Okay, let me tell you about the most delightful thing you can bake this season—Easter Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing. Trust me, these aren’t your average sugar cookies! Soft, melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness, paired with a buttery, perfectly-sweet royal icing that’s just the right amount of crisp. The fun part? You can decorate them however you like—sprinkles, designs, or even shapes that match the season (hello, cute bunnies and eggs). Picture this: a tray of freshly baked cookies, their sweet aroma filling the house, with a bit of royal icing setting into a glossy finish. Game-changer for your Easter celebration or just to satisfy that sweet tooth!

Why You’ll Love Easter Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

This recipe is all about bringing smiles to faces. Here’s why these cookies will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire:

Versatile

Whether you’re making these cookies for Easter, a birthday, or just because it’s a Saturday, they’ll be the star of the show. You can easily switch up the shapes, colors, and flavors. Plus, kids will love getting involved in decorating them!

Budget-Friendly

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe—most of these ingredients are staples you probably already have in your pantry. No need to break the bank for a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a bakery.

Quick and Easy

I know you’re probably thinking that royal icing is complicated, but don’t worry, it’s easier than it seems! Once you mix everything together, it’s just a matter of rolling, cutting, and icing. Simple steps that lead to something seriously impressive.

Customizable

You can have so much fun with this! Want to switch up the flavor of the cookies? Add a little almond extract. Want the icing to be a fun pastel shade? Go for it! You’re the artist here, and it’s all about creating something that suits your vibe.

Crowd-Pleasing

Adults, kids, everyone will want a bite of these sugary gems. The combination of soft cookies and sweet icing has a universal appeal that will have guests asking for seconds (or thirds!).

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible Easter Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing:

Sugar Cookies:

All-purpose flour: The base of every good cookie dough.
Baking powder: To give your cookies that perfect, light texture.
Salt: A touch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Unsalted butter: Gives the cookies that irresistible buttery flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetness at its best.
Egg: For structure and a nice richness to the dough.
Vanilla extract: This is what gives the cookies that nostalgic, comforting taste.
Milk: To bring everything together and keep the dough nice and soft.

Royal Icing:

Powdered sugar: The key to that smooth, glossy finish.
Meringue powder: This creates the perfect consistency for decorating.
Water: To adjust the thickness of the icing.
Food coloring (optional): For adding fun, vibrant shades to your icing.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these magical cookies!

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will help your cookies bake evenly, ensuring they stay soft and chewy in the center.

Make the Cookie Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until creamy and light. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat again until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until just combined. Add a splash of milk if the dough is too crumbly, but don’t overwork it.

Roll and Cut the Dough

Divide the dough in half, wrap each half in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to create your favorite shapes—Easter eggs, bunnies, or even just classic circles.

Bake the Cookies

Place your cookie shapes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Royal Icing

While the cookies cool, prepare the royal icing. In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and meringue powder. Slowly add water, one teaspoon at a time, until the icing reaches a smooth, pipeable consistency. If you want to color the icing, divide it into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each. Mix well.

Decorate and Enjoy

Once the cookies have cooled, get creative with your royal icing! You can pipe designs, add sprinkles, or make simple outlines. The best part? Letting the icing set, so you can admire your beautiful, delicious creations

How to Serve Easter Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

These cookies are sweet enough to stand alone, but here are a few ways to make them even more fun:

For Easter: Serve them alongside a refreshing fruit salad or a chilled glass of lemonade.
With a Cup of Tea: These cookies are perfect for pairing with a warm cup of tea, making for a cozy afternoon treat.
On a Cookie Platter: If you’re hosting a gathering, arrange the cookies on a festive platter. Add some colorful sprinkles or edible glitter for extra flair.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Make the dough the night before and let it chill overnight to save time on the day you bake. You can also prepare the royal icing in advance and store it in an airtight container for a few days.
Spice It Up: If you like a little zing, try adding a dash of lemon zest to the dough or the icing.
Storage Tips: Store the finished cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll stay soft and delicious for several days!
Double the Batch: If you’re baking for a crowd (or just want extra cookies for yourself), feel free to double the recipe. These freeze beautifully too—just layer them between sheets of parchment paper and store them in an airtight container.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute meringue powder with egg whites?
A1: Yes! You can use pasteurized egg whites in place of meringue powder, but make sure they are fully whipped to the right consistency.

Q2: How do I store leftover royal icing?
A2: If you have any leftover royal icing, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it again.

Q3: Can I freeze the dough?
A3: Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then roll and cut as usual.

Q4: Can I make the cookies gluten-free?
A4: Yes! Just swap in a good gluten-free flour blend, and you’re all set. The texture will still be soft and delicious.

Q5: Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
A5: Totally! You can bake and decorate the cookies a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your new favorite Easter treat! These Easter Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing are not just adorable; they’re a total crowd-pleaser that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re sharing them with family, friends, or enjoying them as a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies are a guaranteed hit. The buttery soft cookies paired with the crisp, sweet royal icing make for a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Plus, the fun of decorating makes it feel like a creative experience! So, go ahead, dive into this easy and fun recipe—you won’t regret it. Happy baking, and enjoy those cookies!