Easter Shortbread Cookies Recipe

This melt-in-your-mouth easter shortbread cookies recipe transforms just four simple ingredients into the most delicate, buttery treats perfect for your spring celebrations. With their crisp edges, tender centers, and festive pastel sprinkles, these cookies bring the cheerful spirit of Easter to your dessert table in less than 30 minutes from start to finish. They’re wonderfully simple yet completely irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cookies that provides structure while keeping them tender.
• Cornstarch: This is the secret ingredient that gives shortbread that signature melt-in-your-mouth quality. Don’t even think about skipping it!
• Powdered sugar: Using powdered instead of granulated sugar creates a more delicate texture and smoother dough. It’s absolutely worth sticking to powdered here.
• Butter: The star of the show! Use good quality butter at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Salted or unsalted both work—I personally prefer salted for a little flavor enhancement.
• Sanding sugar in pastel colors: These add the perfect Easter touch and a bit of sweet crunch. The colored sugars transform simple shortbread into festive holiday treats.

Variations

Make these Easter cookies your own with these simple twists:

Flavor Additions

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a classic vanilla shortbread
• Mix in 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a citrusy spring flavor
• Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract for a sophisticated twist

Decorative Ideas

• Press a small chocolate egg into the center of each cookie right after baking
• Use Easter-themed cookie cutters instead of the fork-pressing method
• Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted white chocolate and add sprinkles

Fun Add-Ins

• Fold in 1/4 cup of finely chopped dried cranberries or blueberries
• Mix in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped nuts like pecans or pistachios
• Add 2 tablespoons of mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise

How to Make Easter Shortbread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 300°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. The low temperature is crucial for shortbread—it allows the cookies to bake slowly and develop that perfect texture.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and powdered sugar. No sifter? No problem! Just whisk everything thoroughly in a large bowl to break up any lumps. This step ensures your cookies have that light, delicate texture.

Step 3: Add the Butter

Using a wooden spoon or clean hands (I prefer hands—you get a better feel for the dough), blend in the butter until you form a soft dough. The key here is not to overwork it! Once the dough comes together, stop mixing.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into one-inch balls and place them a few inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. They’ll spread slightly as you flatten them, so give them space.

Step 5: Add the Classic Shortbread Pattern

Press down lightly on each cookie with a floured fork to create that classic shortbread pattern. Then sprinkle generously with your pastel sanding sugars. This is where the Easter magic happens!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Look for cookies that are set but not browned—they should remain pale. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

How to Serve

These Easter shortbread cookies are versatile enough to complement any spring celebration:

Easter Dessert Table

Arrange these cookies on a tiered stand alongside chocolate bunnies and pastel-colored macarons for a festive display.

With Beverages

Pair with afternoon tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk for the little ones. The buttery flavor of shortbread is particularly delightful with a cup of Earl Grey.

Gift Packaging

Stack cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for charming Easter gifts or basket fillers.

Ice Cream Topping

Crumble a cookie over vanilla ice cream for an elegant, simple dessert with contrasting textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your shortbread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 7-10 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and keep that delicate texture intact. The flavor actually improves after a day or two as the butter notes develop!

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, layer them between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Having a stash of these ready to go means you’re always prepared for unexpected guests or sudden cookie cravings.

Make-Ahead Options

The dough can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated. Just bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking. You can also freeze the shaped, unbaked cookies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a container once frozen. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Easter Shortbread Cookies bring together the best of both worlds—the timeless simplicity of traditional shortbread with the colorful joy of Easter celebrations. Their buttery, melt-away texture makes them completely irresistible, while their quick preparation means you can whip them up even when you’re busy with other holiday preparations. Whether they’re gracing your Easter table, filling a child’s basket, or simply brightening an afternoon tea, these little bites of spring will become a tradition worth keeping year after year!

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