Easter Shortbread Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about these Easter Shortbread Cookies? They’re buttery, light, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with a hint of sweetness from powdered sugar. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize the flavor with add-ins like citrus zest or almond extract. Plus, they’re simple to make with just a few ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. Perfect for any occasion, but especially Easter, these cookies can be shaped with cookie cutters, decorated with sprinkles or melted chocolate, and are guaranteed to brighten up your dessert table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest

  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract

  • Sprinkles or melted chocolate for decoration

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add vanilla extract (and almond extract or citrus zest if using) and mix well.

4. Sift in the flour and cornstarch. Mix until dough comes together—it may look crumbly at first, but it will form a soft dough.

5. Roll dough into 1-inch balls or flatten and cut with cookie cutters for shapes. Place onto the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden. Be careful not to overbake.

7. Let cool completely before decorating with sprinkles, citrus glaze, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Baking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest for a fresh, zesty flavor that’s perfect for springtime.

• Almond Extract: Enhance the flavor with a touch of almond extract for a nutty depth.

• Decorations: Decorate the cookies with sprinkles, a citrus glaze, or a drizzle of melted chocolate to make them even more festive.

• Shape Variations: Use cookie cutters to create fun Easter shapes like eggs, bunnies, or flowers, or roll the dough into balls for a classic shortbread look.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. You can also refrigerate them to keep them fresh for longer.

• Freezing: Freeze the dough before baking for up to 3 months. To bake, just thaw the dough and shape it as directed.

• Reheating: Shortbread cookies don’t need to be reheated, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes to warm through.

FAQs

How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

You can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative to make these cookies dairy-free.

Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?

Absolutely! You can fold in some mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolatey twist.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to a week.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can work in a pinch, it may affect the flavor and texture of the cookies. Butter is recommended for the best taste and texture.

Do I have to use cornstarch?

The cornstarch helps to give these cookies their light, crumbly texture. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with additional flour, but the texture may change slightly.

Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?

Yes, royal icing would work beautifully as a decoration for these cookies, especially if you want a more detailed design.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?

Yes, you can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute. However, the texture might differ slightly from the traditional version.

Why is my dough crumbly?

If your dough is crumbly, make sure to cream the butter and powdered sugar thoroughly, and add the dry ingredients slowly. If necessary, add a teaspoon of water or milk to help bring the dough together.

Can I make the dough without a mixer?

Yes, you can mix the dough by hand using a whisk and spatula, though it may take a bit more effort to cream the butter and sugar until fluffy.

How do I keep the cookies from spreading too much during baking?

To prevent spreading, make sure your dough is well-chilled before baking, especially if you’re using cookie cutters. This helps the dough maintain its shape during baking.

Conclusion

These Easter Shortbread Cookies are a delightful treat to add to your spring celebrations. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and customizable flavor options, they’re sure to be a favorite at your next gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them with family or gifting them to friends, these cookies are a sweet reminder of the joys of the season. Simple, festive, and delicious—what’s not to love?

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