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
- 2–4 tablespoons milk
- Pinch of salt
- Green food coloring
For Decoration:
- Shredded coconut (optional)
- Assorted Easter egg candies
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together granulated sugar, softened butter, and shortening until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
- Mix in vanilla extract, almond extract, and whole egg until combined.
- Add the egg white and continue mixing until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and salt.
Form the Dough:
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
Chill the Dough:
- Transfer dough to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or freeze for 45 minutes for quicker results).
Shape and Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Scoop and roll dough into balls, lightly coating each with flour.
- Place on baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Press each ball to ½-inch thickness (about 2½ inches in diameter).
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool for 3 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
Prepare the Frosting:
- Beat softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add a pinch of salt, green food coloring, and 2 tablespoons of milk; mix well.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
- Once incorporated, beat on high speed for 2 minutes until fluffy.
- Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Decorate the Cookies:
- Spread or pipe green frosting onto completely cooled cookies.
- Sprinkle with shredded coconut (if using) for added texture.
- Arrange Easter egg candies in the center to resemble a nest.
- 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