Every spring, as the flowers burst into bloom and the days get just a little warmer, there’s a delightful air of excitement in the kitchen. Easter, that magical time of year, fills our hearts and homes with warmth, laughter, and the sweet smells of baked goodies. One of my family’s beloved traditions is to whip up a batch of vibrant Easter Cookies, adorned with colorful candies and sprinkles. These cookies are soft and chewy, just the way we like them, and they have a way of bringing everyone together around the table, sharing stories and creating memories.
Why make this recipe? Well, these Easter Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a tradition, a way to celebrate renewal and joy. As we gather to bake, we share not just ingredients, but cherished moments and laughter. Plus, they make for a wonderful surprise for the little ones when they come hunting for Easter eggs, and, oh, how their eyes light up when they find these sweet gems!
How to make Easter Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1½ cups plus one tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 1 large egg, cold
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup Easter/spring M&M’s, plus extra for topping
- ½ cup white chocolate chips or chunks, plus extra for topping
- ¼ cup pastel sprinkles
Directions:
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Preheat that wonderful oven of yours to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to create a light flour mixture. This little whisking moment is both soothing and essential!
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In a separate bowl, take your softened butter and beat it together with both sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and oh-so-dreamy. This step is all about building a sweet, creamy base for our cookies.
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Next, add that cold egg and a splash of pure vanilla extract, mixing until everything is just right. The scent of the vanilla will make your heart smile.
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Now, on a low speed, add in your flour mixture and combine it until you see just a few flour specks. Here’s where the magic happens—gently fold in the colorful M&M’s and white chocolate chips.
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Scoop generous balls of that delightful dough and, for some extra fun, press their tops into pastel sprinkles to add a burst of springtime cheer.
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Place them on your lined baking sheets, making sure to leave room for them to spread their arms while they bake.
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Bake those beauties in the oven for 8 to 11 minutes. You want the edges set and the centers to be slightly underdone for that nice chewy texture. Trust me, the aroma will have your family flocking to the kitchen!
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Once baked, let them cool on wire racks. If you’d like, right after they come out of the oven, press a couple more M&M’s and chocolate chips onto the warm cookies for that extra pop of flavor.
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For perfectly rounded cookies, you can gently shape them with a glass or spoon immediately after baking. This little trick will have everyone wondering how you made them so pretty!
How to serve Easter Cookies
These cookies shine on their own or when presented in a lovely basket lined with a cheerful cloth. You could even pair them with a refreshing glass of milk or put them out alongside a delightful selection of Easter goodies. Family and friends will gather, and the soft crunch of these sweet treats will evoke heartfelt conversations and laughter.
How to store Easter Cookies
If by some miracle you have leftovers (which I highly doubt!), simply store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for about a week. However, I bet they’ll vanish faster than a spring breeze!
Tips to make Easter Cookies
- Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour. Gentle hands create tender cookies!
- Feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins or even switch out the M&M’s for other seasonal treats.
- Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help if you want thicker cookies; they won’t flatten out as much during baking.
Variations
- Experiment with the type of chocolate chips! Switch it up for milk chocolate or even dark chocolate, depending on your family’s taste.
- You can make a batch for other holidays too! Simply swap out the pastel sprinkles for seasonal colors and themed candies.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Just make sure you use a gluten-free blend that you love, and your cookies will still turn out delicious.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough or the baked cookies. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
What’s the secret to soft cookies?
The trick is to not overbake them! Just take them out when they are set around the edges but soft in the center. They’ll continue to cook a bit on the baking sheet even after you pull them out.
In every bite of these warm, chewy Easter Cookies, you’ll find a sprinkle of love and a dash of joy. As we bake and share these delightful treats, may we remember to cherish not just the flavors, but the memories made around the kitchen table. Let’s gather, bake, and enjoy the sweetness of togetherness. Happy Easter, y’all!
Easter Cookies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the cold egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the M&M’s and white chocolate chips.
- Scoop generous balls of dough and press tops into pastel sprinkles.
- Place on lined sheets, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 8 to 11 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly underdone.
- Cool on wire racks and optionally press in additional M&M’s and chocolate chips.
- Shape cookies with a glass or spoon for a perfect round shape.