Get ready to elevate your Easter celebration with these stunning and delectable Cross and Lily Cookies that are not just a treat for your taste buds, but a visual masterpiece that will leave your guests in awe! These beautifully crafted cookies combine the spiritual symbolism of Easter with an irresistibly sweet and buttery flavor that promises to become an instant family tradition. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe will help you create picture-perfect cookies that are as meaningful as they are delicious.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 24 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Royal icing for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should come together nicely.
- Once the dough is ready, divide it into two equal portions. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 15 minutes to make it easier to roll out.
- After chilling, remove one portion of the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness.
- Using cookie cutters, cut out shapes for crosses and lilies. Place the cut-out cookies onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cookies are cooling, prepare the royal icing according to your recipe or package instructions. This will be used for decorating the cookies.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, use the royal icing to decorate them in your desired designs. You can pipe intricate patterns or simply outline the cookies with icing.
- Allow the decorated cookies to sit at room temperature until the royal icing has fully set, which may take a few hours.
- Once the icing is set, your Easter Cross and Lily Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Tips
- Chill your dough: Refrigerating the cookie dough for 15 minutes makes it easier to roll out and helps prevent spreading during baking.
- Use parchment paper: This prevents sticking and ensures even baking, giving you perfectly golden cookies every time.
- Don't overmix: Mix your dough just until ingredients are combined to keep your cookies tender and soft.
- Royal icing technique: For professional-looking decorations, use different piping tip sizes and let each icing layer dry completely before adding details.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture.
- Precise cutting: Use sharp, clean cookie cutters and dust them lightly with flour to get crisp, clean shapes.
- Cool completely before decorating: Patience is key! Let cookies cool entirely to prevent icing from melting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
