Easter Sugar Cookies Pastel

Easter brings with it the promise of spring, the joy of renewal, and the sweet delight of beautifully decorated sugar cookies. These buttery, tender Easter sugar cookies adorned with pastel royal icing are more than just a treat—they're an edible celebration of the season. Each cookie is a canvas for creativity, inviting you to pipe delicate designs in soft pinks, yellows, greens, blues, and purples that capture the essence of springtime. Whether you're baking with children, preparing for an Easter brunch, or simply craving a classic American dessert with a festive twist, these cookies deliver on both flavor and charm.

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The magic of these Easter sugar cookies lies in their simplicity and versatility. The dough itself is a classic combination of butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla—ingredients that come together to create a cookie with just the right amount of sweetness and a tender crumb. The addition of milk ensures the dough rolls out smoothly, while a brief chill in the refrigerator makes cutting clean shapes effortless. Once baked to golden perfection and cooled, these cookies become the perfect base for royal icing artistry. The stiff peaks of the icing allow for intricate piping, while thinning it slightly creates a smooth flood for larger areas. With gel food coloring in pastel shades, you can transform simple cookies into springtime masterpieces.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• 5–6 tablespoons warm water, plus more as needed
• Gel food coloring in pastel shades (pink, yellow, green, blue, purple)

Instructions

• Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
• Step 3: Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
• Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed. Add milk and mix until dough just comes together.
• Step 5: Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Step 6: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Step 7: On a lightly floured surface, roll dough to 1/4-inch (6 mm) thickness. Cut into Easter shapes.
• Step 8: Place cookies on prepared sheets, spacing 1 inch apart and bake 8–10 minutes.
• Step 9: For the icing, combine powdered sugar and meringue powder. Add water and beat on high until stiff peaks form.
• Step 10: Tint icing with gel colors, transfer to piping bags, and decorate cooled cookies.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the softest, most tender cookies, be careful not to over-bake them. The edges should just begin to turn golden while the centers remain pale. If you prefer your royal icing to flow smoothly for flooding larger areas, thin it with a few drops of water until it reaches the consistency of honey. For added flavor complexity, consider incorporating a teaspoon of lemon or almond extract into either the cookie dough or the royal icing. When rolling out the dough, work quickly and keep it cool—if it becomes too soft, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes. Use a thin metal spatula to transfer cut shapes to the baking sheet to maintain their clean edges.

Varianten und Anpassungen

While these cookies are perfect as written, there are countless ways to adapt them to your preferences. Swap the vanilla extract for almond, lemon, or even orange extract for a different flavor profile. For a more vibrant color palette, use gel food coloring in traditional Easter hues or experiment with trendy ombré effects. You can also add finely grated citrus zest to the dough for a subtle fragrance. If you prefer a vegan version, substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives, use a flax egg, and replace the meringue powder with aquafaba-based royal icing. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may be slightly different.

Serviervorschläge

These Easter sugar cookies are as versatile in serving as they are in decorating. Arrange them on a festive platter as part of an Easter brunch spread, pair them with a cup of Earl Grey tea for an afternoon treat, or package them in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons as charming party favors. They're delightful alongside fresh spring berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a glass of cold milk. For an elegant dessert table, display them on tiered stands interspersed with fresh flowers. Children will love decorating their own cookies at an Easter party, turning baking into a memorable activity.

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Easter sugar cookies decorated with pastel royal icing are a timeless tradition that combines the comfort of homemade baking with the artistry of decorating. Whether you're an experienced baker or trying your hand at royal icing for the first time, this recipe provides a reliable foundation for creating beautiful, delicious cookies. The buttery dough bakes up tender and flavorful, while the smooth, vibrant icing transforms each cookie into a miniature work of art. As you gather with loved ones to celebrate the season, these cookies will bring smiles, spark creativity, and add a touch of sweetness to your Easter festivities. Store them in an airtight container, and they'll stay fresh for up to a week—though they're so delightful, they rarely last that long.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I achieve the perfect cookie texture?

Chilling the dough before baking helps achieve a tender, soft texture by preventing excessive spreading during baking.

→ What causes royal icing to be too runny?

Too much water makes royal icing thin; add water gradually until stiff peaks form for best consistency.

→ Can I use different flavors for the icing?

Yes, adding lemon or almond extract to royal icing enhances its flavor without affecting texture.

→ How long should cookies cool before decorating?

Allow cookies to cool completely on wire racks to ensure icing sets properly without melting.

→ What storage is recommended for decorated cookies?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week to maintain freshness and decoration.