Easter Cookies: A Colorful and Festive Treat

Introduction

Easter Cookies are a classic treat that’s perfect for celebrating the spring season and the Easter holiday. This recipe combines a soft and chewy cookie base with colorful M&Ms, white chocolate chips, and pastel sprinkles for a festive and delicious treat. They’re easy to make and a fun activity to do with kids.

Anecdotal Story

I love baking cookies for every holiday, and Easter is no exception. These Easter Cookies are a favorite in my family. The combination of the soft cookie, the melty chocolate, and the colorful candies is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re so easy to make that even my little ones can help out in the kitchen.

Ingredient Descriptions

• All-Purpose Flour: This provides the structure and texture of the cookies. Make sure to spoon and level the flour for accurate measurements.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the cookies rise and become soft and chewy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cookies. Make sure the butter is softened but still cool for the best results.
• Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: Sweeten the cookies and contribute to their soft and chewy texture. Make sure the brown sugar is fresh and soft.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the cookies. Use a cold egg straight from the fridge for the best results.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to the cookies.
• Easter/Spring M&Ms: These colorful candies add a festive touch and a bit of chocolatey goodness to the cookies.
• White Chocolate Chips or Chunks: These add a creamy sweetness and a contrasting color to the cookies.
• Pastel Sprinkles: These add a final touch of color and Easter cheer to the cookies.

Equipment/Tools

• Baking Sheets: For baking the cookies.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheets and prevent the cookies from sticking.
• Mixing Bowls: For mixing the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugars and mixing the dough.
• Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and incorporating the ingredients.
• Cookie Scoop: For scooping uniform cookie dough balls.
• Shallow Bowl: For holding the sprinkles.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the cookies.

Complete Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements

• 1½ cups plus 1 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
• 1 large egg, cold
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¾ cup Easter/spring M&Ms
• ½ cup white chocolate chips or chunks
• ¼ cup pastel sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and both sugars for 1-2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
4. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. On low speed, add in the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Gently stir in M&Ms and white chocolate chips.
7. Place the sprinkles in a shallow bowl.
8. Scoop balls of cookie dough, between 1½ and 2½ tablespoon portions. Gently press the top of each ball into the bowl of sprinkles.
9. Place dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving an inch or two for spreading.
10. Bake for 8-11 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are set but the center is still slightly underdone.
11. Place the baking sheets on wire racks and allow the cookies to cool completely.
12. If desired, you can press some M&Ms and/or chocolate chips onto the top of the cookies when they are still warm.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

• Cookies are flat: Make sure the butter is softened but still cool. Avoid overmixing the dough.
• Cookies are dry: Don’t overbake the cookies. Check for doneness at the minimum baking time.
• Cookies are spreading too much: Chill the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking.
• Cookies are burning: Make sure the oven is calibrated correctly and rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking.

Tips and Variations

• Use different candies: You can use any type of candy you like, such as chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped nuts.
• Add different flavors: You can add extracts like almond or peppermint to the dough.
• Make them gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free cookies.
• Decorate with frosting: Frost the cooled cookies with your favorite frosting and add sprinkles for extra decoration.

Serving Suggestions

• Arrange the Easter Cookies on a platter or in a basket for a beautiful presentation.
• Serve them as part of an Easter dessert table or include them in Easter baskets.
• Package them individually in cellophane bags and tie with ribbon for Easter gifts.

Pairing Recommendations

• Drinks: A glass of milk or a cup of coffee pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookies.
• Desserts: Serve the Easter Cookies alongside other Easter treats like cupcakes, brownies, or Peeps.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Print

Comprehensive FAQ

• Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, you can use margarine, but the flavor of the cookies may be slightly different.
• Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cookies a few days ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
• How do I store leftover cookies? Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months