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Easy Colorful Easter Sugar Cookies with Simple Dollar Store Decorating Ideas

Easter sugar cookies - featured image
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These colorful Easter sugar cookies are quick and easy to make, perfect for festive celebrations with simple decorating tools from the dollar store. They feature a tender yet sturdy texture with a fresh lemon zest and vanilla twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (whole, 2%, or plant-based)
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted (for royal icing)
  • 2 tablespoons meringue powder (or 2 large egg whites as substitute)
  • 4–5 tablespoons water (for royal icing)
  • Food coloring gels in pastel shades (pink, blue, yellow, green)
  • Assorted sprinkles (pastels, Easter-themed shapes, nonpareils)
  • Dollar store decorating tools like plastic piping bags, small brushes, or silicone spatulas
  • Optional: edible glitter or pearl dust

Instructions

  1. Mix the dry ingredients: whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
  2. Cream the butter and sugar: beat softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Add egg and flavorings: beat in egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until just combined.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: gradually add flour mixture alternating with milk, mixing until soft dough forms; avoid overmixing.
  5. Chill the dough: divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  7. Roll and cut: roll dough to ¼ inch thickness on floured surface, cut shapes with cookie cutters, transfer to baking sheets.
  8. Bake cookies for 8-10 minutes until edges begin to turn golden; let cool on baking sheet 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Prepare royal icing: mix powdered sugar with meringue powder, add water gradually until smooth and pipeable; divide and tint with food coloring.
  10. Decorate: pipe icing onto cookies using plastic piping bags or sandwich bags, sprinkle decorations while icing is wet, use toothpick or brush for details.
  11. Let icing set: allow decorated cookies to dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight before storing or stacking.

Notes

Keep butter soft but not melted for easier creaming. Chill dough thoroughly to prevent spreading. Use parchment paper or silicone mats for even baking and easy cleanup. Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft. Adjust royal icing consistency by adding water slowly. Practice piping on parchment before decorating. Work quickly when decorating to ensure sprinkles stick well. Dough can be prepared and chilled up to 48 hours ahead. Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: Easter sugar cookies, colorful cookies, easy sugar cookies, dollar store decorating, royal icing cookies, festive cookies, spring baking

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/easy-colorful-easter-sugar-cookies-with-simple-dollar-store-decorating-ideas/