Introduction
Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate Easter than with Easter Egg Sugar Cookies? These egg-shaped cookies are buttery, soft, and perfect for decorating, making them a fun and festive treat for Easter gatherings, Easter baskets, or even as a DIY activity with kids.
In this article, we’ll guide you through an easy Easter egg cookies recipe, including how to make sugar cookie dough, tips for decorating Easter sugar cookies, and even a version for no egg cookies for those with allergies or dietary preferences. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, these Easter sugar cookies decorated beautifully will impress everyone at your holiday table.
Why You’ll Love These Easter Egg Cookies
✔ Fun and Festive – Perfect for Easter parties, brunches, and gifts.
✔ Easy to Decorate – Great for a family-friendly activity.
✔ Soft and Delicious – The perfect balance of chewy and crisp.
✔ Customizable – Decorate with royal icing, buttercream, or sprinkles.
✔ Egg-Free Option – Includes a no egg cookies version.
Ingredients for Easter Egg Sugar Cookies
For the Sugar Cookie Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (or substitute for no egg cookies version)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
For the Royal Icing (Decorating Icing)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tbsp meringue powder
- 3 tbsp warm water
- ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract
- Gel food coloring (assorted pastel colors)
Optional Decorations
- Sprinkles
- Edible glitter
- Sugar pearls
How to Make Easter Egg Cookies
Step 1: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough
- Whisk dry ingredients – In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar – In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add egg and vanilla – Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients – Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until a smooth dough forms.
- Chill the dough – Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). This helps the cookies keep their shape.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Cookies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface to ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut egg-shaped cookies using an egg cookie cutter (or trace a stencil).
- Transfer to baking sheets and place 1 inch apart.
Step 3: Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 9-11 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
How to Decorate Easter Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Make the Royal Icing
- Mix powdered sugar and meringue powder in a bowl.
- Add warm water and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until glossy and smooth.
- Divide icing into separate bowls and tint each with pastel gel food colors.
- Thin icing slightly with water for flooding consistency (for smooth icing layers).
Step 2: Decorating Techniques
Basic Flooded Icing
- Outline the cookie with thicker icing using a piping bag.
- Flood the center with thinned icing and use a toothpick to spread evenly.
- Let the icing dry for 2-4 hours before adding details.
Polka Dot or Marbled Effect
- Pipe a base color over the entire cookie.
- While still wet, add dots or swirls in a contrasting color.
- Use a toothpick to drag through the dots for a marbled look.
Piped Patterns & Details
- Use stiff icing for intricate swirls, stripes, or flowers.
- Add sprinkles or edible pearls before icing dries.
Egg-Free Sugar Cookie Recipe (No Egg Cookies Version)
For those who need eggless Easter sugar cookies, try this alternative dough.
No Egg Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce (or 3 tbsp milk for crispier cookies)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions for No Egg Cookies
- Follow the same steps as the original recipe, replacing the egg with applesauce or milk.
- Bake and decorate as usual!
📉 Texture: These will be slightly softer than traditional egg cookies but just as delicious!
Tips for Perfect Easter Egg Sugar Cookies
✔ Chill the Dough – Prevents cookies from spreading too much while baking.
✔ Use Parchment Paper – Helps cookies bake evenly.
✔ Don’t Overbake – Remove when edges just start turning golden.
✔ Let Icing Fully Dry – Give at least 4 hours for firm, stackable cookies.
✔ Use Gel Food Colors – They give brighter colors without thinning the icing.
Creative Easter Cookie Decorating Ideas
🌸 Floral Designs – Use small piping tips to create roses, leaves, and daisies.
🐣 Chick or Bunny Faces – Pipe simple eyes, whiskers, and ears for adorable Easter characters.
🎨 DIY Cookie Painting – Mix food coloring with a few drops of water and use paintbrushes for artistic cookies.
✨ Speckled Egg Effect – Flick cocoa powder mixed with water onto cookies for a realistic egg look.
Storing and Freezing Easter Egg Cookies
🥶 Make-Ahead: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
🔥 Reheating: If cookies lose freshness, microwave for 5-10 seconds to soften.
❄️ Freezing:
- Dough: Wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Baked Cookies: Freeze undecorated cookies between parchment layers.
Pairing Easter Egg Cookies with Other Treats
🍫 Chocolate Easter Egg Cookies – Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
🧁 Easter Cupcakes – Serve alongside pastel-colored cupcakes for a dessert spread.
☕ Tea & Coffee – Enjoy with vanilla chai or a latte for the ultimate springtime treat.
FAQs About Easter Egg Cookies
1. Can I Use Buttercream Instead of Royal Icing?
Yes! Use thick buttercream icing and pipe designs with a star tip.
2. How Long Does Royal Icing Take to Dry?
It takes 2-4 hours to dry fully. Let cookies sit overnight for best results.
3. Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour instead of all-purpose flour.
4. How Do I Make My Cookies More Flavorful?
Try adding lemon zest, orange extract, or cinnamon for extra depth.
5. Can I Decorate Without Piping Bags?
Yes! Use a ziplock bag with the corner cut off or dip cookies in icing.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Easter Sugar Cookies Decorated Beautifully
These Easter Egg Cookies are easy to make, fun to decorate, and delicious to eat! Whether you’re making egg-shaped cookies with royal icing, no egg cookies for allergies, or creating intricate designs, this recipe is a perfect way to celebrate Easter.
🐣 Try making these this Easter and tag us in your decorated cookies! 🌸🍪🐰
