Festive Fun: Easter Cookies

Nostalgic Appeal

These cookies remind me of those joyful childhood memories of baking cookies with my family and enjoying the warm and gooey treats fresh from the oven. The addition of colorful M&Ms and sprinkles adds a festive touch, making them perfect for Easter celebrations. It’s a treat that evokes feelings of warmth, happiness, and those carefree moments enjoying a sweet treat with loved ones.

Homemade Focus

While you could certainly buy pre-made Easter cookies, there’s something truly special about making these Easter Cookies from scratch. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process of mixing the dough, adding the candies, and baking the cookies is a fun and rewarding experience, especially for kids.

Flavor Goal

The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a delightful balance of buttery, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors with a burst of chocolate and the crunch of colorful candies. The cookie dough provides a soft and chewy base, the M&Ms add a touch of sweetness and a festive crunch, and the white chocolate chips add a creamy and decadent touch.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make these cookies so special! For the cookie dough, we use [butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, creating a soft and flavorful dough]. Then comes the [Easter/spring M&Ms, adding a festive touch, sweetness, and a variety of colors]. We also incorporate [white chocolate chips or chunks, adding a creamy and decadent touch]. And finally, the [pastel sprinkles, adding a colorful and playful finish].

Essential Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment: a mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, a spatula, a cookie scoop, and baking sheets lined with parchment paper.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups plus one tablespoon all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 large egg, cold
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ¾ cup Easter/spring M&M’s, plus extra for topping (optional)
• ½ cup white chocolate chips or chunks, plus extra for topping (optional)
• ¼ cup pastel sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat butter and both sugars for 1-2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: On low speed, add the flour mixture and mix until just combined.
6. Add Mix-Ins: Gently stir in M&M’s and white chocolate chips. Place the sprinkles in a shallow bowl.
7. Shape and Chill (Optional): Scoop balls of cookie dough, between 1½ and 2½ tablespoon portions. Gently press the top of each ball into the bowl of sprinkles. You can bake the cookies right away or chill the dough balls in the fridge for about 20 minutes for slightly thicker cookies.
8. Bake: Place dough onto prepared baking sheets, leaving space for spreading. Bake for 8-11 minutes, until the edges of the cookies are set but the center is still slightly underdone.
9. Cool and Decorate: Place the baking sheets on wire racks and allow the cookies to cool completely. If desired, you can press some M&M’s and/or chocolate chips onto the top of the cookies when they are still warm.

Troubleshooting

• Cookies are spreading too much: Make sure the dough is chilled thoroughly before baking. You can also add a bit more flour to the dough if needed.
• Cookies are dry: Avoid overbaking the cookies. Start checking for doneness at around 8 minutes.
• Cookies are not spreading enough: If the cookies are not spreading enough, you can flatten the dough balls slightly before baking.

Tips and Variations

• Use different extracts in the cookie dough, such as almond extract or lemon extract.
• Add different mix-ins to the cookie dough, such as chopped nuts or different types of candies.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate or a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Easter Cookies are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. They’re perfect for Easter baskets, spring gatherings, or any time you want a festive and delicious treat.

Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)

(This information is an estimate based on average values for the ingredients used and a serving size of one cookie. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 150-180
• Fat: Approximately 8-10g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 5-6g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 25-30mg
• Protein: Approximately 2-3g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
• Fiber: Approximately 1g
• Sugar: Approximately 12-15g
• Sodium: Approximately 100-150mg

To get more precise nutritional information:

1. Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
2. Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
3. Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., different type of chocolate chips), adjust the calculations accordingly.

Print

Recipe Summary and Q&A

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can bake the cookies ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze these cookies?

A: Yes, you can freeze them. Bake the cookies first, let them cool completely, then freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: Can I use a different type of candy?

A: Absolutely! You can use any type of candy you like, such as chocolate chips, M&Ms, or chopped nuts.