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Springtime Nest Sugar Cookies: The Perfect Easter Delight


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  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: ~3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies

Description

Celebrate Easter with these delightful Springtime Nest Sugar Cookies! Soft, buttery sugar cookies are topped with vibrant green frosting and pastel candy eggs, creating a festive, nest-like treat. Perfect for family gatherings, gifts, or simply indulging in a sweet, seasonal delight. These cookies are easy to make, fun to decorate, and sure to bring joy to any Easter celebration!


Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 2½ cups cake flour
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup butter-flavored shortening
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg white
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract

For the Frosting:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 24 tablespoons milk
  • Pinch of salt
  • Green food coloring

For Decoration:

  • Shredded coconut (optional)
  • Assorted Easter egg candies
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. In a large bowl, cream together granulated sugar, softened butter, and shortening until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
  2. Mix in vanilla extract, almond extract, and whole egg until combined.
  3. Add the egg white and continue mixing until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt.

Form the Dough:

  1. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.

Chill the Dough:

  1. Transfer dough to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or freeze for 45 minutes for quicker results).

Shape and Bake:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Scoop and roll dough into balls, lightly coating each with flour.
  3. Place on baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
  4. Press each ball to ½-inch thickness (about 2½ inches in diameter).
  5. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden.
  6. Let cookies cool for 3 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.

Prepare the Frosting:

  1. Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add a pinch of salt, green food coloring, and 2 tablespoons of milk; mix well.
  3. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
  4. Once incorporated, beat on high speed for 2 minutes until fluffy.
  5. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed.

Decorate the Cookies:

  1. Spread or pipe green frosting onto completely cooled cookies.
  2. Sprinkle with shredded coconut (if using) for added texture.
  3. Arrange Easter egg candies in the center to resemble a nest.
  4. Add sprinkles for extra festive flair.

Notes

  • Chilling the dough helps prevent excessive spreading and ensures soft, thick cookies.
  • Cake flour gives these cookies a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • For a more textured grass effect, use a piping bag with a grass tip or create texture using a fork.
  • These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Make-ahead option: Bake cookies ahead and freeze them undecorated for up to 3 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 3 hours
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American