Easter brings with it a pastel-colored parade of delicious treats, and none are more classic—or easier to make—than Easter Shortbread Cookies. These cookies are not only buttery, crumbly, and melt-in-your-mouth, but they’re also a blank canvas for festive decoration. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or crafting with kids, these cookies are an Easter essential.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make perfect Easter Shortbread Cookies, explore fun decorating ideas, answer common baking questions, and even troubleshoot baking mishaps like spreading or crumbling dough. Let’s dive into the joy of Easter baking!

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🧈 Why Choose Shortbread Cookies for Easter?

There are plenty of reasons why shortbread is the go-to cookie for spring holidays:

• Minimal ingredients—just butter, sugar, and flour

• Customizable shapes with Easter-themed cutters (bunnies, chicks, eggs)

• Ideal for decorating with pastel royal icing or sprinkles

• Perfect for make-ahead baking and gifting

Want to avoid baking fails like flat cookies? Check out this great guide to fixing flat cookies from Spatula Desserts—it’ll save your shortbread from becoming pancakes!

Need help with dry, cracking dough? This troubleshooting guide on crumbly dough might be your new best friend in the kitchen.

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🍪 Ingredients:

Here’s everything you need to whip up a batch of these buttery bites of joy:

Basic Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp salt

Optional Add-ins:

• Zest of 1 lemon (for a citrusy twist)

• Food coloring (preferably natural dyes)

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra tenderness)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar

• Use an electric mixer to beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

2. Add Flavor

• Mix in vanilla extract (and lemon zest if using).

3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients

• Slowly add flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing!

4. Chill the Dough

• Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. Chilling prevents cookies from spreading.

5. Roll and Cut

• Roll dough to ¼ inch thick. Use Easter-themed cutters to shape.

6. Bake

• Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12–15 minutes.

• Look for lightly golden edges—don’t overbake!

7. Cool and Decorate

• Cool completely before decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or glaze.

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🎨 Decorating Ideas for Easter Fun

Make your cookies the star of the dessert table with these ideas:

• Use pastel royal icing in baby blue, lavender, and pink

• Add edible glitter or sanding sugar for sparkle

• Try fondant details like bunny ears or mini flowers

• Let kids add sprinkles and create their own cookie characters

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🔄 Easy Variations to Try

Mix things up by trying one of these creative versions:

• 🍋 Lemon Zest Shortbread – add zest and a lemon glaze

• 🍫 Chocolate-Dipped Edges – melt dark or white chocolate and dip half the cookie

• 🐣 Mini Egg Shortbread Bites – press a mini candy egg into each round before baking

• 🌱 Gluten-Free Version – use almond flour or gluten-free blend

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🧺 How to Serve Easter Shortbread Cookies

Here are a few cute and creative ways to present your cookies:

• Stack in cellophane bags tied with ribbon for Easter baskets

• Arrange on a pastel platter as part of a spring dessert table

• Add to cookie tins for homemade holiday gifts

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❄️ Storage and Freezing Tips

Shortbread stays fresh longer than most cookies—another reason it’s perfect for the holidays!

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks

• Freeze unbaked dough for up to 3 months

• To thaw: Leave in fridge overnight before rolling out and baking

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🛠️ Common Baking Issues and Fixes

Troubles happen. Here’s how to fix them:

Why are my cookies crumbly?

• You may need a bit more butter, or the dough wasn’t kneaded enough.

Why are the edges too brown?

• Oven temp might be too high. Stick to 325°F and rotate pans halfway.

Why are they spreading too much?

• Dough was too warm. Always chill before baking!

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Related Recipes:

Easter Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Bunny Butt Oreo Balls

Rice Krispie Easter Eggs

❓FAQs:

What is the secret to good shortbread cookies?

• Cold butter, gentle mixing, and chilling the dough are key to that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Can I make shortbread in advance?

• Yes! Dough can be made up to 3 days ahead or frozen.

How long do these cookies last?

• Up to 14 days if stored in a cool, airtight container.

How do I decorate them for Easter?

• Use royal icing with pastel food coloring. Add bunny or egg shapes for extra charm.

Can I make them gluten-free or vegan?

• For gluten-free, swap with almond or rice flour.

• For vegan, use a plant-based butter substitute (note: may change texture).

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🍽️ Nutritional Snapshot (Per Cookie)

• Calories: ~90

• Sugar: 4g

• Fat: 6g

• Contains: Dairy, Gluten (unless modified)

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🌷 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking for your kids, your neighbors, or just for the sheer joy of spring, Easter Shortbread Cookies are a delicious way to celebrate. With simple ingredients and limitless decorating options, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Grab your mixer, get your cutters, and let the Easter baking begin! 🐰

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