Go Back
Sweet Easter Cookies - 2 Thumbnail

Easter Sugar Cookies

These Soft Easter Sugar Cookies are a must-bake for spring celebrations. Made with butter and cream cheese, they’re thick, tender, and perfectly sweet with a bakery-style flavor everyone loves. The dough rolls easily, holds its shape, and bakes up soft with lightly golden edges—ideal for decorating. Finished with fluffy, pastel-tinted frosting and festive toppings, these cookies fit right in with Easter Party Food, cozy brunch spreads, or casual snacking. Whether you’re baking with kids or prepping Easy Easter Treats ahead of time, this recipe delivers reliable results and plenty of Easter cheer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • For the Cookies
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter softened – Creates a rich base and keeps the cookies tender with neat, defined edges.
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened – Adds moisture and a slight tang for thick, ultra-soft cookies that hold their shape.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and helps create lightly cracked tops as they bake.
  • ½ cup powdered sugar sifted – Gives the cookies a finer crumb and softer bite.
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract – Delivers that classic bakery-style flavor perfect for spring treats.
  • 1 large egg room temperature – Brings the dough together and provides structure without drying it out.
  • 2¾ cups all-purpose flour – Forms the foundation so the cookies stay sturdy enough for decorating.
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds just enough lift for thick soft cookies.
  • ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
  • For the Frosting
  • 3¾ cups powdered sugar – Makes a smooth frosting that pipes beautifully and sets lightly.
  • ¾ cup butter room temperature – Whips up fluffy and rich for that nest-like texture.
  • 3 –4 tablespoons milk – Adjusts consistency for spreading or piping.
  • Pinch of salt – Keeps the frosting from tasting overly sweet.
  • 2 –3 drops green food coloring – Adds a soft grassy hue without thinning the frosting.
  • Optional toppings: edible grass tinted coconut, candy eggs, or festive sprinkles.

Method
 

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet and set it aside.
    2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, almond extract, and egg until light and creamy.
      3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
        4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
          5. On a floured surface, roll the dough to about ½-inch thickness. Thinner dough will produce crisper cookies.
            6. Cut into shapes, place on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the tops look set and the bottoms turn lightly golden.
              7. Let cookies rest on the pan briefly, then transfer to a cooling rack.
                8. For the frosting, whip the butter until smooth and fluffy. Add salt, food coloring, and 2 tablespoons of milk.
                  9. Slowly blend in powdered sugar, then beat on high for about 2 minutes. Add more milk as needed for your desired texture.
                    10. Frost cooled cookies using a spatula or a large star tip for a nest effect. Finish with toppings.

                      Notes

                      Recipe Tips

                      • Softened ingredients matter. Butter, cream cheese, and eggs should all be at room temperature.
                      • Mix smart. Combine wet and dry ingredients separately to avoid overworking the dough.
                      • Candy swap friendly. Any Easter-themed chocolates or jelly beans work beautifully here.

                      FAQs

                      Can I make the dough ahead of time?
                       Yes! Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temp for easier rolling.
                      Do these cookies freeze well?
                       Absolutely. Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Frost after thawing for best results.
                      Can I skip almond extract?
                       You can replace it with vanilla extract if preferred, though almond gives that classic bakery vibe.
                      Why are my cookies spreading?
                       The butter may be too warm. Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking.

                      Final Thoughts

                      These soft Easter sugar cookies are everything a holiday treat should be—festive, fun, and incredibly easy to customize. Whether you’re decorating with kids, building a dessert table, or gifting sweet treats, this recipe delivers consistent, bakery-style results every time. Play with colors, shapes, and toppings to make them your own, and don’t be surprised when they disappear fast. Easter baking doesn’t get much better than this. 💛🐰