Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe

Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe fans, this festive spring treat is about to become your new holiday favorite. Shaped like sweet little bird nests and topped with fluffy green frosting and chocolate eggs, these cookies are as adorable as they are delicious. Made with a rich cream cheese dough, they bake up soft, tender, and perfectly sweet. Whether you are hosting Easter brunch, filling baskets, or baking with kids, this recipe delivers beautiful bakery style cookies right from your own kitchen. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and charming decorations make these cookies a must bake each spring season.

Why You’ll Love This Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe

There are plenty of sugar cookie recipes out there, but this one stands out for texture, flavor, and presentation.

Here is why you will absolutely love it:

Soft and tender texture
The addition of cream cheese creates a melt in your mouth consistency that stays moist for days.

Perfect for decorating
The dough holds its shape beautifully, making it ideal for round nest designs or festive Easter cutters.

Easy to prepare ahead
The dough can be refrigerated or frozen, making holiday baking more manageable.

Kid friendly and fun
Little hands love piping frosting nests and placing candy eggs on top.

Beautiful presentation
These cookies look impressive on dessert tables yet are simple enough for beginner bakers.

Ingredients

Cookie Dough

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 egg
2 ¾ cups all purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Frosting

3 ¾ cups powdered sugar
¾ cup butter, room temperature
3 to 4 tablespoons milk
Pinch of salt
2 to 3 drops green food coloring

Optional decorations:

Chocolate candy eggs
Green tinted coconut
Pastel sprinkles

Step by Step: How to Make Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cream the Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add both sugars and continue mixing until light and creamy. Blend in the almond extract and egg.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents overmixing later.

Step 4: Combine and Form Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Roll and Cut

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about half inch thickness. For slightly crispier cookies, roll a bit thinner. Cut into circles or desired shapes and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the tops lose their glossy appearance and the bottoms turn lightly golden. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Frosting

Beat butter until smooth and creamy. Add salt, green food coloring, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Slowly mix in powdered sugar on low speed. Increase to high and beat for 2 minutes. Add additional milk if needed to reach piping consistency.

Step 8: Decorate the Nests

Using a large star piping tip, pipe frosting in a circular motion around the edge of each cookie, layering slightly upward to create a nest effect. Add chocolate eggs or decorative toppings.

Helpful Tips

Use softened butter and cream cheese for smooth blending.
Bring eggs to room temperature before mixing.
Chill the dough for 30 to 60 minutes if it feels sticky.
Do not overbake or cookies may lose their soft texture.
Use gel food coloring to maintain thick frosting consistency.

Measuring flour properly is key. Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off instead of scooping directly from the bag.

Substitutions And Variations

Swap almond extract for vanilla extract if preferred.
Add lemon zest for a bright citrus twist.
Use pastel colored frosting instead of green for variety.
Make chocolate nests by adding cocoa powder to a portion of frosting.
Try different candy eggs such as speckled malt balls or jelly beans.

For a coconut nest effect, sprinkle green-tinted coconut on top of freshly piped frosting before adding eggs.

Storage Instructions

Store the dough securely wrapped in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For extended storage, freeze the dough for up to 3 months.

Baked undecorated cookies can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Frosting should be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Allow it to return to room temperature and rewhip before using.

Fully decorated cookies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. If freezing decorated cookies, remove candy toppings first and separate layers with parchment paper.

Nutritional Information

Per serving:

Calories: 439 kcal
Carbohydrates: 61 g
Protein: 3 g
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Cholesterol: 54 mg
Sodium: 191 mg
Potassium: 108 mg
Sugar: 41 g
Vitamin A: 495 IU
Calcium: 40 mg
Iron: 0.5 mg

These cookies are a delightful seasonal indulgence, ideal for celebrating holidays and special gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies on a spring-themed platter surrounded by fresh flowers for a beautiful Easter display. They pair wonderfully with:

Fresh fruit salad
Lemonade or sparkling punch
Coffee or tea
Vanilla ice cream for cookie sandwiches

Package them in clear treat bags tied with pastel ribbon for thoughtful homemade gifts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe

Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes. The dough can be refrigerated for up to two days or frozen for three months. Thaw frozen dough overnight in the refrigerator before rolling.

Why does this recipe use cream cheese?
Cream cheese enhances the flavor and creates a soft, rich texture that stays moist longer than traditional sugar cookies.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough before baking and avoid placing dough on warm baking sheets. Proper flour measurement also helps maintain structure.

Can I make these without almond extract?
Absolutely. Vanilla extract works perfectly if you prefer a more classic sugar cookie flavor.

How do I get the nest design?
Use a large star piping tip and pipe frosting in a circular pattern, slightly layering upward to create a realistic nest shape.

Can kids help decorate?
Yes. This recipe is perfect for family baking days. Kids especially enjoy placing the candy eggs on each frosted nest.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for baking these Easter sugar cookies. They are one of my favorite spring traditions because they combine simplicity, sweetness, and creativity in one delightful treat. The soft cream cheese base and fluffy frosting come together effortlessly, yet the final result looks festive and impressive. I hope this recipe brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your Easter celebrations. Enjoy every sweet bite, have fun decorating, and thank you for being part of this wonderful food loving community. Happy baking and best wishes for a delicious spring season.

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