Easter Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing

These beautifully decorated Easter sugar cookies have crisp edges, a soft center, and are topped with smooth royal icing. Perfect for springtime gatherings, these cookies are fun to make and even more delightful to decorate with colorful icing and festive designs.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Easter Celebrations – Beautifully shaped cookies decorated in pastel colors make for a festive treat.
• Soft Yet Crisp Texture – The perfect balance between a buttery crunch and a soft center.
• Easy to Decorate – Royal icing provides a smooth surface for intricate Easter designs.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Cookies can be baked in advance and decorated later.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sugar Cookies:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

For the Royal Icing:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons meringue powder
• 4-5 tablespoons warm water
• Food coloring (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.

Roll & Bake:

6. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Roll out the dough to 1/4-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
8. Use Easter-themed cookie cutters (bunnies, eggs, chicks) to cut out shapes.
9. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
10. Let cool completely before decorating.

Make the Royal Icing:

11. In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, meringue powder, and warm water until smooth.
12. Divide the icing into smaller bowls and tint with food coloring as desired.

Decorate:

13. Use a piping bag or squeeze bottle to outline and flood the cookies with icing.
14. Let the icing set completely before serving or storing.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 57 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories: 180 kcal per cookie

Variations

• Lemon-Flavored Cookies – Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
• Chocolate Sugar Cookies – Replace 1/4 cup of flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
• Buttercream Alternative – Swap royal icing for buttercream frosting for a softer texture.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Sprinkle Topping – Add pastel-colored sprinkles before the icing sets for a fun, festive look.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Refrigeration: Royal iced cookies can be kept in the fridge for up to 10 days.
• Freezing: Store undecorated cookies in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before decorating.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough before rolling and cutting the cookies, and avoid overmixing the ingredients.

What’s the best way to get smooth royal icing?

Use a piping bag with a fine tip for outlining and a slightly thinner icing consistency for flooding the cookies.

Can I use a different icing instead of royal icing?

Yes! Buttercream frosting or a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk can be used.

How long does royal icing take to dry?

It takes about 4-6 hours to fully harden at room temperature.

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, but homemade dough provides the best flavor and texture for decorating.

How do I make pastel-colored icing?

Use gel food coloring and add small amounts until the desired pastel shade is reached.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the dough?

Yes, finely chopped nuts or dried fruit can be added for extra texture.

How do I store decorated cookies without ruining the icing?

Place parchment paper between layers of cookies in an airtight container to prevent smudging.

Can I use egg whites instead of meringue powder for royal icing?

Yes! Replace meringue powder with 2 pasteurized egg whites and mix with powdered sugar.

Conclusion

Easter Sugar Cookies with Royal Icing are a festive, delicious, and beautifully decorated treat perfect for spring celebrations. Whether you make them for family, friends, or as a fun holiday activity, these cookies are sure to impress. Try them today and enjoy a sweet and creative Easter tradition!