Introduction
Easter is a time of joy, rebirth, and delicious treats. One delightful addition to your holiday festivities can be the colorful and fun Easter Basket Cookies. These cookies not only taste amazing but also bring a vibrant touch to your dessert table, making them perfect for sharing with family and friends.
With their soft, chewy texture adorned with candy and frosting, these cookies can be a hit for both kids and adults alike. You can customize them with your favorite candies, making every batch unique. Get ready to bring some joy to your Easter celebration with these easy, festive cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 cup Easter-themed candy (e.g., jelly beans, chocolate eggs)
- 1 cup frosting (store-bought or homemade)
Directions & Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and half of the Easter-themed candy.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each mound.
- Gently press the remaining candy into the tops of the cookies before baking.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Once cooled, spread a light layer of frosting on top of each cookie and decorate with additional candy as desired.
FAQs
What if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread excessively, it might be due to warm butter. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to substitute with dark chocolate or white chocolate chips, depending on your preference.
What if my cookie dough is too dry?
If your dough seems too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or water to help moisten it.
Can I add coconut or nuts to these cookies?
Absolutely! Shredded coconut or chopped nuts can add great texture and flavor.
What if I want to use a sugar substitute?
You can use a granulated sugar substitute that measures cup for cup to replace both sugars.
How can I make these cookies festive for other holidays?
You can easily change the decorations based on the holiday, using seasonal candies and colored frosting.
Can I make these cookies bigger for a giant cookie?
Yes, if you want a larger cookie, increase the dough size to two tablespoons each and bake a few extra minutes.
Conclusion
Easter Basket Cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also bring a splash of color to your spring celebrations. With their personalized touches, each batch reflects your creativity and is sure to delight everyone at the table.
Whether as an Easter gift or a delightful dessert, these cookies make the perfect addition to your holiday festivities. Happy baking and enjoy the seasonal cheer!
Recipe Card
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
