Print

Easter Cookies Recipe

Easter Cookies
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Easter cookie recipes. Easy holiday baking.

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour
  • granulated sugar
  • unsalted butter
  • large eggs
  • pure vanilla extract
  • baking powder
  • salt
  • confectioners’ sugar
  • meringue powder
  • warm water
  • light corn syrup
  • gel food coloring

Instructions

  • Begin by ensuring your unsalted butter is at perfect room temperature – soft enough to readily indent with your finger but not melted. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for about 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This creaming process is vital for incorporating air, which contributes to the cookies’ tender texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl often to ensure everything is evenly combined.
  • Next, beat in the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until fully incorporated. Stir in the pure vanilla extract, ensuring that sweet aroma begins to permeate the mixture.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten too much, resulting in tough cookies. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, but manageable.
  • Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). This chilling time is crucial; it helps the butter solidify, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking and making the dough much easier to roll out.
  • When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite Easter-themed cookie cutters (bunnies, eggs, chicks, flowers) to cut out shapes. Carefully transfer the cut-outs to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about an inch between each cookie. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still look soft. Do not overbake, as this will dry out the cookies. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
  • For the perfect royal icing, combine the confectioners’ sugar and meringue powder in a large bowl. Gradually add warm water, starting with less than you think you need, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer until fully incorporated. Add the light corn syrup and pure vanilla extract, then increase the speed to high and beat for 5-7 minutes until the icing is glossy, stiff, and holds soft peaks. The consistency is key: for outlining, you want it a little thicker (think toothpaste), and for flooding, thin it down with tiny additions of water until it has the consistency of honey (it should disappear into itself slowly when a line is drawn). Separate the icing into small bowls and use gel food coloring to achieve your desired pastel shades. Keep all unused icing covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent it from drying out.
  • Once your Easter Cookies are completely cooled and your royal icing is prepared and colored, it’s time to unleash your creativity! Start by outlining each cookie shape with a slightly thicker consistency icing, creating a barrier. Allow this outline to dry for about 10-15 minutes, which will prevent your flood icing from spilling over the edges. Then, using a thinner consistency icing of the same color, “flood” the inside of your outline, gently spreading it to the edges with a small spoon or toothpick. If you want to add wet-on-wet designs (like polka dots or swirls), do so immediately after flooding. Let the cookies dry for several hours, or even overnight, optimally, before adding any intricate details or packaging them. This ensures the icing sets fully and doesn’t smudge, resulting in beautifully finished, edible works of art.

Notes

Get ready to infuse your spring celebrations with the most charming and delectable treat: our incredible Easter Cookies! These delightful sugar cookies are not just any ordinary bake; they are a canvas for joy, bursting with a delicate vanilla flavor and an unbelievably tender texture that practically melts in your mouth.

Find it online: https://homecookstudio.com/easter-cookies-simple-recipes/