These Easter Shortbread Cookies are buttery and melt-in-your-mouth delicious! They come in fun shapes and colors, perfect for celebrating the holiday.
Who can resist a sweet cookie that brings smiles? I love making them with my family—it’s a fun excuse to get creative with icing and sprinkles. 🍪💖
Perfect for sharing or hiding in Easter baskets, these cookies are easy to whip up. Just mix, shape, and bake for a delightful treat that everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for the rich flavor and perfect texture of shortbread cookies. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but cut back on the added salt in the recipe.
Powdered Sugar: This sugar gives the cookies their sweet taste and tender crumb. You can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender until fine if you’re in a pinch. Just be cautious not to blend too long!
Vanilla Extract: The vanilla adds warmth and depth to the cookies. If you don’t have it, consider using almond extract for a different flavor profile, or even a splash of citrus juice can boost the taste.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cookie dough. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but be sure it has a binding agent like xanthan gum.
Colored Sugar Sprinkles: These are for decoration and fun! You can skip them if you want a simpler cookie, or use regular granulated sugar instead. If you want a natural option, crushed nuts or edible flowers also work well.
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Like a Pro?
Creaming butter and sugar correctly is crucial to achieving light, fluffy cookies. You want to incorporate air into the mixture for a soft texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with softened butter at room temperature; it should be easily spreadable but not melted.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to beat the butter until smooth.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar while mixing, and continue until the mixture feels light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Remember, don’t rush this step! Proper creaming leads to the best cookie texture.
How to Make Easter Shortbread Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Colored sugar sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. In total, set aside about 30 minutes to enjoy making these delightful cookies!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While the oven is heating up, go ahead and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make clean-up easier later on.
2. Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream them together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This might take about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush it!
3. Mix in Vanilla
Add the vanilla extract to your butter and sugar mixture. Stir well until it’s fully incorporated. This will add a lovely flavor to your cookies!
4. Combine with Flour and Salt
Next, gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the bowl. Mix it gently until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; you want the dough to be just combined and ready to roll!
5. Shape the Cookies
Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. This allows them to spread while baking.
6. Flatten and Decorate
Using the bottom of a glass or your hand, gently flatten each ball of dough. Then, take a fork and press it down on top to create a nice crisscross pattern on each cookie. This also makes them look extra cute!
To finish off, sprinkle some colored sugar on top of each cookie before they go in the oven.
7. Bake the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are lightly golden and the cookies have set nicely.
8. Cool and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This makes them easier to transfer. After a few minutes, move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want, you can add more sprinkles once they’ve cooled!
Enjoy your delightful Easter Shortbread Cookies with family and friends!
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for unsalted butter, but it may slightly change the texture and flavor. Make sure to use a margarine that has a similar fat content to butter for the best results. Softening it before mixing is still necessary.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between the layers and they will last for about 3 months!
Can I Add Other Flavors or Ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in mini chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor. You could also use different extracts, like almond or lemon, instead of vanilla for a twist.
What If My Dough Is Too Sticky?
If your dough seems too sticky, you might need to add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Make sure not to overmix once you add extra flour to keep the cookies tender!
