Easter Nest Cookies
- Delightful buttery shortbread cookies shaped into adorable nests with colorful sprinkle filling.
- Perfect for Easter celebrations and spring gatherings.
- A versatile treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Colored sprinkles for filling
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips for drizzling (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- Mini chocolate eggs for decorating (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
- Cut in softened butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add vanilla extract and egg yolk (plus optional lemon zest or almond extract if using) and stir until dough forms.
- Chill dough for 15-20 minutes for easier handling.
- Take 1 tablespoon of dough for each cookie, roll into a ball, then create an indentation in the center to form a nest shape.
- Place nests 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Sprinkle colored sprinkles in the center of each nest.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are just beginning to turn golden.
- Let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once completely cool, add any additional decorations like mini chocolate eggs or drizzle with melted white chocolate if desired.
Notes
- For best results, ensure butter is properly softened but not melted.
- Don’t skip the chilling step, especially on warm days.
- The cookies will be very soft when first removed from the oven but will firm up as they cool.
- For deeper nests, re-press the indentation immediately after removing from the oven.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 98
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 25
- Fat: 5
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 18
Keywords: easter nest cookies, easter cookie recipes, nest cookie ideas, spring cookies, holiday baking