Easter Cookies: The Perfect Spring Treat for Your Holiday Table

Easter is a time of renewal, celebration, and, of course, delicious treats! If you’re looking for a festive and easy-to-make dessert to add to your Easter menu, look no further than these Easter Cookies. Soft, chewy, and bursting with pastel colors, these cookies are the ultimate springtime indulgence. Made with pastel M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles, they’re as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, an Easter egg hunt, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step recipe for these delightful Easter Cookies, share tips for perfecting them, and explore why they’re the ideal treat for the season. Plus, we’ll dive into the nutritional information and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your baking experience is seamless. Let’s get started!

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Why You’ll Love These Easter Cookies

1. Festive and Fun: The pastel M&M’s and sprinkles make these cookies visually stunning, perfect for Easter celebrations.
2. Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are baked to perfection, with a slightly underdone center that ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
3. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers can master this recipe.
4. Customizable: Swap out the M&M’s and sprinkles for other Easter-themed candies or colors to make them your own.
5. Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will adore these cookies, making them a great addition to any Easter gathering.

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Ingredients for Easter Cookies

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. Here’s what you’ll need to make about 15-20 cookies:

• 1½ cups plus one tablespoon all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, lightly packed (make sure it’s fresh and soft)
• 1 large egg, cold, straight from the fridge
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¾ cup Easter/spring M&M’s, plus extra for topping (if desired)
• ½ cup white chocolate chips or chunks, plus extra for topping (if desired)
• ¼ cup pastel sprinkles

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 1-2 minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Mix-Ins

Gently stir in the Easter M&M’s and white chocolate chips. Place the pastel sprinkles in a shallow bowl for the next step.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Scoop the dough into 1½ to 2½ tablespoon-sized portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently press the top of each ball into the bowl of sprinkles. You can bake the cookies immediately or chill the dough balls in the fridge for about 20 minutes for slightly thicker cookies.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1-2 inches between them to allow for spreading. Bake for 8-11 minutes, depending on the size of your dough balls. The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly underdone for that soft, chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes. If desired, press additional M&M’s or white chocolate chips onto the tops of the cookies while they’re still warm. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

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The History of Easter Cookies

Easter cookies have a rich history that dates back centuries, intertwining with the traditions of Easter celebrations around the world. The concept of baking sweet treats for Easter can be traced to early Christian communities, where eggs and bread were symbolic of rebirth and renewal. Over time, these traditions evolved, and cookies became a popular way to celebrate the holiday. In many cultures, cookies were shaped into symbols of Easter, such as lambs, crosses, or eggs, and decorated with vibrant colors to reflect the joy of spring.

The use of pastel colors in Easter cookies, like the ones in this recipe, is a nod to the pastel hues associated with the season. These colors represent the blooming flowers and new life that come with spring. The addition of candies like M&M’s and sprinkles is a more modern twist, making the cookies not only delicious but also visually appealing. Today, Easter cookies are a staple in many households, often baked as a family activity during the holiday weekend. They’re shared at gatherings, given as gifts, and even left out for the Easter Bunny!

This recipe for Easter Cookies is a modern take on these timeless traditions. By incorporating pastel M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles, it captures the essence of Easter while offering a fun and easy baking experience. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, these cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the season.

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Tips for Baking the Perfect Easter Cookies

Baking the perfect batch of Easter Cookies requires a few key tips and tricks to ensure they turn out soft, chewy, and full of flavor. First, it’s important to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing too much into the dough, which can result in dry cookies.

Another crucial step is creaming the butter and sugars properly. Beat them together for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, which helps the cookies rise and creates a tender texture. When adding the egg and vanilla, make sure they’re fully incorporated, but avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

Chilling the dough is another pro tip. While you can bake the cookies right away, chilling the dough for about 20 minutes helps prevent excessive spreading in the oven, resulting in thicker, more evenly baked cookies. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it’s worth the wait if you want that perfect texture.

Finally, keep a close eye on the baking time. These cookies are best when slightly underbaked, as they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven. For perfectly round cookies, use a glass or cookie cutter to shape them while they’re still warm. With these tips, you’ll be able to bake a batch of Easter Cookies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

 Creative Variations for Easter Cookies

One of the best things about this Easter Cookies recipe is its versatility. While the combination of pastel M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles is delightful, there are countless ways to customize these cookies to suit your preferences or theme. For example, you can swap out the M&M’s for other Easter-themed candies, such as mini chocolate eggs or jellybeans. If you’re a fan of dark chocolate, try using dark chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.

For a nutty twist, add chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the dough. Nuts not only add a satisfying crunch but also pair beautifully with the sweetness of the M&M’s and chocolate chips. If you’re baking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking powder and sprinkles, are gluten-free as well.

If you’re feeling extra creative, try shaping the dough into Easter-themed designs, such as eggs, bunnies, or flowers. You can also experiment with different types of sprinkles, like nonpareils or sanding sugar, to add extra texture and sparkle. For a fun surprise, stuff each cookie dough ball with a small piece of caramel or a mini peanut butter cup before baking.

These creative variations allow you to put your own spin on the recipe while keeping the festive spirit of Easter alive. Whether you stick to the classic version or try something new, these Easter Cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

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Nutritional Information

Each Easter Cookie contains approximately:

• Calories: 200kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 24mg
• Sodium: 73mg
• Potassium: 39mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g
• Vitamin A: 190IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 34mg
• Iron: 1mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Can I Use Different Candies?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the Easter M&M’s for other seasonal candies or even dried fruit for a different twist.

How Do I Store These Cookies?

Store the baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.

Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients (like baking powder and sprinkles) are gluten-free as well.

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Why These Easter Cookies Are a Must-Try

These Easter Cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of spring and all the joy that comes with it. The combination of pastel colors, rich white chocolate, and chewy texture makes them a standout treat for any Easter gathering. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative with mix-ins and decorations.

Whether you’re baking with kids, hosting an Easter brunch, or simply treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake the most delightful Easter Cookies of the season!

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Final Thoughts

Baking these Easter Cookies is a wonderful way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories with loved ones. With their vibrant colors, irresistible texture, and delicious flavor, they’re bound to become a new Easter tradition in your household. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us—we’d love to see how your cookies turn out!