These Easter Egg Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate spring. With a delicate, buttery texture and a smooth royal icing finish, these cookies are as delicious as they are beautiful. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or decorating with family, this timeless recipe will add a festive and elegant touch to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft & Buttery Texture – A perfectly tender cookie that melts in your mouth.
Beautifully Decorated – Pastel icing and intricate designs make these cookies truly special.
Ideal for Celebrations – A festive treat for Easter gatherings and springtime events.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Both the dough and icing can be prepared in advance.
Total Time & Servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Bake Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
For the Royal Icing:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp meringue powder
- 5-6 tbsp water
- Gel food coloring (pastel shades)
- Piping bags and decorating tips
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2: Roll & Cut
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to ¼-inch thickness. Use an egg-shaped cookie cutter to cut out shapes, then transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake & Cool
Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Make the Royal Icing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until a smooth, pipeable consistency is achieved. Divide the icing into separate bowls and tint with pastel gel food coloring.
Step 5: Decorate
Transfer the icing into piping bags and outline each cookie with a fine-tip nozzle. Fill the center with a thinner consistency icing and use a toothpick to smooth it out. Let the icing set completely before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sugar Cookies
Chill the Dough – This prevents the cookies from spreading in the oven.
Use Gel Food Coloring – Achieves vibrant pastel shades without altering consistency.
Let Icing Dry Completely – Allow at least 4-6 hours for the icing to set before stacking.
Pair It With
Hot Cross Buns – A classic Easter treat to enjoy alongside these cookies.
Lemon Curd Tartlets – A tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
Chamomile or Earl Grey Tea – A floral and comforting pairing for an afternoon treat.
Storing & Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Undecorated cookies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before icing.
Final Thoughts
These Easter Egg Sugar Cookies bring beauty and sweetness to any springtime gathering. With their delicate texture and intricate designs, they’re a joy to make and share. Whether you’re gifting a batch or setting them out for Easter brunch, these cookies add a touch of elegance to the holiday celebration.
