Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies: The Perfect Spring Treat

Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious treats! If you’re looking for a festive and easy-to-make dessert that will impress your loved ones, these Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies are the perfect choice. Packed with pastel M&M’s, white chocolate chips, and colorful sprinkles, these cookies are not only visually stunning but also irresistibly tasty. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, preparing for an egg hunt, or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step recipe for these delightful Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies, share tips for achieving the perfect texture, and provide some fun variations to make them your own. Let’s get baking!

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Why You’ll Love These Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why these cookies are a must-try:

1. Festive and Fun: The pastel M&M’s and sprinkles make these cookies perfect for Easter and spring celebrations.
2. Soft and Chewy Texture: The combination of ingredients ensures a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie every time.
3. Easy to Make: With simple instructions and common baking ingredients, even beginner bakers can master this recipe.
4. Customizable: Swap out the mix-ins or toppings to suit your preferences or theme.

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Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies

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

• 1½ cups plus one tablespoon all-purpose flour: Spooned and leveled for accuracy.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Adds lift and ensures a soft texture.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• ½ cup unsalted butter: Softened but still cool for the perfect consistency.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with spreading.
• ⅓ cup brown sugar: Lightly packed for a chewy texture.
• 1 large egg: Cold, straight from the fridge.
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
• ¾ cup Easter/spring M&M’s: Plus extra for topping, if desired.
• ½ cup white chocolate chips or chunks: Plus extra for topping, if desired.
• ¼ cup pastel sprinkles: For a festive touch.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Cream 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.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

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

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

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

Step 6: Fold in Mix-Ins

Gently stir in the Easter M&M’s and white chocolate chips. Place the pastel sprinkles in a shallow bowl for the next step.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Scoop the dough into 1½ to 2½ tablespoon portions. Gently press the top of each dough ball into the sprinkles to coat. You can bake the cookies immediately or chill the dough for 20 minutes for slightly thicker cookies.

Step 8: Bake

Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1-2 inches between them for spreading. Bake for 8-11 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly underdone. This ensures a soft and chewy texture.

Step 9: Cool and Decorate

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, press additional M&M’s or white chocolate chips onto the tops of the warm cookies for extra flair.

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The History of Easter Cookies

Easter cookies have become a beloved tradition in many households, but have you ever wondered how they became such a staple during the spring season? The concept of baking sweet treats for Easter dates back centuries, with roots in both religious and cultural practices. In Christian traditions, Easter marks the end of Lent, a period of fasting and reflection. After weeks of abstaining from indulgent foods, families would celebrate with rich, sweet desserts, including cookies. Over time, these treats evolved to include festive elements like pastel colors, sprinkles, and seasonal candies, such as M&M’s, to symbolize the joy and renewal of spring.

The use of pastel colors in Easter cookies is particularly significant. These soft hues—pink, yellow, blue, and green—represent the blooming flowers and new life associated with the season. Adding colorful candies and sprinkles not only makes the cookies visually appealing but also ties them to the Easter theme. The Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies recipe we’re sharing today is a modern take on this tradition, combining classic cookie ingredients with festive mix-ins to create a treat that’s perfect for Easter gatherings.

Interestingly, cookies themselves have a long history, dating back to 7th-century Persia. As trade routes expanded, cookies spread across Europe and eventually to America, where they became a popular dessert. Today, cookies are a versatile canvas for creativity, especially during holidays like Easter. Whether you’re baking for a family brunch, an Easter egg hunt, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, these Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies are a delicious way to celebrate the season.

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 Tips for Baking the Perfect Soft and Chewy Cookie

Achieving the perfect soft and chewy texture in cookies can be a bit of a science, but with a few expert tips, you’ll be able to master it every time. The key to these Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies lies in the balance of ingredients and baking techniques. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Use the Right Fat: Butter is essential for creating a rich, tender cookie. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch. If it’s too warm, the cookies may spread too much and become thin and crispy.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined, and be gentle when folding in the M&M’s and white chocolate chips.
3. Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 20 minutes before baking helps prevent excessive spreading. This results in thicker, chewier cookies with a slightly crisp exterior.
4. Watch the Baking Time: The cookies should be removed from the oven when the edges are set but the centers are still slightly underdone. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool, ensuring a soft and chewy texture.
5. Shape the Cookies: For perfectly round cookies, use a round glass or cookie cutter to gently swirl the cookies into shape as soon as they come out of the oven. This step is optional but adds a professional touch.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to create Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies that are not only delicious but also visually stunning. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, these cookies are sure to impress.

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 Creative Ways to Serve and Share Easter Cookies

Once you’ve baked a batch of these delightful Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies, it’s time to think about how to serve and share them. These cookies are incredibly versatile and can be presented in a variety of fun and festive ways. Here are some creative ideas:

1. Easter Cookie Platter: Arrange the cookies on a large platter with other Easter-themed treats, such as chocolate eggs, marshmallow chicks, and fresh fruit. Add some pastel-colored napkins and decorations to create a stunning centerpiece for your Easter table.
2. Cookie Gift Boxes: Package the cookies in clear cellophane bags or small boxes tied with ribbon. Add a personalized tag or label to create a thoughtful gift for friends, family, or neighbors. These make great Easter party favors or hostess gifts.
3. Cookie Decorating Station: Set up a DIY cookie decorating station at your Easter gathering. Provide plain cookies, along with bowls of icing, sprinkles, and candies, so guests can decorate their own treats. This is a fun activity for both kids and adults.
4. Easter Basket Addition: Include a few cookies in Easter baskets alongside other goodies like toys, books, and small gifts. They’re a sweet surprise that everyone will love.
5. Social Media-Worthy Photos: Before serving or sharing, take some photos of your cookies to post on social media. Use natural light and a simple background to highlight the vibrant colors of the M&M’s and sprinkles. Don’t forget to tag the recipe and share your baking journey with others!

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Fun Variations

These Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies are incredibly versatile. Here are some fun ways to customize them:

• Switch Up the Mix-Ins: Use dark chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or chopped nuts instead of white chocolate chips.
• Change the Sprinkles: Use seasonal sprinkles for different holidays or occasions.
• Add a Drizzle: Melt some white or dark chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled cookies for an extra decorative touch.
• Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.

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Nutritional Information

Each cookie contains approximately:

• Calories: 200kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 24mg
• Sodium: 73mg
• Potassium: 39mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g
• Vitamin A: 190IU
• Vitamin C: 1mg
• Calcium: 34mg
• Iron: 1mg

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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 refrigerator. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before scooping and baking.

How Do I Store These Cookies?

Store the cooled 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.

Can I Freeze the Dough?

Absolutely! Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

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Final Thoughts

These Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies are the ultimate springtime treat. With their vibrant colors, delightful mix-ins, and irresistible texture, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for Easter, a spring party, or just because, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.