Springtime Sugar Cookies

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.

2. What’s the best way to decorate these cookies?

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.

4. Can I use cookie cutters for different seasons?

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!

Springtime Sugar Cookies

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Soft, buttery sugar cookies perfect for spring gatherings, decorated with festive designs for Easter or seasonal celebrations.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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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

1. In an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add egg and extracts, mixing until fully incorporated.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients until dough forms.
4. Chill dough for 1 hour to prevent spreading [[5]][[8]].
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
7. Prepare icing by beating butter, sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Adjust milk for desired consistency.
8. Decorate cooled cookies with icing and spring-themed sprinkles.

Notes

For best results, chill dough thoroughly [[8]]. Use quality butter for optimal texture [[8]].

Nutrition

• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 18
• Sodium: 80
• Fat: 8
• Saturated Fat: 5
• Carbohydrates: 28
• Protein: 2
• Cholesterol: 25

Keywords: Cookies, Easter, Spring