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If you’re looking for a delightful way to celebrate springtime and bring joy to your Easter table, this Easter Sugar Cookies with Colorful Icing and Sprinkles Recipe is a must-try! These cookies are irresistibly soft with a perfect balance of sweetness, and the vibrant icings paired with playful sprinkles make each bite a festive celebration. Whether you’re baking with kids or hoping to impress guests with a cheerful dessert, this recipe is sure to brighten your holiday in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but crucial to achieve the perfect texture and vibrant flavors of your Easter Sugar Cookies with Colorful Icing and Sprinkles Recipe. Each element plays a unique role—from the butter for tenderness to the powdered sugar that creates that smooth, sweet icing that’s as fun to decorate as it is to eat.
- 1 1/2 cups sugar: Adds the sweet base that keeps the cookies deliciously classic.
- 2/3 cup butter: Provides richness and a tender crumb when creamed with sugar.
- 2 eggs: Bind the dough together and add moisture for the perfect chewy texture.
- 2 Tbsp milk: Helps keep the dough soft and aids in mixing the ingredients smoothly.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the cookie’s flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 3 1/4 cups flour: The main structure for your cookies, giving them shape and bite.
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder: Lightens the dough to produce soft yet sturdy cookies.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and deepens the overall flavor profile.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: Essential for making the luscious icing that’s soft and sweet.
- 3-4 tbsp milk (for icing): Adjusts the icing consistency from thick to just right for dipping.
- 1 tsp vanilla (for icing): Adds that familiar comforting flavor into your glaze.
- Green, pink, yellow, and blue food coloring: Brings joy and spring vibes right to your cookies with vibrant hues.
- Sprinkles of your choice: Adds fun texture and that extra festive touch every cookie deserves.
How to Make Easter Sugar Cookies with Colorful Icing and Sprinkles Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Kick things off by preheating your oven to 350ºF. This ensures your cookies bake evenly from the moment they hit the oven. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. Being prepared before mixing makes the entire process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until they become light and fluffy. This step is magical because incorporating air creates a soft and tender cookie texture that everyone loves. Don’t rush it—getting this just right is key.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Now, mix in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. These ingredients add moisture and bring out a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor. Make sure everything is fully combined with no streaks of egg visible for the best dough consistency.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. This stage is where your cookies get their structure and rise, so be sure not to over-mix—just enough to bind everything together.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Roll your dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on your prepared baking sheet. Press each dough ball down with a flour-dipped glass until about 1/2 inch thick. This creates the classic sugar cookie shape and ensures even baking every time.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for about 9 minutes until the tops start to brown slightly. Keep a close eye so they don’t over-bake—perfect cookies have a subtle golden edge with soft centers. Once baked, let them cool completely before moving on.
Step 7: Prepare Colorful Icing
Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, adjusting consistency until it’s just thick enough to coat a spoon but still dip-able. Divide the icing into four small bowls and add your green, pink, yellow, and blue food coloring. Stir gently to create those spring-inspired pastel shades.
Step 8: Ice and Decorate
Dip each cooled cookie into the colored icing, letting the excess drip off before placing it on parchment to set. While the icing is still wet, sprinkle your favorite sprinkles on top to add delightful texture and a burst of color that screams Easter fun.
How to Serve Easter Sugar Cookies with Colorful Icing and Sprinkles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkles are the star here, but don’t hesitate to add a little edible glitter or delicate sugar pearls for extra sparkle. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also complement the colorful icing and boost visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a refreshing glass of lemonade, fruity iced tea, or even a warm cup of spiced chai to balance the sweetness. They also shine alongside a fresh fruit platter, making for a well-rounded Easter dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your cookies on pastel-colored platters or tiered cake stands to amplify the festive vibe. Wrapping individual cookies in cellophane bags tied with ribbons makes them perfect for gifts or party favors. You can even arrange them into an Easter basket centerpiece that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your decorated Easter Sugar Cookies with Colorful Icing and Sprinkles Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Make sure they’re completely dry and the icing has fully hardened before stacking them to prevent smudging.
Freezing
You can freeze un-iced cookie dough balls by placing them on parchment-lined trays until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Bake and decorate once thawed. For baked and iced cookies, freeze them in a single layer inside an airtight container with parchment paper separating layers.
Reheating
While these cookies are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, if you prefer a slightly warm treat, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be cautious with the icing—it can soften or melt if warmed too much.
FAQs
Can I use different food coloring for the icing?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with any colors you love to fit your Easter theme or personal preference. Gel food coloring tends to be more vibrant and won’t thin out the icing.
How do I make sure my cookies stay soft?
Don’t overbake your cookies—take them out as soon as the edges just start to brown. Also, storing them properly in an airtight container helps maintain softness longer.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just be mindful it might affect the texture slightly, so consider adding a binder like xanthan gum if your flour blend doesn’t include it.
Is it necessary to dip the cookies in icing, or can I spread it?
While dipping creates a smooth and even layer of icing, spreading with a small spatula or the back of a spoon works perfectly too and can be quicker when decorating many cookies.
How long does the icing take to harden?
Typically, the icing will set within 1-2 hours at room temperature. For faster results, place the cookies in the fridge for about 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Easter Sugar Cookies with Colorful Icing and Sprinkles Recipe brings so much joy and creativity to your kitchen, perfect for sharing smiles with family and friends. These cookies are not only scrumptious but also a canvas for your artistic flair, making every holiday moment even sweeter. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience the fun of decorating, baking, and most importantly, eating these delightful treats!
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Easter Sugar Cookies with Colorful Icing and Sprinkles Recipe
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and tender Easter Sugar Cookies decorated with colorful icing and festive sprinkles, perfect for celebrating the holiday season with friends and family. This recipe yields 30 delicious cookies with a classic sweet flavor and a light crispy edge, all baked to perfection and iced with vibrant pastel shades.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2/3 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Green, pink, yellow, and blue food coloring
- Sprinkles of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking your cookies evenly.
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender texture.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined, providing moisture and flavor.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix until a dough forms with even consistency.
- Form cookie balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to promote uniform baking.
- Flatten cookies: Dip a glass in flour and gently press down each dough ball until about 1/2 inch thick, shaping the cookies.
- Bake cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 9 minutes, or until the tops just start to brown. Monitor closely to avoid over-baking.
- Cool cookies: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack to set properly before icing.
- Prepare icing: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk as necessary to get a spreadable icing.
- Color icing: Divide the icing evenly into four small bowls. Add 2 drops of each food coloring (green, pink, yellow, blue) into each bowl and mix well to create distinct pastel shades.
- Ice cookies: Dip each cooled cookie into the colored icing, coating the top surface completely for an even, glossy finish.
- Add sprinkles: Immediately sprinkle your choice of decorative sprinkles on top of the wet icing before it sets to add extra festive flair.
- Set and serve: Let the icing harden completely at room temperature before serving or storing the cookies to maintain their beautiful decoration and perfect texture.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Adjust icing consistency carefully to avoid it being too runny or too thick for dipping.
- Store baked and iced cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to 5 days.
- For a firmer icing, allow cookies to set in a cool place or refrigerate briefly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
