Description
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!
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients:
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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½ cup powdered sugar
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp vanilla extract
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¼ tsp salt
Optional Add-ins:
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Zest of 1 lemon (for a citrusy twist)
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Food coloring (preferably natural dyes)
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1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra tenderness)
Instructions
1. Cream the Butter and Sugar
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Use an electric mixer to beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
2. Add Flavor
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Mix in vanilla extract (and lemon zest if using).
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
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Slowly add flour and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms. Avoid over-mixing!
4. Chill the Dough
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Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes. Chilling prevents cookies from spreading.
5. Roll and Cut
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Roll dough to ¼ inch thick. Use Easter-themed cutters to shape.
6. Bake
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Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 12–15 minutes.
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Look for lightly golden edges—don’t overbake!
7. Cool and Decorate
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Cool completely before decorating with royal icing, sprinkles, or glaze.
Decorating Ideas for Easter Fun
Make your cookies the star of the dessert table with these ideas:
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Use pastel royal icing in baby blue, lavender, and pink
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Add edible glitter or sanding sugar for sparkle
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Try fondant details like bunny ears or mini flowers
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Let kids add sprinkles and create their own cookie characters
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Notes
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
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
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
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 30 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9.5 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg