Easter Shortbread Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Easter Shortbread Cookies are incredibly easy to make, and they come together quickly in just 30 minutes. The combination of butter and powdered sugar gives them that classic, melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the addition of vanilla, and optional citrus zest or almond extract, adds a refreshing twist. They’re versatile too—decorate them with sprinkles, a citrus glaze, or a drizzle of melted chocolate to give them a festive flair. The best part? They’re perfect for Easter, but also make for an all-year-round favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup powdered sugar

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional Add-ins:

  • 1 tsp lemon or orange zest

  • ¼ tsp almond extract

  • Sprinkles or melted chocolate for decoration

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

3. Add in the vanilla extract (and almond extract or citrus zest, if you’re using them) and mix well.

4. Sift in the flour and cornstarch, and stir until the dough comes together. At first, the dough might look a little crumbly, but it will soon form a soft, cohesive dough.

5. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls or, if you prefer, flatten it out and use cookie cutters to create shapes. Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to overbake, as you want them to remain soft and buttery.

7. Let the cookies cool completely before decorating with sprinkles, a citrus glaze, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Baking Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 24 cookies

Variations

• Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to your dough for a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs perfectly with springtime.

• Almond Flavor: Replace some or all of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty, aromatic twist.

• Decorative Touches: After baking, decorate with sprinkles, a simple citrus glaze, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a festive, colorful finish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies (without decoration) for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely before freezing.

• Reheating: If you prefer a warm treat, simply pop the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 3-5 minutes to warm them up.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

It’s best to use unsalted butter for this recipe to control the amount of salt. If you only have salted butter on hand, you can reduce the added salt in the recipe or skip it altogether.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! These cookies can be made a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.

How do I make the dough less crumbly?

If the dough seems too crumbly, try mixing it a little longer or add a teaspoon of milk to help it come together.

Can I use gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the packaging for any specific instructions when using gluten-free alternatives.

How do I decorate these cookies?

Once the cookies are cooled, you can decorate them with colorful sprinkles, a citrus glaze, or melted chocolate for a festive touch.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then store it in an airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This could happen if the dough is too warm. Try chilling the dough for 20 minutes before baking, especially if you’re using cookie cutters to maintain the shape.

Can I make these cookies into shapes using cookie cutters?

Yes, you can flatten the dough and use cookie cutters to make fun shapes, such as Easter eggs, bunnies, or flowers!

Do I have to add the cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps to make the cookies extra tender and melt-in-your-mouth. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can leave it out, but the texture might be slightly different.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The cookies should have golden edges but should still feel soft in the center. If they look too golden or crisp all over, they may have overbaked.

Conclusion

Easter Shortbread Cookies are the ideal springtime treat—easy to make, delicious, and versatile enough to suit any celebration. Whether you’re adding a citrusy zing, decorating with chocolate or sprinkles, or just enjoying the simple buttery flavor, these cookies will become a holiday favorite. Happy baking, and enjoy these sweet treats with your loved ones!

Easter Shortbread Cookies

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These easy-to-make Easter Shortbread Cookies offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a buttery, delicious flavor, perfect for celebrating the spring season. With optional add-ins like citrus zest or almond extract and festive decorations like sprinkles or melted chocolate, these cookies are versatile enough for any occasion. They come together quickly in just 30 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a last-minute holiday treat. Enjoy these classic shortbread cookies at Easter and beyond!

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies
• Category: Cookies, Easter Treats, Spring Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Holiday Treats
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup powdered sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup cornstarch

1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional: 1 tsp lemon or orange zest, ¼ tsp almond extract

Sprinkles or melted chocolate for decoration

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

• Add vanilla extract (and almond extract or citrus zest, if using) and mix well.

• Sift in the flour and cornstarch, stirring until dough comes together.

• Roll dough into 1-inch balls or flatten and use cookie cutters for shapes.

• Place cookies on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until edges are golden.

• Cool completely before decorating with sprinkles, a citrus glaze, or melted chocolate.

Notes

• Ensure cookies are not overbaked to maintain their soft, buttery texture.

• Dough can be chilled for easier handling, especially when using cookie cutters.

• For a citrusy twist, try adding lemon or orange zest to the dough.

• Decorate with melted chocolate or sprinkles for a festive touch.