Easter Cookies

Easter has always been a special time in my family, filled with joy, vibrant colors, and, of course, delightful treats. Among these, Easter cookies hold a cherished spot. Their soft texture, combined with the sweetness of M&M’s and the creaminess of white chocolate chips, makes them irresistible. Baking these cookies not only fills the house with a comforting aroma but also brings everyone together, making the holiday even more memorable.

Tools You Need

Before diving into the baking process, it’s essential to gather all the necessary tools to ensure a smooth experience:

• Mixing Bowls: At least two one for wet ingredients and another for dry.
• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: To cream together the butter, sugars, and other wet ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in baking.
• Baking Sheets: Preferably non-stick or lined with parchment paper.
• Cookie Scoop or Spoon: For uniformly sized cookies.
• Cooling Rack: To allow cookies to cool evenly after baking.

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful Easter cookies:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup butter, softened
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• M&M’s, chopped and whole, separated
• 1 cup white chocolate chips, divided

How To Make Easter Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when the dough is prepared.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, softened butter, and vegetable oil. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue to beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the baking powder, salt, baking soda, and all-purpose flour. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent tough cookies.
6. Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract, chopped M&M’s, and ½ cup of white chocolate chips.
7. Shape the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, form the dough into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring there’s enough space between each cookie.
8. Decorate Tops: Press 4-5 whole M&M’s and a few white chocolate chips onto the top of each dough ball.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the centers remain slightly soft.
10. Cool: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Recipe Tips

• Softened Butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming.
• Chilling the Dough: If time permits, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to prevent excessive spreading during baking.
• Uniformity: Using a cookie scoop helps in achieving cookies of the same size, ensuring even baking.

Ways to Serve

These Easter cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Festive Platter: Arrange them on a colorful plate for Easter gatherings.
• Gift Boxes: Place them in decorative boxes or bags as thoughtful gifts.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Spread a layer of frosting between two cookies for an indulgent treat.

Storage Tips

To maintain their freshness:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freezing: Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months.
• Reheating: For a freshly baked feel, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

Easter Cookies FAQs

1. Can I use other candies instead of M&M’s? Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with other colorful candies or chocolate chips.
2. How do I store these cookies? Once cooled, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They remain fresh for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze the dough? Yes, you can freeze the dough balls. When ready to bake, add a couple of minutes to the baking time.
4. Why are my cookies spreading too much? This could be due to overly soft butter or not chilling the dough. Ensure the butter is just softened, not melted, and consider refrigerating the dough before baking.

Conclusion

Baking these Easter cookies has become a beloved tradition in my home. Their delightful combination of flavors and festive appearance brings joy to both the baker and those who indulge in them. I hope this recipe adds a touch of sweetness to your Easter celebrations, creating cherished

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