Easter Egg Sugar Cookies (Print Version)
Buttery sugar cookies with colorful icing make a festive addition to spring gatherings and treats.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cookie Dough
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 tsp baking powder
03 - 1/4 tsp salt
04 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 large egg
07 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 tsp almond extract
→ Royal Icing
09 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
10 - 2 tbsp meringue powder
11 - 3–4 tbsp water
12 - Gel food coloring (various pastel colors)
# How to Cook:
01 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside for later use.
02 - Beat softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 2–3 minutes.
03 - Incorporate the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until fully combined.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
05 - Divide dough into two equal portions, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes.
06 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
07 - On a lightly floured surface, roll one dough disc to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out egg shapes and place 1 inch apart on prepared sheets.
08 - Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges just begin turning golden. Allow to cool completely on the baking sheet.
09 - Combine powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water in a bowl. Mix until smooth and reaches pipeable consistency.
10 - Divide icing into separate bowls and tint with gel food coloring. Decorate cooled cookies with festive Easter egg patterns. Let icing set completely before serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The dough is incredibly forgiving and comes together in minutes
- These cookies stay soft for days, unlike the usual crunchy sugar cookies
- Decorating becomes a family activity that creates memories, not just treats
02 -
- Warm dough spreads too much and loses its egg shape
- Overbaked royal icing becomes chalky instead of glossy
- Gel food coloring creates vibrant colors without thinning the icing
03 -
- Chill your decorated cookies for 15 minutes to help the icing set faster
- Use a toothpick to smooth out any imperfections in your icing designs