Description
These sweet, soft Easter cookies are perfectly tender and subtly flavored with vanilla, making them an ideal treat for spring celebrations. Featuring a simple dough that is chilled, rolled, and baked to golden edges, they provide a delightful canvas for decorating and sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until combined to create the wet base of the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt ensuring the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed for consistent rising and flavor.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until a cohesive dough forms, being careful not to overmix which could make the cookies tough.
- Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to roll and cut into shapes.
- Preheat Oven and Roll Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ¼ inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut dough into desired Easter shapes.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges just start to turn golden.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating or serving.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened but not melted to achieve the ideal creamy texture.
- Do not overbake to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Chilling the dough is essential for clean cookie shapes and better handling.
- Flour measurement by spooning and leveling prevents dense cookies caused by too much flour.
- Decorate cooled cookies with icing or sprinkles to enhance festive appearance.
