Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a simple and fun way to bring some extra cheer to your Easter, these cookies are a great choice. The combination of soft, chewy texture with a pop of colorful Easter-themed chocolate chips or candies makes them both visually appealing and delicious. Plus, they’re easy to make, which means you can spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or as a treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your Easter celebration.
Ingredients
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2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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¾ cup packed light brown sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
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1 ½ cups Easter-themed chocolate chips or candies (e.g., pastel M&M's, mini chocolate eggs, or spring-colored chocolate chips)
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Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or sprinkles for extra flair
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, beating on low speed just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
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Add Easter Goodies: Fold in the Easter-themed chocolate chips or candies (and nuts or sprinkles, if using) with a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. (They’ll firm up as they cool.)
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Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Serve: Enjoy your festive Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies with a glass of milk or share them with friends and family!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: About 24 cookies
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Bake Time: 9-11 minutes
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Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
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Nut-Free Version: Leave out the chopped nuts if you prefer a nut-free version.
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Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure to check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
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Vegan Version: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use flax eggs or a store-bought egg substitute.
Storage/Reheating
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Store these Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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For longer storage, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
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To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes.
FAQs
How do I make these cookies extra soft?
To keep these cookies soft, be sure not to overbake them. The cookies should be slightly soft in the center when you take them out of the oven; they will firm up as they cool.
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of Easter-themed ones?
Yes, you can use regular chocolate chips or any other type of chocolate you prefer. The Easter-themed chocolate chips just add a fun, festive touch.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can substitute margarine for butter, but the cookies might have a slightly different texture and taste. Butter provides the best flavor and texture for cookies.
Can I freeze the dough to bake later?
Yes! You can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze the balls, and store them in an airtight container. When ready to bake, bake directly from frozen.
What if I don't have parchment paper?
If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use a silicone baking mat or lightly grease your baking sheet to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Can I add other mix-ins like coconut or dried fruit?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients like shredded coconut, dried fruit, or even mini marshmallows for a unique twist.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
For extra Easter vibes, press a few additional candies or sprinkles on top of the dough balls before baking. This gives the cookies a fun, colorful appearance.
Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer will work just fine for this recipe. Just make sure the butter is softened before you begin mixing.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges of the cookies should be lightly golden, and the centers should still look a little soft. They will continue to cook as they cool.
Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?
Yes, you can substitute almond extract for vanilla extract if you prefer that flavor, but use it sparingly, as it’s more concentrated than vanilla.
Conclusion
Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat to bake for your holiday celebrations. Their festive colors, chewy texture, and sweet flavor will brighten up any Easter gathering. Whether you enjoy them with family, share them with friends, or enjoy them by yourself with a glass of milk, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Happy baking!
Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate festive treat for celebrating Easter! With vibrant pastel-colored chocolate chips or candies and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies add a pop of color to your holiday dessert table. Customize them with nuts or sprinkles for an extra touch of fun. Easy to make and full of festive flavors, they’re perfect for family gatherings, Easter parties, or a special treat for yourself!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9-11 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 ½ cups Easter-themed chocolate chips or candies (e.g., pastel M&M's, mini chocolate eggs, or spring-colored chocolate chips)
Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) or sprinkles for extra flair
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
-
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
-
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully combined.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture, beating on low speed just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
-
Add Easter Goodies: Fold in the Easter-themed chocolate chips or candies (and nuts or sprinkles, if using) with a spatula.
-
Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough (about 1.5 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
-
Bake: Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, but the centers are still soft.
-
Cool: Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Serve: Enjoy your festive Easter cookies with a glass of milk or share them with family and friends!
Notes
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For a nut-free version, simply leave out the chopped nuts.
-
If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and check that your other ingredients are gluten-free.
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To make these cookies vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs or an egg substitute.