As I sifted through vibrant pastel decorations, a delightful recipe for Cross Sugar Cookies caught my eye, beckoning me to whisk my worries away and fill my kitchen with the sweet scent of baking. This easy Cross Sugar Cookies Recipe is my go-to for Easter celebrations, promising soft, chewy goodness that melts in your mouth. Not only are these cookies a hit with family and friends, but they also transform a simple gathering into a festive occasion bursting with joy. The vibrant edible flowers add a personal touch, making this dessert not just delicious but a visual delight as well. Why settle for anything less when you can create something so special in mere minutes? Ready to bake cookies that will sweep everyone off their feet?
Why Choose This Cookie Recipe?
Delightful and Easy: This Cross Sugar Cookies Recipe is incredibly simple, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Just mix, roll, and cut!
Visual Appeal: The vibrant edible flowers make these cookies a showstopper at any gathering, adding a unique flair that impresses guests.
Perfectly Chewy: Enjoy the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that comes from blending high-quality ingredients like unsalted butter and vanilla extract.
Versatile Shapes: While ideal for Easter, you can use this recipe year-round by switching up the cookie shapes for various occasions—think hearts for Valentine’s Day or stars for the Fourth of July!
Fun Family Activity: Gather your loved ones for a delightful baking session, creating fun memories while decorating these unique cookies together.
Dive deeper into baking with our delicious Chocolate Chip Cookies or shake things up with some tasty Chocolate Oat Cookies.
Cross Sugar Cookies Ingredients
• For the Cookie Dough
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and stability; gluten-free flour blend can be used for a gluten-free option.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent to help cookies rise.
- Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor when baked.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; make sure it is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough and contributes to a chewy texture.
- Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture to the cookies.
- Almond Extract – Enhances the cookie flavor; feel free to substitute it with vanilla extract for a different twist.
- Pure Vanilla Extract – Complements the sweetness of the dough beautifully.
• For Rolling and Decorating
- Powdered Sugar or All-Purpose Flour – Used to dust surfaces and prevent sticking while rolling out the dough.
- Vanilla Frosting (16 oz can) – Perfect for decorating the cookies; can be melted for easy application as icing.
- Edible Flowers – Adds a charming, colorful touch to the decorated cookies; perfect for a festive finish.
These Cross Sugar Cookies are versatile and can truly light up any occasion, especially Easter celebrations!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cross Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This preparation ensures that when your Cross Sugar Cookies are ready to bake, they have a perfect surface to rest on, allowing for easy removal once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This mixing action is essential for distributing the leavening agent, which will help your Cross Sugar Cookies rise beautifully. Set this bowl aside as you move on to your wet ingredients, keeping everything organized for a smooth baking process.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, cream them together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The aeration from this process is key to achieving that perfect chewy texture in your Cross Sugar Cookies, so be sure to cream thoroughly before moving on.
Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts
Once your butter and sugar are creamy, add in the large egg, almond extract, and pure vanilla extract. Mix until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is blended uniformly. The addition of these ingredients will enhance the flavor profile, contributing to the delightful taste of your Cross Sugar Cookies.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until a crumbly dough forms. Ensure all the flour is incorporated, but be careful not to overmix. This step is crucial for achieving the right consistency in your dough, setting the stage for easy rolling and cutting later on.
Step 6: Roll Out the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a surface dusted with powdered sugar or all-purpose flour. Shape it into a ball and roll it out to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Keep your rolling pin dusted with flour to prevent sticking. This thickness is ideal for shaping cookies that will hold their form during baking while maintaining a soft texture inside.
Step 7: Cut Shapes
Using a cross-shaped cookie cutter, cut out shapes from the dough and carefully transfer them to your prepared baking sheet using a flat spatula. Make sure to leave some space between the cookies, as they will expand slightly during baking. This step showcases the fun design of the Cross Sugar Cookies, making them festive for Easter.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 7-9 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the cookies should be set around the edges but not browned on top. This indicates that your Cross Sugar Cookies are perfectly baked and ready to come out of the oven, giving them that soft and chewy interior you desire.
Step 9: Cooling Time
Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 20 minutes. This cooling period helps them firm up without losing their soft texture. After cooling, gently transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating, ensuring they are ready to receive the delicious toppings.
Step 10: Decorate Your Cookies
Once the cookies are completely cooled, prepare to decorate them using the vanilla frosting. You can melt the frosting slightly in the microwave for easier application if desired. Spread or pipe the frosting onto each cookie, then add the vibrant edible flowers while the icing is still wet to create beautiful Cross Sugar Cookies that are perfect for Easter celebrations.
Expert Tips for Cross Sugar Cookies Recipe
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Butter Temperature: Ensure your butter is fully softened before creaming. Cold butter won’t give you the light, fluffy texture crucial for these Cross Sugar Cookies.
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Watch the Bake Time: Avoid overbaking your cookies. They should be set but not browned; this keeps them chewy and soft, ensuring the perfect bite.
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Icing Tips: Allow the icing to dry completely before stacking or storing cookies. This step prevents smudging and lets your decorated cookies shine.
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Flour Dusting: Always dust your surface and rolling pin with powdered sugar or all-purpose flour while rolling out the dough. It prevents sticking and helps maintain the right texture in your Cross Sugar Cookies.
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Creative Shapes: Don’t hesitate to experiment with cookie shapes! Use the same recipe to create various shapes for different celebrations throughout the year, keeping baking fun and exciting.
Cross Sugar Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to play with this recipe and let your creativity shine through in new delicious ways!
- Citrus Twist: Substitute almond extract with lemon or orange extract for a fresh zing. This adds a cheerful brightness perfect for springtime celebrations.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to cater to gluten sensitivities while maintaining that beloved chewy texture.
- Frosting Swap: Instead of vanilla frosting, try a cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist that complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
- Fun Shapes: Use your favorite cookie cutters to shape cookies into halos, hearts, or stars, perfect for any occasion beyond Easter. A heart for a loved one can be truly special!
- Flavor Boost: Mix in a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, comforting flavor that takes your cookies to the next level. This will evoke cozy memories of baking during the holidays.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate and drizzle over the cookies for a delightful flavor contrast that makes them extra indulgent. Chocolate lovers will absolutely rejoice!
- Decorative Sprinkles: Add festive sprinkles to your frosting before it dries to give the cookies an extra pop of color and fun for kids. After all, who can resist a cookie that sparkles?
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper into the dough for an unexpected kick that pairs surprisingly well with sweet cookies.
As you experiment, don’t forget to check out our delightful Chocolate Chip Cookies or try your hand at making some chewy Chocolate Oat Cookies for more baking fun!
What to Serve with Cross Sugar Cookies
These delightful cookies are perfect for enhancing your festive gatherings and bringing a cheerful touch to your dining table.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a luscious contrast to the sweet, chewy cookies. The cool temperature will melt in your mouth, balancing the flavors beautifully!
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Fruit Salad Medley: A fresh fruit salad of seasonal berries and citrus fruits brings a burst of color and zest, enriching the experience with its refreshing bite. Combine tart and sweet fruits to brighten up your brunch table next to the cookies.
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Sparkling Lemonade: Serve with sparkling lemonade for a light, fizzy beverage that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cookies. The tangy notes will awaken your palate for each delightful bite!
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Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Tempt your taste buds with warm chocolate dipping sauce. The combination of sweet sugar cookies and rich chocolate creates an indulgent treat that everyone will love.
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Earl Grey Tea: Pair your cookies with a soothing cup of Earl Grey tea for a comforting contrast. The aromatic notes of bergamot elevate the cookie experience, making each nibble feel special.
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Cream Cheese Frosting: If you want to take your cookies to the next level, consider serving extra cream cheese frosting on the side for a rich, tangy twist. This adds creaminess that contrasts delightfully with the sugar cookies’ sweetness.
Make Ahead Options
These Cross Sugar Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate to maintain freshness. If you’re planning further ahead, you can also freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight, roll out, and cut out shapes. Additionally, once the cookies are baked and cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week. Just remember to decorate with frosting and edible flowers right before serving to ensure they look and taste just as delightful as when freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Cross Sugar Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep undecorated Cross Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
Fridge: Decorated cookies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure they are in a single layer to prevent decorations from smudging.
Freezer: Freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your cookies warm, place frozen cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye to ensure they don’t overbake.
Cross Sugar Cookies Recipe FAQs
How can I tell if my ingredients, especially the butter, are at the right temperature?
Absolutely! For the best results in this Cross Sugar Cookies Recipe, your unsalted butter should be softened to room temperature, meaning it should feel slightly cool but not hard or greasy. A good test is to press your finger into the butter; it should leave an impression without creating a hole. If it’s not softened, let it sit out for about 30 minutes to an hour, or microwave in 5-second intervals, turning it frequently until softened.
How should I store my Cross Sugar Cookies after baking?
After baking, you can store undecorated Cross Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you’ve decorated them with frosting, those cookies should go into the refrigerator and can be enjoyed for up to four days. Just remember to keep them in a single layer to avoid smudging your beautiful designs!
Can I freeze the cookies, and how?
Yes, freezing is a great way to preserve your Cross Sugar Cookies! To freeze them, start by placing the undecorated cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once they are solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply bake them directly from frozen or let them thaw in the refrigerator.
What if my cookie dough is too sticky to roll out?
If you find that your dough is too sticky, don’t worry—this can happen! To resolve this, simply sprinkle a bit more powdered sugar or all-purpose flour onto your work surface and the rolling pin before rolling out the dough. If it’s still sticky, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling solidifies the fat, making it easier to work with, and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Are these cookies safe for people with nut allergies?
Yes, you can definitely make adjustments to cater to those with nut allergies. The almond extract can be substituted with vanilla extract without compromising the overall taste of your Cross Sugar Cookies. Ensure that all other ingredients, especially the baking powder and any sprinkles you might use, are labeled nut-free to keep your cookies safe for everyone to enjoy.
What can I do if my cookies turn out too hard after baking?
If your Cross Sugar Cookies turn out harder than expected, it’s likely because they were overbaked. To avoid this, always keep an eye on the baking time; they should only be set at the edges but not browned on top. If you do end up with cookies that are a bit tough, you can try microwaving them for 5-10 seconds before serving—this can help soften them up slightly!
Cross Sugar Cookies Recipe for a Festive Easter Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, almond extract, and pure vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a crumbly dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a surface dusted with powdered sugar or all-purpose flour and roll to ¼ inch thick.
- Cut out shapes using a cross-shaped cookie cutter and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 7-9 minutes until set around the edges but not browned on top.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Decorate the cooled cookies with vanilla frosting and edible flowers.
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