Easter Cookies

There’s something magical about baking cookies for Easter, and that’s exactly what makes Easter Cookies so special. Every spring, as the world begins to bloom with color, I find myself drawn to the kitchen, ready to whip up a batch of these delightful treats. The aroma of melting chocolate and the sweetness of sugar fill the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that brings everyone together. I can still hear the laughter of my children as they eagerly await the moment when I pull the cookies out of the oven, golden brown and perfectly chewy. Each bite is not just a taste; it’s a memory of family gatherings and springtime celebrations. With colorful M&Ms sprinkled on top, these cookies are not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes, making them the perfect treat for any Easter celebration.

Key Ingredients for Easter Cookies

The ingredients for Easter Cookies are a delightful mix that brings together sweet and rich flavors. Each component plays a significant role in creating the perfect cookie. The key players include butter for richness, a combination of sugars for sweetness, and flour as the base. Together, they create a dough that’s soft yet holds its shape while baking, resulting in cookies that are crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside.

• Sugar: 1 cup of sugar provides the sweetness that is essential for any cookie. It caramelizes slightly during baking, adding a lovely flavor.
• Brown Sugar: 1 cup of brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, toffee-like flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly.
• Butter: ½ cup of softened butter is crucial for achieving a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also adds depth to the flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: ½ cup of vegetable oil helps to keep the cookies moist and chewy, balancing out the dryness of the flour.
• Eggs: 2 eggs act as a binding agent, providing structure and richness to the dough.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon of baking powder gives the cookies the lift they need to rise while baking.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon of salt enhances the flavors and brings out the sweetness in the cookies.
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon of baking soda contributes to the leavening process, ensuring a soft, chewy cookie.
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups of all-purpose flour forms the base of the cookies, giving them structure.
• M&Ms: Chopped and whole M&Ms are what make these cookies festive. They provide a pop of color and a burst of chocolatey goodness.
• White Chocolate Chips: 1 cup of white chocolate chips adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.

Making This Easter Cookies

Baking Easter Cookies is a delightful process that fills your home with warm, sweet aromas. Follow these steps to create a batch of cookies that will be a hit at any gathering. Get ready to enjoy some quality time in the kitchen!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is an essential step to ensure your cookies bake evenly. A hot oven will create the perfect texture. While the oven is heating up, gather your ingredients to streamline the process.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together 1 cup of white sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of softened butter, and ½ cup of vegetable oil. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cookies rise.
3. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, to the butter mixture. Mix well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You want to ensure that the eggs are fully incorporated for a uniform batter.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour. This not only combines the dry ingredients but also aerates the flour, which helps prevent clumps.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. You want the dough to be soft and slightly sticky.
6. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough and mix until incorporated. This will enhance the overall flavor of the cookies.
7. Gently fold in the chopped M&Ms and ½ cup of white chocolate chips. Use a spatula to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. You can adjust the amount of chocolate based on your preference!
8. Next, scoop the dough and roll it into balls, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
9. Add 5 whole M&Ms to the top center of each dough ball. This not only makes them look festive but adds an additional burst of chocolate in every bite.
10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear slightly underbaked, but they will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Things Worth Knowing

Helpful Notes about Easter Cookies

Here are some helpful notes to ensure your baking experience goes smoothly while making Easter Cookies. These tips will enhance your results and help you enjoy the process even more.

• Mixing: Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs. This helps create a smoother batter.
• Measuring Flour: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour. This prevents packing and ensures the right amount.
• Oven Thermometer: Consider using an oven thermometer to make sure your oven is at the correct temperature. An inaccurate oven can cause uneven baking.
• Batch Baking: If you’re making a large batch, consider baking in multiple batches to prevent overcrowding, which can affect baking time.
• Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing them. This prevents condensation and keeps them fresh.
• Decorating: Get creative with your decorations! You can add sprinkles or icing for an extra festive touch.

Perfect Pairings for Easter Cookies

To truly enjoy your Easter Cookies, consider some delightful pairings that can elevate your experience. Here are some ideas:

• Milk: Enjoying cookies with a glass of cold milk is a classic pairing that never disappoints. The creaminess of the milk complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
• Ice Cream: Consider serving your cookies warm alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream. The contrast of warm and cold creates a delightful dessert experience.
• Fruit: Fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas adds a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cookies, making for a well-rounded snack.
• Sweet Tea: For a spring gathering, serving Easter Cookies with sweet tea can be a perfect match, enhancing the festive atmosphere.
• Brunch Buffet: These cookies are a wonderful addition to a spring brunch buffet, where they can be enjoyed alongside salads and savory dishes.
• Picnic Treats: Take them on a picnic! Their portability and festive appearance make them a hit in outdoors settings.

FAQ

Conclusion

These Easter Cookies are not just about taste; they’re about creating smiles and memories. I encourage you to whip up a batch and share them with your loved ones. The joy they bring is immeasurable, and they’re sure to become a cherished tradition in your home for years to come.

Easter Cookies

The ultimate spring treat, these Easter Cookies are a delightful blend of sweetness and fun. Each cookie is packed with colorful M&Ms and white chocolate, making them a perfect addition to your Easter celebrations!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Servings: 24 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• ½ cup Butter softened
• ½ cup Vegetable Oil
• 2 Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 3 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup M&Ms chopped and whole, separated
• 1 cup White Chocolate Chips divided

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together 1 cup of white sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, ½ cup of softened butter, and ½ cup of vegetable oil. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is fluffy and light in color, about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, to the butter mixture. Mix well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 3 cups of all-purpose flour.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
6. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough and mix until incorporated.
7. Gently fold in the chopped M&Ms and ½ cup of white chocolate chips.
8. Scoop the dough and roll it into balls, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Add 5 whole M&Ms to the top center of each dough ball.
10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze cookie dough balls for up to 3 months.
• Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool completely before storing them.
• Variations: Feel free to mix in your favorite chocolates or nuts!

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Meet Margot Vance

Founding Savor Feasts was my way of celebrating the art of generous cooking. I believe that food should be abundant, flavorful, and memorable. I personally cook, test, and photograph our recipes to ensure they bring a sense of occasion to your table, whether it is a simple dinner or a grand holiday celebration.