Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies: The Perfect Spring Treat

Spring is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a batch of Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies? These delightful cookies are not only a feast for the eyes with their pastel M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and sprinkles, but they also deliver a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, planning a spring picnic, or simply looking for a fun baking project, these cookies are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. In this post, we’ll walk you through the recipe, share tips for perfect cookies every time, and explore why these Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies are a must-make this season.

---

Why You’ll Love These Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes these cookies so special:

1. Perfect Texture: The combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures these cookies are soft, chewy, and slightly puffy—never flat or crunchy.
2. Festive and Fun: The pastel M&M’s and sprinkles make these cookies a colorful addition to any Easter or spring celebration.
3. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even beginner bakers can master this recipe.
4. Customizable: Swap out the M&M’s and sprinkles for other mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or dark chocolate chips to suit your taste.

---

Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible cookies:

• 1½ cups plus one tablespoon all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled: Measuring flour correctly is key to achieving the perfect texture.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds chewiness.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened but still cool: Provides richness and helps create a tender cookie.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with spreading.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, lightly packed: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
• 1 large egg, cold, straight from the fridge: Binds the ingredients together.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
• ¾ cup Easter/spring M&M’s: Adds a festive touch.
• ½ cup white chocolate chips or chunks: Complements the sweetness of the M&M’s.
• ¼ cup pastel sprinkles: For a pop of color and fun.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions for Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies

Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies:

1. Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F.
• Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugars

• In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 1-2 minutes, until light and fluffy.

4. Add the Egg and Vanilla

• Add the cold egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

6. Fold in the Mix-Ins

• Gently stir in the M&M’s and white chocolate chips. Place the sprinkles in a shallow bowl for coating the dough balls.

7. Scoop and Coat the Dough

• Scoop the dough into 1½ to 2½ tablespoon portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently press the top into the sprinkles to coat.

8. Chill (Optional)

• For slightly thicker cookies, chill the dough balls in the fridge for about 20 minutes.

9. Bake to Perfection

• Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1-2 inches between them for spreading.
• Bake for 8-11 minutes, depending on the size of your dough balls. The edges should be set, but the centers should still look slightly underdone for that soft and chewy texture.

10. Shape and Cool

• As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, you can use a glass or cookie cutter to shape them into perfect rounds (see notes below).
• Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets placed on wire racks.

11. Add Extra Toppings (Optional)

• While the cookies are still warm, press additional M&M’s or white chocolate chips onto the tops for an extra festive look.

---

The Secret to Perfectly Soft and Chewy Cookies

Achieving the perfect soft and chewy texture in cookies can feel like a baking mystery, but it all comes down to a few key techniques and ingredients. First, the balance of baking powder and baking soda is crucial. Baking soda helps cookies spread and brown, while baking powder adds a slight lift, creating a tender, chewy center. In this Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies recipe, the combination of both ensures the cookies are neither too flat nor too cakey.

Another secret lies in the sugar ratio. Using a mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar is essential. Granulated sugar helps the cookies spread, while brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness due to its molasses content. Make sure your brown sugar is fresh and soft—hard, clumpy sugar can throw off the texture.

The temperature of your ingredients also plays a role. Using cold butter straight from the fridge can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much, while a cold egg helps bind the ingredients without overmixing. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to tough cookies, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Finally, baking time is critical. These cookies are done when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool, resulting in a soft, chewy center. If you prefer crispier cookies, you can bake them a minute or two longer, but for the ultimate soft and chewy Easter cookies, stick to the recommended time.

---

 Decorating Tips for Festive Easter Cookies

One of the best things about these Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies is how festive and fun they are to decorate. The pastel M&M’s and sprinkles make them a colorful addition to any Easter or spring celebration, but there are endless ways to customize their look.

Start by choosing seasonal M&M’s. Easter-themed M&M’s come in pastel colors like pink, yellow, green, and blue, which are perfect for the holiday. If you can’t find Easter-specific M&M’s, regular pastel ones work just as well. You can also mix in mini M&M’s for a different texture and look.

When it comes to sprinkles, opt for pastel-colored nonpareils or jimmies. These add a pop of color and a slight crunch to every bite. For an extra festive touch, consider using Easter-themed sprinkles with shapes like bunnies, eggs, or flowers.

To make your cookies even more eye-catching, try drizzling melted white chocolate over the top after they’ve cooled. You can also use a piping bag to create intricate designs or write Easter messages like “Happy Easter” or “Spring.” If you’re feeling creative, use a small cookie cutter to shape the dough into Easter-themed shapes like eggs or bunnies before baking.

For a final touch, add edible glitter or gold dust to give your cookies a shimmering, magical effect. These small details can elevate your cookies from simple treats to show-stopping desserts that are perfect for Easter gatherings or gift-giving.

---

 Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Easter and Spring

Easter is a time for celebration, and these Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies are the perfect treat to share with family and friends. Their bright, cheerful colors and delightful flavors embody the spirit of spring, making them a festive addition to any Easter table.

One of the reasons these cookies are so perfect for Easter is their versatility. They can be served as a dessert after a holiday meal, packed into Easter baskets as a sweet surprise, or even used as part of a fun Easter egg hunt. Kids and adults alike will love the combination of soft, chewy dough, creamy white chocolate, and crunchy M&M’s.

These cookies also make a great baking activity for the whole family. Kids can help measure ingredients, mix the dough, and press the sprinkles onto the cookies. It’s a fun way to spend time together and create lasting memories. Plus, the recipe is simple enough that even little ones can participate without too much hassle.

Another reason these cookies are ideal for Easter is their make-ahead potential. You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, then bake the cookies fresh when you’re ready to serve. This makes them a convenient option for busy holiday hosts who want to focus on other preparations.

---

Nutritional Information

Each Soft and Chewy Easter Cookie contains approximately:

• Calories: 200kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 24mg
• Sodium: 73mg
• Potassium: 39mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough balls for up to 3 months and bake them straight from the freezer (just add a minute or two to the baking time).

Can I Use Different Mix-Ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap the M&M’s and white chocolate chips for other favorites like dark chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.

How Do I Store These Cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 3 months.

---

Print

Conclusion

These Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the season. With their vibrant colors, delightful mix-ins, and irresistible texture, they’re sure to become a springtime favorite. Whether you’re baking them for a holiday gathering or just because, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the best Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies you’ve ever tasted!