Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour , spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter , softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- Pastel sprinkles or crushed candy-coated chocolates (like Mini Eggs)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for extra indulgence)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer or a whisk until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving soft, chewy cookies.
4. Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. The mixture may look slightly curdled at this stage—don’t worry, it will come together when you add the dry ingredients.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and airy.
Optional: Fold in pastel sprinkles, crushed candy eggs, or chocolate chips for added fun and flavor.
6. Shape the Dough
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball slightly with the back of a spoon.
Pro Tip: For an extra festive touch, press a few sprinkles or candies onto the tops of the cookies before baking.
7. Bake Until Golden
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes , or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even cooking.
8. Cool and Decorate
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, decorate with icing, more sprinkles, or even colorful glazes if desired.
