Festive Easter Cookies with Royal Icing

These Easter Cookies are a colorful, festive treat perfect for springtime celebrations. Made with buttery shortcrust pastry and decorated with vibrant royal icing, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or prepping an Easter basket, these cookies bring joy and sweetness to every bite.

What Are Easter Cookies?

Easter cookies are decorative, sugar-style cookies made especially for spring’s biggest holiday. Typically shaped like eggs, bunnies, or flowers, they're coated with smooth royal icing and decorated with pastel food coloring and sprinkles. The tradition of Easter cookies is rooted in spring celebrations and baking customs meant to symbolize new life, color, and joy.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Bright, playful designs kids will adore
• Buttery, soft cookie base with a delicate crunch
• Customizable colors and sprinkles
• Great for gifting or decorating with the family
• From Easter brunch tables to kids’ craft bakes, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Pro Tips for the Best Easter Cookies

• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough makes it easier to roll and cut clean shapes.
• Don’t overbake: Remove cookies when edges are just turning golden to keep them tender.
• Use gel food coloring: It yields more vibrant colors without thinning the icing.
• Toothpicks are your best friend: Great for smoothing icing into tiny corners.
• Let icing dry: Allow at least 1–2 hours for the icing to set before stacking or storing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookies and decorate them a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container once the icing is fully dry.

How Long Does Royal Icing Take to Dry?

Royal icing typically dries in 1–2 hours at room temperature, depending on humidity. For firmer results, let them dry overnight.

What Cookie Cutters Should I Use for Easter?

Traditional Easter shapes like eggs, bunnies, carrots, and flowers work best. You can also use circles or hearts and decorate them in themed colors.

Can I Use Store-Bought Icing?

You can, but homemade royal icing gives better control for decorating and dries with a glossier finish.

How Do I Get Bright Icing Colors?

Use concentrated gel-based food coloring for vivid hues without making the icing runny.

How to Store Easter Cookies

Let cookies dry completely, then place them in a single layer in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. To re-soften slightly, let them sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving.

How to Freeze Easter Cookies

You can freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Wrap in plastic and place in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature before decorating. For already iced cookies, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container with parchment between layers. Allow them to thaw uncovered to avoid condensation ruining the icing.

How to Make Easter Cookies

In a bowl, whisk together flour and powdered sugar. Add the butter and mix with your fingers until crumbly. Stir in the egg and vanilla extract. Knead into a smooth dough, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface. Use Easter-themed cookie cutters to shape the cookies.

Place cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake at 360°F (180°C) for 12 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.

Beat the egg whites until foamy. Add lemon juice and gradually incorporate the powdered sugar until smooth and glossy. Divide the icing into 5 bowls. Add different food coloring to each bowl, leaving one white. Transfer each color into a separate piping bag.

Pipe icing around the cookie edges, then fill in the center. Use a toothpick to spread evenly. Add sprinkles before the icing sets. Let cookies dry for at least 1 hour.

Arrange your colorful Easter cookies on a festive platter and share the springtime cheer!