Egg Hunt Easter Cookies Recipe

Egg Hunt Easter Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of springtime and Easter celebrations. These cookies are designed to resemble Easter eggs and other festive symbols, making them perfect for decorating and sharing with family and friends. The combination of soft, buttery dough and the surprise element of jelly beans or mini Cadbury Creme Eggs inside adds an extra layer of excitement to these cookies. The pastel colors and festive designs, such as PEEPS-inspired bunnies with marshmallow tails, make them a charming addition to any Easter spread.

• 2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more as needed for rolling and work surface
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended for outstanding flavor)
• Jelly beans or mini Cadbury Creme Eggs for surprise filling
• Royal icing or easy cookie glaze icing for decorating
• Gel food coloring
• Sanding sugar sprinkles
• Mini marshmallows, halved (for bunny tails)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl using a handheld or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the Egg and Flavorings: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter mixture. Beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl as needed to combine.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until combined. The dough will be a bit soft. If it seems too sticky for rolling, add 1 more Tablespoon of flour.
5. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Place each portion onto a piece of lightly floured parchment paper or a lightly floured silicone baking mat. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat and Roll Out Dough: Once chilled, preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2 or 3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Remove one piece of dough from the refrigerator and roll it out to 1/4-inch thickness. If it’s sticking to the bottom, run your hand under it to help remove it.
7. Cut Out Shapes: Using a cookie cutter, cut out shapes like eggs, bunnies, and carrots. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all is used. Repeat with the second piece of dough.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the cut-out cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
9. Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate with royal icing or easy cookie glaze icing in pastel colors. Add jelly beans on top and a mini Cadbury Creme Egg in the middle for the surprise element.

Top Tips:

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and sugar are at room temperature for the best results.
2. Chill the Dough Properly: Chilling the dough helps it hold its shape better when rolling out.
3. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined to avoid tough cookies.
4. Experiment with Colors: Use gel food coloring to create vibrant pastel colors for your royal icing.
5. Add a Touch of Almond Extract: Almond extract adds a unique and delicious flavor to your cookies.
6. Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Variations:

1. Chocolate-Dipped Cookies: Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an extra-rich treat.
2. Sprinkle Toppings: Add sprinkles or sanding sugar on top of the cookies before baking for extra sparkle.
3. Fruit Fillings: Use different types of jelly beans or fruit preserves for a variety of flavors.
4. Mini Marshmallow Tails: Use mini marshmallows to create bunny tails on your decorated cookies.
5. Edible Glitter: Add edible glitter to your royal icing for an extra festive touch.

Nutritional Guide:

Additional Nutritional Notes: These cookies are relatively high in sugar and fat due to the butter and sugar content. However, they are also a good source of carbohydrates and can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. The surprise element of jelly beans or mini Cadbury Creme Eggs adds extra calories but also provides a fun and festive touch. Consider using healthier alternatives like fruit preserves or natural sweeteners to reduce the sugar content.