Easter Shortbread Cookies – Buttery, Sweet, and Perfectly Festive

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on March 10, 2025

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A Sweet Tradition Wrapped in Nostalgia

Some of my fondest childhood memories are tied to the kitchen, where my grandmother and I would bake trays of cookies for every holiday. Easter was especially magical. She would pull out her collection of pastel-colored sprinkles and the delicate bunny and egg-shaped cookie cutters that had been passed down for generations.

There was something special about rolling out the buttery dough, cutting out playful shapes, and watching them transform in the oven into golden, melt-in-your-mouth treats. The aroma of warm butter and sugar would fill the air, signaling that Easter was just around the corner.

Now, I carry on this tradition by making Easter Shortbread Cookies—a simple yet delightful recipe that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re making these for an Easter gathering, adding them to baskets, or simply indulging in a nostalgic treat, these cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Why You’ll Love These Easter Shortbread Cookies

1. Easy to Make

This shortbread recipe requires just a few ingredients and no complicated steps. With no need to chill the dough, these cookies come together quickly—ideal for last-minute Easter baking.

2. Classic Buttery Flavor

Shortbread is known for its rich, buttery taste and delicate texture. These cookies practically melt in your mouth with every bite.

3. Customizable for Any Occasion

While these cookies are perfect for Easter, they can be easily adapted for any holiday. Swap the sprinkles for colored sugar, drizzle them with chocolate, or use different cookie cutter shapes to fit the occasion.

4. Perfect for Gifting

Packaged in a festive tin or placed in an Easter basket, these cookies make a thoughtful homemade gift. Their delicate, crumbly texture makes them a wonderful treat to share.

5. Great for Kids to Help With

Kids love rolling the dough, pressing it with a fork, and decorating with colorful sprinkles. This recipe is a fun way to get the whole family involved in Easter baking.

Ingredients – Simple and Classic for the Perfect Shortbread

For the Cookies:

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornstarch
½ cup powdered sugar
¾ cup butter, room temperature

For Decoration:

Sanding sugar in pastel Easter colors

Directions – From Dough to Delight

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Preheat oven to 300°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, sift together flour, cornstarch, and powdered sugar.
Add butter and mix by hand until a soft dough forms.

Step 2: Shaping and Decorating

Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them a few inches apart on the baking sheet.
Lightly press down with a floured fork and sprinkle with pastel sanding sugar.

Step 3: Baking to Perfection

Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden.
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 1-2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Nutritional Breakdown – A Treat to Enjoy

Calories per cookie: 120 kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 6g
Sugar: 5g

Tips for the Best Shortbread Cookies

1. Use High-Quality Butter

Since butter is the star ingredient, opt for high-quality, real butter for the best flavor. Shortbread is known for its rich, buttery taste, and the better the butter, the better the cookie.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough

Shortbread dough should be mixed just until it comes together. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the delicate, crumbly texture shortbread is famous for.

3. Keep the Butter at the Right Temperature

Butter should be soft but not melted. If it’s too soft, the cookies will spread too much in the oven. Let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before using.

4. Measure the Flour Correctly

Use the scoop-and-level method to measure flour. Too much flour will make the cookies dry, while too little can make them greasy.

5. Decorate Before Baking

If using sprinkles or sanding sugar, press them into the dough before baking so they stick well. For a cleaner look, you can drizzle icing over cooled cookies instead.

6. Watch the Baking Time

Shortbread should be very lightly golden around the edges but not brown. Overbaking will make them dry rather than tender and crumbly.

FAQs – Everything You Need to Know

1. Can I Roll the Dough and Cut It into Shapes?

Yes! Instead of rolling the dough into balls, roll it out on a lightly floured surface and cut it into festive Easter shapes like bunnies, eggs, or flowers. Bake as directed, adjusting for size if needed.

2. Can I Add Flavor to the Dough?

Absolutely! Traditional shortbread is made without flavoring, but you can add:

1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a classic touch
½ teaspoon almond extract for a nutty depth
A hint of lemon or orange zest for a fresh citrus note

3. How Should I Store These Cookies?

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 7-10 days.
Refrigerator: Can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling and baking.

5. Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but the cookies will still be delicious.

6. Why Did My Cookies Spread Too Much?

If your cookies spread too much in the oven, it could be due to:

Butter being too soft – Ensure it’s at room temperature but not melted.
Overmixing the dough – This can create excess air, causing spreading.
Not using enough flour – Make sure to measure correctly using the scoop-and-level method.

7. Can I Decorate These Cookies After Baking?

Yes! If you prefer, you can bake the cookies plain and decorate them afterward with icing, melted chocolate, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

8. What Should I Serve These Cookies With?

Easter shortbread cookies pair wonderfully with:

A hot cup of tea or coffee
Milk for a classic treat
Fresh fruit for a refreshing balance
A side of lemon curd or jam for dipping

Final Thoughts – A Sweet Way to Celebrate Easter

Baking Easter Shortbread Cookies is more than just making a dessert—it’s about creating memories, celebrating traditions, and sharing joy with loved ones. Their delicate, buttery texture and festive look make them a must-have for any Easter celebration.

Whether you’re making them for a family gathering, gifting them to friends, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies bring a touch of homemade love to any occasion.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that will fill your home with warmth and sweetness this Easter.

Happy Baking and Happy Easter!