classic cookie flavor.
1 teaspoon Lemon Extract: Optional, but it adds a fresh, zesty note.
4 cups Powdered Sugar: Essential for making the frosting.
3 tablespoons Meringue Powder: Helps stabilize the icing.
9-12 tablespoons Water: Adjusts the consistency of the icing.
Gel Food Coloring: For vibrant and festive decorations.

How to Cook Easter Egg Sugar Cookies

Making Easter Egg Sugar Cookies is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with sweet aromas and joyful anticipation. Follow these steps for a perfect batch!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, and start by lining 2 to 3 cookie sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder. This mixture will be your dry ingredients and is crucial for achieving just the right texture.
In another medium bowl, beat together ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and ⅔ cup of granulated sugar for about 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the mixture, making your cookies tender.
Add 2 egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of sour cream, and 1 ½ tablespoons of vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and mix until just combined.
Now, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just barely combined. You want to avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
This recipe does not require any chilling time, so you’re ready to roll out your cookies! Divide the dough into 2 to 3 pieces, rolling each piece on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick.
Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut out shapes from the dough. I love using Easter egg shapes, but feel free to get creative!
Press the scraps together and let them rest for about 5 minutes before rerolling and cutting more cookies until all the dough is used up.
Place the cookies on the prepared cookie sheets, ensuring there’s about 1 ½ inches of space between each one. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even baking.
The edges should be just set, and the cookies will be very light in color. Let them cool on the pan for 2 minutes to set the shape before transferring them to a cooling rack.
While the cookies are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a bowl, mix together 4 cups of powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of meringue powder on low. Gradually add 9 tablespoons of water and mix on high speed for about 2 minutes until it’s stiff.
Reserve 1 cup of frosting and cover tightly. With the remaining icing, add more water until it reaches the consistency of soft-serve ice cream for flooding the cookies. Divide it into small bowls and tint with your chosen gel food colors.
Once the cookies are cool, frost them using the thicker icing to outline and then flood the centers with the thinned icing. Decorate with additional designs as desired!

Things Worth Knowing

Mixing Techniques: Creaming the butter and sugar properly is crucial for light and fluffy cookies.
Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven for even baking.
Frosting Consistency: Adjust the water in the frosting for the right thickness for flooding versus piping.
Cookie Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Tips and Variations

When making Easter Egg Sugar Cookies, there are plenty of ways to enhance your baking experience! Here are some useful tips:

Storage: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked cookies without icing for up to three months. Just thaw and decorate when you’re ready!
Variations: Experiment with different flavor extracts such as almond or coconut for unique cookies.
Decorating: Use edible glitter or sprinkles to add extra flair to your cookies.
Serving Size: These cookies make great party favors when packaged in cute bags!

Accompaniments for Easter Egg Sugar Cookies

When it comes to serving Easter Egg Sugar Cookies, there are numerous delightful options to consider. Here are some ideas:

Tea Parties: Pair these cookies with a fragrant herbal tea for a charming afternoon gathering.
Easter Brunch: Serve these cookies on your Easter brunch table alongside fresh fruit and pastries for a festive touch.
Picnics: They’re easy to pack for a picnic, adding a sweet treat to your outdoor feast.
Creative Baskets: Include them in Easter baskets for kids, bringing a smile with each bite.
Gift Giving: Wrap them up as homemade gifts for friends and family during the holiday season.
Seasonal Decor: Use them as part of your Easter table decor, displaying colorful cookies that double as delightful treats.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to three days. When you’re ready to bake, simply roll out the chilled dough and cut it into shapes. Baked cookies can also be made a few days ahead and stored in an airtight container until you’re ready to decorate.

To achieve a firmer icing for decorating your Easter Egg Sugar Cookies, add more meringue powder or reduce the amount of water in your icing recipe. This helps increase stability, especially when piping detailed designs. Just remember to keep the icing covered when not in use to prevent it from drying out.

If you don’t have meringue powder on hand, you can use egg whites instead. For every tablespoon of meringue powder, substitute with two egg whites. However, be careful as using fresh egg whites can increase the risk of spoilage. Ensure to keep your frosting refrigerated if you go this route.

Once your Easter Egg Sugar Cookies are decorated, let them dry completely. Store them in a single layer in an airtight container. You can also place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. They will stay fresh for about a week at room temperature.

Conclusion

The process of making Easter Egg Sugar Cookies is truly special. It’s not just about the delicious cookies; it’s about creating memories with family and friends. I encourage you to give this recipe a try in your own kitchen, whether for Easter or any festive occasion. Your loved ones will appreciate the sweet treat, and you’ll enjoy the creativity that comes with decorating these delightful cookies.