Easter Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Every spring, I pull out this Easter Sugar Cookies recipe the minute I see pastel candy hit the shelves. The dough feels soft in your hands, and then the green frosting turns each cookie into a tiny nest. These Easter Sugar Cookies bring color, sweetness, and joy straight to your Easter table.

Why You’ll Love These Easter Sugar Cookies

Soft, Thick, Bakery-Style Texture

First, these Easter Sugar Cookies bake up thick and tender. The cream cheese adds richness, and as a result, each bite feels soft and slightly creamy.
Meanwhile, the almond extract adds a light, sweet aroma. So when you break one open, you notice that gentle bakery style crumb right away.

Simple Dough and Easy Decorating

Although these Easter Sugar Cookies look festive, the dough comes together quickly. You beat everything in one bowl, and then you chill the dough so it firms up nicely.
Next, you scoop and flatten. After that, you frost and add candy eggs. So even beginners can handle this recipe with ease.

Perfect for Kids, Gifting, and Easter Parties

Because the frosting turns bright green, kids love helping with these Easter Sugar Cookies. They press candy eggs on top and create little nests.
Also, you can package these cookies in clear bags for gifting. As a result, they make a sweet homemade treat for teachers, neighbors, or brunch hosts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cookie Dough Ingredients Explained

First, use ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened. Soft butter blends smoothly and creates a creamy base.
Then add 8 ounces softened cream cheese. This ingredient gives Easter Sugar Cookies their signature soft texture.
Next, mix in 1 cup granulated sugar and ½ cup powdered sugar. Together, they balance sweetness and structure.
After that, add 1 teaspoon almond extract and 1 large egg. The extract adds flavor, and the egg binds everything together.
Meanwhile, whisk 2¾ cups all purpose flour with ½ teaspoon baking powder and ½ teaspoon salt. Then slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.

Frosting Ingredients and Coloring Tips

For the frosting, start with ¾ cup room temperature butter. Beat it until creamy.
Then add a pinch of salt and 2 to 3 drops green food coloring. Next, mix in 2 tablespoons milk.
Gradually add 3¾ cups powdered sugar. Beat until smooth, and then add more milk if needed for a spreadable texture.
If you love colorful Easter treats, you might also enjoy this fun Easter Birds Nest Cookies idea.

How to Make Easter Sugar Cookies Step by Step

Mix the Dough for the Perfect Texture

First, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, almond extract, and egg together. Continue mixing until the texture looks fluffy and smooth.
Meanwhile, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Then slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Mix just until a soft dough forms.

Chill, Scoop, and Shape the Cookies

Next, cover the dough and chill it for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator. However, if you feel short on time, freeze it for about 45 minutes until firm.
Then preheat the oven to 375°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop the dough into balls, lightly coat with flour, and flatten each to about ½ inch thick and 2½ inches wide.

Bake Until Soft and Lightly Golden

Place about 6 cookies per baking sheet. Then bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the tops lose their shine and the bottoms turn lightly golden.
After baking, let the cookies cool briefly on the pan. Next, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Green Buttercream Frosting

While the cookies cool, beat the butter until creamy. Then mix in salt, green food coloring, and milk.
Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed. Beat for about 2 minutes until fluffy. Add more milk if needed.

Decorate with Candy Eggs or Coconut Grass

Once the cookies cool fully, frost them generously. Then create a nest shape in the center using a spoon.
Next, top each with candy eggs, sprinkles, or colored coconut. If you love playful Easter sweets, try these Easter Egg Oreo Cookie Balls too.

Expert Tips for Perfect Easter Cookies Every Time

Ingredient Temperature and Mixing Tips

First, always use fully softened butter and cream cheese. Room temperature ingredients blend smoothly, so your Easter Sugar Cookies turn out tender.
Also, keep the egg at room temperature. Meanwhile, avoid overmixing once you add the flour.

Shaping, Chilling, and Baking Tips

Chilling matters. Because the dough contains cream cheese, it needs time to firm up. As a result, the cookies hold their thick shape in the oven.
Then flatten evenly so they bake at the same rate. Watch closely, and remove them when the tops lose their shine.

Decorating and Coloring Tips

Start with a small amount of green food coloring. Then adjust gradually for a brighter shade.
Also, press candy eggs gently so they stick. If you want more festive ideas, check out this colorful Easter Brownies Recipe.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Guide

How to Store the Dough

You can refrigerate unbaked dough for up to 2 days. However, wrap it tightly so it stays fresh.
Also, freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Then thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

How to Store Baked or Decorated Cookies

Store baked, unfrosted Easter Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days.
Decorated cookies stay fresh for 3 to 4 days at room temperature. Keep them sealed so they stay soft.

Freezing Tips for Dough, Frosting, and Finished Cookies

Freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. Meanwhile, freeze frosting for up to 3 months and rewhip after thawing.
You can also freeze decorated cookies without candy toppings. Then add fresh candy after thawing for best texture.

FAQ About Easter Sugar Cookies

More Such Recipes

• Easter Birds Nest Cookies
• Easter Egg Oreo Cookie Balls
• Easter Egg Rice Krispie Treats
• Easter Egg Cheesecake
• Easter Brownies Recipe
• Homemade Lemon Curd Thumbprint Cookies
• Easy Easter Recipes for Brunch and Dinner

Conclusion

Easter Sugar Cookies bring color, softness, and sweet almond flavor to your spring table. Because they look festive and taste rich, they quickly become a family favorite. So gather your candy eggs, chill the dough, and enjoy baking these cheerful Easter Sugar Cookies together.

Before you head to the kitchen, you can follow along for more sweet ideas on Pinterest and join the fun on Facebook.

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