These Easter Basket Cookies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat! Perfectly chewy sugar cookies topped with sweet, colorful frosting and mini candy eggs, they bring all the springtime joy to your dessert table. Whether you’re prepping for a festive gathering or just want something cute and tasty to brighten the day, these cookies are incredibly simple to make and such a hit with kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive and Fun: These cookies are full of charm and color—ideal for Easter celebrations or spring parties.
Easy to Make: No complicated techniques here. The sugar cookie base is straightforward, and decorating them is a breeze—even little helpers can join in!
Customizable: Swap out the toppings and colors to suit your taste or holiday theme. These cookies are as versatile as they are adorable.
Delicious: Don’t let the cuteness fool you—these cookies are rich, buttery, and soft with the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch from the candy eggs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to whip up the cutest cookies on the block! Here’s what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of your cookie dough and keeps the cookies soft but structured.
Baking powder: Gives just the right amount of lift to keep the cookies light and slightly puffy.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness and helps the cookies brown beautifully—room temperature is key for easy creaming.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that classic sugar cookie texture.
Egg: Binds everything together and gives the cookies structure and a tender crumb.
Vanilla extract: Adds warm, comforting flavor—don’t skip it!
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Frosting: Store-bought or homemade—this is your “grass” topping. Use green-tinted frosting for a playful basket look.
Shredded coconut (optional): Tint with green food coloring to mimic grass even more realistically.
Mini candy eggs: The star of the decoration—look for pastel-colored chocolate eggs or jelly beans.
Food coloring: Use gel food coloring to dye your frosting or coconut vibrant springtime shades.

Variations

Want to mix it up a bit? Here are some creative ways to switch things around:

Chocolate Base: Make a chocolate sugar cookie dough for a richer twist.
Flavored Frosting: Add a drop of peppermint, lemon, or almond extract to the frosting for a unique flavor boost.
Different Toppings: Swap mini eggs for jelly beans, gummy bunnies, or even little fondant flowers.
No Coconut? Skip it altogether or use green-tinted white chocolate shavings for texture.

How to Make Easter Basket Cookies

Step 1: Make the Sugar Cookie Dough

Start by creaming together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually add it to the wet mixture.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Scoop or roll the dough into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet. Flatten them slightly to create a basket “base.” Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are just golden. Let them cool completely before decorating.

Step 3: Decorate the Cookies

Once cooled, spread a dollop of green frosting on each cookie. For extra texture, press some green-tinted coconut on top. Finish by placing 2–3 mini eggs in the center of each “nest.”

Step 4: Let Them Set

Let the frosting set slightly before serving or packaging. This helps the eggs stay in place and makes them easier to transport.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overbake: The cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool, keeping that soft texture.
Use Gel Food Coloring: It gives vibrant color without watering down your frosting or coconut.
Chill the Dough: If your dough feels too soft or sticky, chill it for 20–30 minutes to make it easier to shape.
Decorate Just Before Serving for Best Appearance: If you’re storing these cookies ahead of time, wait to add the candy eggs until closer to serving to prevent any color bleeding or softening.

How to Serve

These cookies are truly a centerpiece-worthy treat. Serve them on a pastel platter lined with Easter grass for maximum effect. They’re perfect for:

At Easter Brunch:

Place them in a basket lined with colorful tissue for a beautiful, edible table display.

For Gifting:

Wrap a few in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon for sweet party favors or classroom treats.

As a Dessert Platter:

Combine with carrot cake squares, mini lemon bars, and chocolate-dipped strawberries for a stunning spring dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they’re already decorated, store in a single layer or with parchment between layers to prevent smudging.

Freezing

Undecorated cookies freeze best. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting and decorating.

Reheating

No reheating needed—these are served best at room temperature! But if you freeze the cookies, let them thaw fully before decorating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made cookie dough?
Yes! If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought sugar cookie dough works just fine. Just be sure to flatten the cookies a little so they’re easier to decorate.

What kind of frosting is best for these cookies?
A thick buttercream or tinted cream cheese frosting works beautifully. Store-bought vanilla frosting also does the trick—just add a few drops of green coloring.

How do I tint shredded coconut?
Place the coconut in a zip-top bag, add a drop or two of green food coloring, and shake until evenly coated. Let it dry slightly before using.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

These Easter Basket Cookies are everything you want in a holiday treat—adorable, festive, and irresistibly good. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re baking with kids, gifting them to friends, or just indulging in a little springtime sweetness, these cookies bring joy with every bite. Give them a try—you’re going to love them!

Easter Basket Cookies Recipe