There’s something so magical about sugar cookies, especially when they’re decked out in vibrant royal icing. These Easter Sugar Cookies aren’t just a treat—they’re an experience! Picture yourself biting into a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie with just the right balance of crisp edges and soft centers, all topped with a smooth, glossy icing that adds a pop of sweetness. Whether you’re making them for an Easter gathering, a baking session with loved ones, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, trust me, you’re going to love these. So grab your apron, because we’re about to make something special!
Why You’ll Love Easter Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking with kids, decorating cookies for a festive table, or simply indulging in a sweet homemade treat, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile: Cut them into any shape you like—bunnies, eggs, chicks, flowers—whatever feels festive!
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples, this recipe proves that delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.
Quick and Easy: The dough comes together fast, and while chilling takes some time, the actual baking is a breeze.
Customizable: Play around with colors, decorations, and even flavors in the royal icing to make them your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. These cookies are as fun to decorate as they are to eat!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Easter Sugar Cookies
These cookies are made with simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special.
Butter: The key to a rich, buttery cookie. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives these cookies their sweetness while helping achieve the perfect texture.
Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds structure.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma. You can also add a touch of almond extract for extra depth.
Flour: The base of the cookie dough, giving it structure and that perfect crisp edge.
Baking Powder: Adds just a little lift for a soft, tender bite.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Ingredients in Royal Icing
Powdered Sugar: The main component of royal icing, ensuring a smooth and glossy finish.
Egg Whites or Meringue Powder: Helps the icing set into a firm, shiny layer.
Lemon Juice or Vanilla Extract: Adds a hint of flavor to complement the sweetness.
Food Coloring: Optional, but perfect for creating colorful Easter-themed designs.
Instructions
Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough should be smooth and creamy at this stage.
Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a dough forms. It should be soft but not sticky.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape when baked.
Roll and Cut the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
Use cookie cutters to cut out your desired shapes, then carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Cookies
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake—these cookies are best when they stay soft in the center.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Royal Icing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, egg whites (or meringue powder with water), and a splash of lemon juice or vanilla extract until smooth.
If the icing is too thick, add a few drops of water until you reach a piping consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Divide the icing into separate bowls and add food coloring as desired.
Decorate the Cookies
Using a piping bag or a small spoon, outline the cookies with royal icing and let it set for a few minutes.
Fill in the cookies with thinner icing, using a toothpick to spread it evenly and pop any air bubbles.
Let the icing dry completely before stacking or storing the cookies.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 160
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
How to Serve Easter Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
These cookies are perfect as a standalone treat, but here are a few ways to enjoy them even more:
- Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Package them in festive boxes or bags for an adorable homemade Easter gift.
- Use them as edible decorations for an Easter brunch spread.
- Let kids (or yourself!) go wild with decorating them—add sprinkles, edible glitter, or even gold leaf for a fancy touch.
Additional Tips
- Chill the dough for at least an hour—this keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- If your royal icing is too thick, add a few drops of water. Too thin? Add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Let the cookies dry completely before stacking them to prevent smudging.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Do I have to use royal icing? Not at all! You can also use a simple glaze or buttercream frosting if you prefer.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How do I know when the cookies are done? The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers should still be soft.
Can I decorate them before baking? If you’re using sprinkles, yes! But for royal icing, wait until they’re completely cooled.
Why is my royal icing not hardening? Humidity can affect drying time. Try adding a bit more powdered sugar or letting them dry in front of a fan.
Can I use store-bought icing instead? Absolutely! It won’t have the same glossy finish, but it’ll still taste great.
How long do these cookies stay fresh? About a week in an airtight container, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? You can, but butter gives the best flavor and texture.
How do I get vibrant icing colors? Use gel food coloring instead of liquid—it’s more concentrated and won’t thin the icing.
Conclusion
Easter Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing are the ultimate festive treat—delicious, fun to make, and even more fun to decorate. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying these for the first time, this recipe is guaranteed to bring joy (and some seriously good cookies) to your table. So gather your ingredients, get creative with your designs, and most importantly—enjoy every bite!
Print
Easter Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including cooling)
- Yield: 24–30 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easter Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing are the perfect treat for Easter celebrations. Soft and buttery cookies are cut into fun Easter shapes, like bunnies and eggs, and topped with colorful royal icing. These cookies are not only delicious but also a fun activity for family gatherings and springtime festivities.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Cookies:
- 2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Royal Icing:
- 3 large egg whites (or 4 tablespoons meringue powder)
- 4 cups (500g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Cookie Dough
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla, and almond extract (if using), and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Add milk and stir until dough comes together.
-
Roll Out and Cut Cookies
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼ inch thick.
- Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes (bunnies, eggs, etc.).
- Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
-
Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Make the Royal Icing
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites (or meringue powder) until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and glossy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
-
Decorate the Cookies
- Divide the royal icing into separate bowls if you want to color it. Add food coloring and mix until the desired color is achieved.
- Use a piping bag or a plastic squeeze bottle to decorate the cooled cookies with the royal icing. Let the icing dry for 1-2 hours before serving.
Notes
- You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days.
- Store the decorated cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 1 week.
- For a smoother icing finish, add a tiny bit of water to the royal icing to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 2-inch round)
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg