Easter Cookies

Easter cookies are a delightful treat enjoyed during the Easter season. They come in various shapes, colors, and flavors, and are often decorated with icing and sprinkles. Here's a basic recipe for Easter sugar cookies that you can decorate as you please:

Ingredients:

For the cookies:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the icing:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• Food coloring (various colors)
• Sprinkles or other decorations (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This can be done with an electric mixer or by hand using a wooden spoon.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough comes together. If the dough seems too soft, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it becomes more manageable. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until firm.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one portion of the chilled dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use Easter-themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between them.
8. Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The baking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your cookies, so keep an eye on them.
9. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
10. Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the remaining portion of chilled dough until all the cookies are baked.
11. Once the cookies are completely cooled, you can prepare the icing. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if needed, to achieve a pourable consistency.
12. Divide the icing into smaller bowls and add food coloring to each bowl to create different colors.
13. Decorate the cookies with the colored icing using a spoon, small offset spatula, or piping bag. You can also add sprinkles or other decorations while the icing is still wet.
14. Let the icing dry and set completely before storing or stacking the cookies.
15. Store the Easter cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for several days.

Feel free to get creative with your Easter cookie decorations, using different colors, shapes, and designs. Enjoy the festive and delicious treats with family and friends during the Easter season!