If you’re craving a festive treat that’s bursting with cheerful color and classic comfort, this Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies are the perfect blend of rich, buttery dough loaded with semi-sweet chocolate chips and bright pastel candy-coated chocolates that scream springtime fun. Whether you’re gifting them in Easter baskets or sharing at a family gathering, these soft, chewy delights will bring a smile to everyone’s face and make your celebration extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully to create a cookie that’s both delicious and visually irresistible. Each component plays a key role, from the creamy butter that gives softness to the dough, to the colorful candies that add a festive pop of color and texture.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for depth.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a lightly crisp edge.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s structure.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the dough its form.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise perfectly and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enriches flavor.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Classic pockets of creamy chocolate in every bite.
- 1 cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates: Brings vibrant, playful color and a slight crunch.
- ¼ cup sprinkles (optional): For an extra festive look and texture variation, totally optional but highly recommended.
How to Make Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when the cookies go in. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, which will help your cookies bake evenly and come off effortlessly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, helping the cookies rise with a beautiful texture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract. This blend of wet ingredients is what gives your dough its richness and that warm, inviting aroma.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so be gentle to keep them tender.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Candies
Now for the fun part—fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, pastel candy-coated chocolates, and sprinkles if you’re using them. These will add delicious bursts of flavor and those signature Easter colors that make these cookies so special.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a heaping tablespoon, scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each mound about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Press a few extra candy pieces on top of each mound to create a festive look. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers set but remain soft.
Step 7: Cool
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes transferring them to a wire rack easier without breaking. Let them cool completely before serving or storing.
How to Serve Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra charming touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the top for a soft, snow-like effect. You might also add a few more colorful candy-coated chocolates or edible glitter to amp up the festive vibe.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a simple glass of cold milk, a rich hot chocolate, or even a fragrant cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. Their balance of sweetness and texture makes them versatile companions to many drinks and light snacks.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe delights in a decorative basket lined with pastel tissue paper for gifting. You can also stack them in a clear jar tied with a colorful ribbon as an adorable homemade gift. For parties, set them out on a bright, spring-themed platter with fresh flowers or greenery around the edges to brighten the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To maintain softness, place a slice of bread in the container which helps retain moisture without making the cookies soggy.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving to preserve their fresh-baked taste.
Reheating
Warm these cookies up for a few seconds in the microwave or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes. This reawakens their gooey, melty chocolate goodness and makes them taste just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pastel candy-coated chocolates with something else?
Absolutely! Feel free to use mini chocolate eggs, white chocolate chips, or even colorful jelly beans for a different twist. Each option will bring its own unique texture and flavor while keeping the festive spirit alive.
Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes is optional but recommended if you want thicker, chewier cookies. It helps control spreading during baking so your cookies maintain a lovely soft center.
Can I make these cookies vegan or gluten-free?
With some adjustments, yes! Use vegan butter or coconut oil, a flax egg substitute, and gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that texture and taste might vary slightly, but you’ll still get a festive, tasty cookie.
How do I prevent the candy-coated chocolates from melting too much?
To minimize melting, press a few candies gently on top of each cookie dough ball just before baking. This keeps them more intact and vibrant compared to mixing them fully into the dough.
What’s the best way to get soft and chewy cookies every time?
Don’t overbake them! Remove the cookies from the oven as soon as the edges are golden and the centers look set but still slightly soft. They will continue to cook a bit as they cool, resulting in that perfect chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe enough if you want to brighten up your spring celebrations with a homemade treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into colorful, soft, and irresistible cookies that bring joy to every bite. So roll up your sleeves, grab your mixing bowl, and make sure these delightful cookies become a fun new tradition in your kitchen!
Print
Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate Easter with these festive Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies, bursting with semi-sweet chocolate chips, colorful candy-coated chocolates, and optional sprinkles. Soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet, these cookies are ideal for holiday baskets and spring gatherings.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates (like Easter M&M’s)
- ¼ cup sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could make cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate and Candies: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates, and sprinkles if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop and Space Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, place heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Press a few extra candies on top of the dough balls for a festive look.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers appear just set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, helping them set and preventing sogginess.
Notes
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking yields thicker cookies.
- Swap pastel candy-coated chocolates with mini chocolate eggs or white chocolate chips for a delicious variation.
- These cookies are perfect for Easter baskets or springtime parties.
