Welcome spring with these irresistible Easter chocolate chip cookies that bring together classic comfort and seasonal charm. These cookies feature a perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and festive Easter elements, making them an ideal treat for holiday gatherings, Easter baskets, or simply to celebrate the season of renewal.
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Why We Love These Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Perfect Balance: These cookies offer the familiar comfort of classic chocolate chip cookies with a delightful Easter twist
- Versatile Decorating Options: Easily customizable with pastel colors and Easter-themed candies
- Family-Friendly Activity: A wonderful baking project to enjoy with children during the Easter season
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, perfect for busy holiday schedules
- These cookies offer the familiar comfort of classic chocolate chip cookies with a delightful Easter twist, similar to how our Muddy Buddies transform a classic snack into an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2¼ cups (280g) | Measured correctly by spooning into measuring cup and leveling off |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | Helps cookies rise and spread appropriately |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | Enhances flavor balance |
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (226g) | Softened at room temperature |
| Granulated sugar | ½ cup (100g) | Provides structure and sweetness |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup (200g) | Light or dark, packed firmly |
| Vanilla extract | 2 teaspoons | Pure vanilla extract recommended |
| Large eggs | 2 | Room temperature for better incorporation |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1½ cups (260g) | Can substitute milk or dark chocolate chips |
| Pastel-colored chocolate candies | ½ cup (90g) | M&Ms or similar Easter-colored candies |
| Mini chocolate eggs | ⅓ cup (60g) | Cadbury mini eggs or similar, lightly crushed |
| Pastel sprinkles | 2 tablespoons | Optional, for decorating |
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in 1 cup of the chocolate chips and ¼ cup of the pastel candies using a rubber spatula. Reserve the remaining chips, candies, and all the mini eggs for topping.
- Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Add Toppings: Gently press a few of the reserved chocolate chips, pastel candies, and crushed mini chocolate eggs onto the top of each dough ball. If using sprinkles, add them now.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still appear slightly underdone (they will continue cooking as they cool).
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions for Perfect Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Make Nest Cookies: Create an indentation in the center of each cookie before baking and fill with mini eggs after baking for an Easter “nest” appearance
- Dough Chilling: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking
- Cookie Size: Make smaller cookies (1 tablespoon dough) for Easter baskets or larger cookies for a dessert platter
- Chocolate Variations: White chocolate chips with pastel sprinkles make a bright spring alternative
- Dietary Adaptations: Use gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum) for gluten-free cookies or plant-based butter and egg replacer for vegan options
- Add-ins: ½ cup chopped nuts or ¼ cup shredded coconut can add texture and flavor dimension
Serving Suggestions
These Easter chocolate chip cookies are versatile treats perfect for the spring season:
- Arrange on a festive platter with other Easter treats for holiday gatherings
- Package in cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons for sweet gifts
- Include in Easter baskets alongside chocolate bunnies and eggs
- Serve with pastel-colored milk for a fun children’s Easter snack
- Pair with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat during spring celebrations
Storage
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Cookie dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen in portioned balls for up to 3 months – bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 215 |
| Total Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.5g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Protein | 2.5g |
*Based on recipe yield of 24 cookies
Conclusion
These Easter chocolate chip cookies bring together the timeless appeal of America’s favorite cookie with festive spring elements that make them perfect for Easter celebrations. Whether you’re filling baskets, setting up a holiday dessert table, or simply welcoming spring with a sweet treat, these cookies deliver both familiar comfort and seasonal charm. The combination of classic chocolate chip cookie base with colorful Easter candies creates a treat that’s sure to delight both children and adults alike.
The beauty of Easter chocolate chip cookies lies in their simplicity and adaptability. Even novice bakers can achieve excellent results, while more experienced bakers can play with the decorative elements to create Instagram-worthy Easter treats. The familiar, comforting aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies combined with the festive appearance makes this recipe a perfect addition to your spring baking repertoire. Looking for more sweet treats to round out your Easter celebration? Our Earl Grey Shortbread Cookies make an elegant companion to these festive chocolate chip cookies, especially for afternoon tea gatherings
Share Your Creations!
We’d love to see your Easter chocolate chip cookie creations! Tag us on Instagram @mumyrecipes or leave a comment below with your Easter baking tips. Did you try any creative variations or decorating ideas? Let us know how they turned out!
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