Delightful Easter Sugar Cookies (Printable)
Buttery soft sugar cookies with colorful royal icing, perfect for Easter spring celebrations and sharing with loved ones.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Royal Icing
08 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
09 - 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons milk or water
10 - 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
11 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
12 - Food coloring (assorted pastel colors)
13 - Assorted sprinkles and decorations
# Steps:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside for later use.
02 - Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy and pale, approximately 2-3 minutes. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
03 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
04 - Divide dough in half and flatten into disks. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
05 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
06 - Roll out chilled dough on lightly floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut shapes using Easter-themed cookie cutters.
07 - Arrange cookies 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but not browned.
08 - Let cookies rest on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
09 - Stir together powdered sugar, milk or water, corn syrup, and vanilla or almond extract until smooth. Adjust liquid to achieve desired consistency.
10 - Divide icing and tint with food coloring. Decorate cooled cookies and add sprinkles before icing sets. Allow icing to dry completely before serving or storing.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The dough is incredibly forgiving and holds shapes perfectly without spreading
- These cookies stay soft for days, making them perfect for gifting and shipping
02 -
- Chilling the dough is non negotiable or your cookies will spread and lose their shape
- Royal icing consistency makes all the difference, test it on a plate first
03 -
- Rotate your baking sheets halfway through for even browning
- Use a cooling rack to prevent bottoms from getting soggy