Decorated Spring Holiday Cookies (Printable Format)
Soft, buttery sugar cookies that hold their shape perfectly for Easter-themed cutouts. Decorated with colorful royal icing and festive sprinkles for a spring celebration.
# What You'll Gather:
→ Cookie Dough
01 -
2¾ cups all-purpose flour
02 -
1 teaspoon baking powder
03 -
½ teaspoon salt
04 -
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 -
1 cup granulated sugar
06 -
1 large egg
07 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 -
½ teaspoon almond extract
09 -
Assorted food coloring
→ Royal Icing
10 -
3 cups powdered sugar
11 -
2 tablespoons meringue powder
12 -
5 tablespoons water
13 -
Food coloring (optional)
→ Decorations
14 -
Decorative sprinkles or candies
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
02 -
Divide the dough into sections if using food coloring, kneading in the color until evenly distributed.
03 -
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
04 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
05 -
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use Easter-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
06 -
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let them cool completely before decorating.
07 -
For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, meringue powder, and water until smooth. Add food coloring if desired.
08 -
Pipe or spread the icing onto the cookies and decorate with sprinkles or candies.
# Important Tips:
01 -
Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and keeps the cookies' shapes crisp.
02 -
Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without adding excess liquid.
03 -
If you prefer softer cookies, bake them for a minute less.
04 -
Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.