Spring is the perfect season to embrace fresh flavors and bright colors in the kitchen! These Springtime Sugar Cookies are a delightful way to welcome warmer days and blooming flowers. With a soft, buttery texture and a touch of citrus, these cookies are decorated with pastel icing to make them a showstopper at any spring gathering. Whether you’re baking for a family picnic, Easter, or just to brighten someone’s day, these cookies are sure to bring joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Beautiful & Festive: The pastel icing adds a touch of elegance and fun.
- Soft & Buttery: A melt-in-your-mouth texture with a hint of vanilla and citrus.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun decorating activity for little bakers!
- Customizable: Use different colors, shapes, and sprinkles for any occasion.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Dough can be refrigerated or frozen for easy baking later.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for a fresh twist)
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (pastel pink, yellow, blue, and green)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth dough forms.
2. Chill the Dough:
- Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (this helps with rolling and cutting).
3. Roll and Cut:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness.
- Use spring-themed cookie cutters (flowers, butterflies, eggs) to cut out shapes.
- Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake:
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
5. Prepare the Icing:
- In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Divide into separate bowls and tint each with a different pastel gel food coloring.
6. Decorate:
- Use a piping bag or spoon to drizzle icing onto cookies.
- Add sprinkles while the icing is still wet for extra decoration.
- Let the icing set before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze undecorated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and decorate when ready.
- Serve with a cup of tea or lemonade for a perfect spring treat!
Helpful Notes
- Chilling is Key: Chilled dough holds its shape better while baking.
- Rolling Tip: Lightly flour the rolling pin to prevent sticking.
- Icing Consistency: Adjust milk amount for a thicker or thinner icing.
- Flavor Variations: Try orange zest or almond extract for a twist!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Use a piping bag for precision or simply drizzle icing with a spoon for a rustic look.
3. Can I use royal icing instead?
Absolutely! Royal icing will give a firmer, more detailed finish.
Yes! These cookies work well for any holiday—just switch up the shapes and colors.
Final Thoughts
These Springtime Sugar Cookies are a perfect way to celebrate the beauty of the season! With their soft, buttery texture and colorful icing, they’re a joy to bake and share. Whether for Easter, a garden party, or just because, these cookies will bring a touch of sweetness to any occasion. Happy baking and happy spring!
Print
Springtime Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, buttery sugar cookies perfect for spring gatherings, decorated with festive designs for Easter or seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp lemon extract ((optional for citrus flavor))
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
Buttercream Icing
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tbsp milk (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- In an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add egg and extracts, mixing until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients until dough forms.
- Chill dough for 1 hour to prevent spreading [[5]][[8]].
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
- Prepare icing by beating butter, sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
- Decorate cooled cookies with icing and spring-themed sprinkles.
Notes
For best results, chill dough thoroughly [[8]]. Use quality butter for optimal texture [[8]].
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Protein: 2
- Cholesterol: 25
Keywords: Cookies, Easter, Spring