Easter Egg Sugar Cookies

The kitchen smelled like vanilla and butter when my daughter asked if we could make cookies that looked like Easter eggs. We ended up with flour on our noses and the most beautiful pastel creations Ive ever seen.

Last Easter, my neighbor came over with her grandkids and we turned cookie decorating into a full-blown competition. The winning cookie had tiny sprinkle polka dots and looked like something from a magazine.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cookies their tender structure and prevents spreading
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature so it creams perfectly with sugar for that melt-in-your-mouth texture
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough while creating those crisp edges we all love
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: The classic flavor that makes sugar cookies taste like home
• 1/2 tsp almond extract: Optional but adds a wonderful depth that complements the vanilla beautifully
• 2 cups powdered sugar: Sifted to prevent lumps in your royal icing
• 2 tbsp meringue powder: The secret to icing that hardens perfectly so you can stack the cookies
• 3–4 tbsp water: Adjust this to get your icing to just the right pipeable consistency

Instructions

Mix the dry ingredients:

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until well combined

Cream the butter and sugar:

Beat them together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy

Add the wet ingredients:

Mix in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until everything is incorporated

Combine the dough:

Gradually add the flour mixture and mix just until you no longer see dry streaks

Chill the dough:

Divide into two discs, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes

Prep for baking:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper

Roll and cut:

Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut out egg shapes

Bake until perfect:

Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges barely start turning golden

Make the icing:

Mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth and thick

Decorate:

Color your icing and pipe designs onto the cooled cookies

Pin it

My sister once forgot to chill the dough and we ended up with round blobs instead of eggs. We still decorated them and laughed about our Easter blobs all afternoon.

Getting The Icing Right

The perfect consistency is when you lift a spoon and the ribbon of icing disappears back into itself in about 10 seconds. Too thick and it will pipe with jagged edges, too thin and it will run off the cookies.

Decorating Like A Pro

Start with an outline of thicker icing around the edge of each cookie, then flood the center with thinner icing. Use a toothpick to spread it evenly and pop any bubbles that appear.

Storage And Gifting

Once the icing is completely dry, these cookies stack beautifully in layers with parchment paper between. They stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container at room temperature.

• Add a splash of lemon zest to the dough for a bright spring flavor
• Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for the most vibrant pastel shades
• Let decorated cookies sit overnight before wrapping to ensure the icing hardens completely

Pin it

These cookies have become our Easter tradition and I cannot wait to see what designs my family creates this year.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the cookies soft?

To maintain softness, avoid overbaking and chill the dough before rolling. This helps control spreading and retains moisture for a tender bite.

→ What is the purpose of chilling the dough?

Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to roll and cut shapes without sticking or losing definition during baking.

→ Can I add flavor variations?

Yes, adding lemon or orange zest to the dough introduces a fresh citrus twist that complements the buttery base.

→ How do I achieve smooth royal icing?

Mix sifted powdered sugar with meringue powder and just enough water until the icing is thick but pipeable. Adjust water quantity for desired consistency.

→ What tools are essential for decorating?

A piping bag or squeeze bottle allows precise application of colored icing to create detailed festive patterns.

→ Are these cookies suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, they contain no meat products and are suitable for a vegetarian diet, but contain eggs and dairy.