Can I make smaller cookies with this recipe?

Absolutely! You can make smaller cookies by using a regular cookie scoop. Just reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes and check them early to prevent overbaking.

Why did my cookies spread too much?

This could happen if your butter was too warm or if you didn't use enough flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly, and if the dough seems too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before shaping and baking.

Can I make these cookies without the frosting?

Yes! The sanding sugar coating gives them plenty of sweetness and visual appeal. They're delicious even without the frosting if you prefer a simpler cookie.

How do I get the perfect pastel color for my frosting?

Start with just a tiny amount of food coloring and gradually add more until you reach your desired shade. Gel food coloring works best as it provides vibrant color without thinning your frosting.

Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe

Name: Easter Sugar Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup butter, room temperature; 3/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons water; 2 eggs, room temperature; 5 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Easter sanding sugar for dipping cookies; 1 cup butter; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; Food coloring; Decorative Easter eggs for garnish in the center of each cookie

This Easter Sugar Cookies recipe brings the magic of Crumbl-style cookies right to your kitchen! These generously-sized, soft-centered cookies feature a perfectly crinkled edge, sweet pastel sanding sugar, and a creamy buttercream topping that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re hosting an Easter gathering or simply craving a special spring treat, these cookies are guaranteed to delight everyone who tries them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bakery-Quality Results: Create professional-looking cookies that rival your favorite cookie shop but at a fraction of the cost.
Perfect Texture: These cookies have that ideal balance of softness in the middle with slightly crisp edges that everyone loves.
Customizable: Use any spring colors you love for both the sanding sugar coating and the buttercream frosting.
Impressive Presentation: The decorative Easter eggs on top make these cookies stunning centerpieces for your holiday table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: Creates a rich base for both the cookie dough and frosting. Make sure it’s at room temperature for smooth incorporation.
Vegetable Oil: Works alongside butter to create that signature soft texture that Crumbl cookies are known for.
Sugars: A combination of granulated and powdered sugars provides the perfect sweetness and texture. The granulated sugar creates structure while powdered sugar keeps things tender.
Eggs: Act as binders that hold everything together while adding richness to the dough.
Flour: The main structure-builder for the cookies. All-purpose flour works perfectly here.
Leavening Agents: Baking soda and cream of tartar work together to give just the right amount of lift while maintaining that dense, soft texture.
Heavy Cream: Makes the frosting ultra-creamy and spreadable.
Sanding Sugar: Adds a beautiful sparkle and delightful crunch to the exterior. Choose pastel colors for an Easter theme.
Decorative Easter Eggs: These small candy decorations transform simple cookies into festive treats.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious ideas:

Flavor Additions: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the dough for a delightful flavor twist.
Cookie Cutter Method: Instead of making round cookies, chill the dough, roll it out, and use Easter-themed cookie cutters.
Different Toppings: Try sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed candy instead of the decorative Easter eggs.
Chocolate Version: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder to the dough (reducing flour by the same amount) for chocolate Easter cookies.

How to Make Easter Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with paddle attachment, combine the room temperature butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar. Beat on low speed until combined, then increase to high speed for one minute until fluffy. Add water and eggs, beating for another minute on medium-high speed.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the butter mixture one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined.

Step 3: Shape and Coat Cookies

Using an ice cream scoop or heaping tablespoon, form extra-large dough balls (slightly smaller than tennis balls). Roll each ball in Easter-colored sanding sugar and place on a prepared baking sheet, allowing only 8 cookies per sheet to give them room to spread.

Step 4: Create Signature Crinkle Edge

Dip a flat-bottomed glass into the sanding sugar and press firmly into each dough ball. The edges will crinkle outward, and the cookies should end up about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. They should look slightly underdone in the center but set around the edges. Allow to cool completely on wire racks before frosting.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

Using the whisk attachment of your stand mixer, combine butter and powdered sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated. Add vanilla extract and continue to mix. Gradually add the heavy cream one tablespoon at a time, then beat on high speed for one minute until light and fluffy. Add food coloring to achieve your desired pastel shade.

Step 7: Decorate

Transfer the frosting to a decorator bag fitted with a round tip. Starting in the middle, pipe circles of frosting, leaving the edge of the cookie exposed. Place a decorative Easter egg in the center of each cookie.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to ensure tender cookies.
Correct Sizing: Make sure your dough balls are generously sized – this is key to getting that authentic bakery-style cookie texture.
Underbake Slightly: The cookies will continue to set up as they cool. Taking them out when they look slightly underdone in the center ensures they’ll stay soft.
Even Flattening: Press the cookies to an even thickness to ensure they bake uniformly.
Cool Completely: Make sure cookies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.

How to Serve

These Easter Sugar Cookies make a beautiful presentation on your holiday table or in gifting scenarios:

Holiday Dessert Table

Arrange on a tiered cake stand with other Easter treats like chocolate eggs and bunny-shaped candies.

Cookie Gift Boxes

Stack carefully in decorative boxes lined with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift.

With Spring Beverages

Serve with milk for kids or pair with afternoon tea or coffee for adults.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store these cookies in an airtight container in a single layer in the refrigerator for up to one week. The buttercream topping means they need refrigeration, but I recommend letting them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They’ll keep for up to two months in the freezer.

Make-Ahead Options

You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. You can also make the cookies and freeze them unfrosted, then thaw and decorate closer to when you’ll serve them.

FAQs

Can I make smaller cookies with this recipe?

Absolutely! You can make smaller cookies by using a regular cookie scoop. Just reduce the baking time by 2-3 minutes and check them early to prevent overbaking.
Why did my cookies spread too much?

This could happen if your butter was too warm or if you didn’t use enough flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly, and if the dough seems too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before shaping and baking.
Can I make these cookies without the frosting?

Yes! The sanding sugar coating gives them plenty of sweetness and visual appeal. They’re delicious even without the frosting if you prefer a simpler cookie.
How do I get the perfect pastel color for my frosting?

Start with just a tiny amount of food coloring and gradually add more until you reach your desired shade. Gel food coloring works best as it provides vibrant color without thinning your frosting.

Final Thoughts

These Easter Sugar Cookies bring together everything wonderful about holiday baking – they’re fun to make, beautiful to look at, and absolutely delicious to eat. The combination of the tender, sugar-coated cookie with creamy buttercream and the decorative Easter egg creates a treat that’s worthy of celebration. Whether you’re continuing family traditions or starting new ones, these cookies are sure to become a beloved part of your Easter festivities!