There’s something magical about baking festive cookies during the holidays.
These Easter sugar cookies are buttery, soft, and perfect for decorating with colorful icing.
They bring fun to the kitchen and make a sweet centerpiece for your holiday table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The dough is easy to roll and cut into festive shapes.
The cookies have a delicate balance of vanilla and almond flavors.
They hold their shape beautifully while baking.
Royal icing adds endless decorating possibilities.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
All-purpose flour creates a sturdy base that still feels tender.
Butter gives richness and that classic sugar cookie taste.
Vanilla and almond extracts add layers of flavor that feel festive.
Royal icing makes decorating fun and gives a glossy finish.
Easter cookie cutters shape the cookies into bunnies, eggs, or flowers.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Chill the dough before rolling to prevent sticking.
Dust your rolling pin lightly with flour for easier handling.
Bake until just lightly golden on the edges for soft cookies.
Let cookies cool fully before decorating with icing.
How to Make Sugar Cookie Easter
Step 1 – Preheat the oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2 – Mix dry ingredients
Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
Step 3 – Cream butter and sugar
Beat softened butter with sugar until fluffy.
Step 4 – Add egg and extracts
Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
Step 5 – Combine wet and dry
Gradually add dry mixture to wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
Step 6 – Roll and cut
Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Cut with Easter cookie cutters.
Step 7 – Bake the cookies
Place cookies on baking sheet and bake 8–10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Step 8 – Cool and decorate
Allow to cool fully, then decorate with royal icing.
What to Serve Them With
Enjoy with tea or coffee for a sweet treat.
Package in bags or boxes for Easter gifts.
Serve on a dessert platter alongside cakes and candies.
Pair with milk for a kid-friendly snack.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap almond extract for lemon extract for a citrus twist.
Add pastel sprinkles before baking for built-in decoration.
Use cream cheese frosting instead of royal icing for a softer topping.
Turn them into sandwich cookies by filling with buttercream.
Storage & Leftovers
Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Decorated cookies keep at room temperature for 4–5 days.
Freeze baked, undecorated cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw before icing.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, wrap and refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Absolutely, freeze rolled dough or cut shapes, then bake straight from frozen.
What’s the best way to keep the cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture.
Do I have to use almond extract?
No, it’s optional, but it adds depth. You can replace it with more vanilla.
How do I keep cookies from spreading?
Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling and cutting.
Can I make royal icing at home?
Yes, whisk powdered sugar with meringue powder and water until smooth.
What if I don’t have Easter cookie cutters?
Use any shapes you like, such as hearts, stars, or simple circles.
How long should I let the cookies cool before icing?
Wait until they are completely cool, about 30 minutes, so the icing sets properly.
Can kids help decorate these cookies?
Definitely, decorating is a fun family activity for Easter.
Can I color the royal icing?
Yes, use gel food coloring to create vibrant pastel shades.
Final Thoughts
These Easter sugar cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.
With their soft texture, light almond flavor, and endless decorating options, they’re perfect for celebrating spring.
Whether for gifting, entertaining, or family baking time, they’re sure to be a holiday favorite.
