Easter Dessert Shortbread: Easy Recipe, Ultimate Treat

December 23, 2025

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Easter dessert shortbread, a buttery, crumbly treat adorned with pastel colors, embodies the joy and renewal of spring. This simple yet elegant dessert has been a staple in my family for generations. It's more than just a sweet bite; it's a tangible link to Easters past, filled with laughter, egg hunts, and the comforting aroma of baking. This Easter dessert shortbread will become a cherished tradition in your own home.

The memory of my grandmother's kitchen, filled with the scent of vanilla and butter, always floods back when I bake this. She had the most gentle, loving way of showing you things. From cracking eggs to drizzling melted chocolate, she knew all the baking secrets.

Why You Will Love This Easter dessert shortbread Recipe

This Easter dessert shortbread recipe is more than just delicious; it's a hug in a biscuit. It's incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers. The simple ingredients come together in minutes, creating a melt in your mouth texture that's simply irresistible. Forget complicated recipes, this is pure Easter comfort food at its finest. Plus, what is more beautiful than shortbread decorated for Easter?

As the creator behind gotastyrecipes.com, my goal is to develop things that require minimal effort, but come with a beautiful result. I have watched many people make this recipe and feel such pride in their creation. And the best part? It tastes even better than it looks. Like my Berry Shortbread, this delicious cookie is easy to adapt too!

Ingredients Needed for This Easter dessert shortbread Recipe

Here’s the shopping list you’ll need to make these yummy shortbread cookies:

For the shortbread:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups all purpose flour

For the decoration:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (or more, to reach desired consistency)
Gel food coloring
Easter themed sprinkles

How to Make This Easter dessert shortbread Recipe

Ready to bake some Easter magic? Follow these simple steps.

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioner's sugar until light and fluffy. This is where an electric mixer comes in handy, but a good old fashioned wooden spoon works too! Be patient; it might take a few minutes to get that perfect, creamy texture.
Add the salt and mix until combined. Gradually add the flour, mixing on low speed (or by hand) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this can lead to tough shortbread.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it into a smooth disk. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Use Easter themed cookie cutters to cut out shapes. Gently place the cutouts onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them; they burn easily.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Divide the icing into separate bowls and add a drop or two of gel food coloring to each bowl to create your desired Easter colors.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, decorate them with the icing and sprinkles. Let the icing set completely before serving or storing.

How to Serve This Easter dessert shortbread Recipe

These Easter shortbread cookies are perfect for serving with afternoon tea, alongside fresh fruit, or as part of an Easter dessert platter. They make a delightful addition to any Easter brunch spread, especially paired with an Easter Brunch Salad. You can also package them up as Easter gifts for friends and family.

Experiment with different icing techniques, like piping intricate designs or creating simple, colorful swirls. Add edible glitter for extra sparkle. For a sophisticated touch, dust them with cocoa powder or edible gold dust.

How to Store This Easter dessert shortbread Recipe

To keep your Easter shortbread fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the undecorated shortbread cookies for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe container. When ready to serve, thaw completely at room temperature before decorating.

If you have leftover decorated shortbread, store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The icing may soften slightly, but the cookies will still taste great.

Tips to Make This Easter dessert shortbread Recipe

For the best results, use high-quality butter. The flavor will shine through in the finished product. Make sure your butter is properly softened but still cool to the touch. If it's too warm, the dough will be greasy.

Don't overmix the dough! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough shortbread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

If the dough is too sticky to roll out, wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle.

For perfectly uniform cookies, use a rolling pin with adjustable thickness rings. These will help you roll the dough to an even thickness every time.

Helpful Notes for This Easter dessert shortbread Recipe

Gel food coloring is recommended for the icing, as it won't thin the icing as much as liquid food coloring. You can find a wide variety of gel food colors at most craft stores or online.

If you don't have Easter themed cookie cutters, you can use any shape you like. Circles, squares, or even simple geometrical shapes work beautifully.

For a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the shortbread dough.

Variation of This Easter dessert shortbread Recipe

Try adding lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the icing.

Add a teaspoon of lavender extract to the icing for a unique floral twist. Sprinkle with dried lavender buds for a beautiful and fragrant garnish.

For a chocolatey twist, add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the shortbread dough. Top with chocolate ganache or melted white chocolate. These are great for a springtime gift idea.

For adults, add a teaspoon of bourbon to the icing for a sophisticated flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes shortbread a good Easter dessert?

Shortbread’s buttery and crumbly texture pairs perfectly with Easter’s pastel colors and springtime theme. It’s easy to decorate and offers a subtly sweet flavor that complements other Easter treats.

Can I make Easter dessert shortbread ahead of time?

Yes, shortbread is a great make-ahead dessert. Baked shortbread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, making it perfect for preparing in advance of your Easter celebration.

What are some variations I can make to traditional Easter dessert shortbread?

You can add lemon zest, vanilla extract, or almond extract to the dough for flavor variations. Decorate with pastel-colored icing, sprinkles, or Easter-themed candies for a festive look. You could also try adding chopped nuts or dried fruit to the dough.

How do I prevent my Easter dessert shortbread from being dry?

Ensure you are using unsalted butter and not overbaking the shortbread. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown. Properly measure your ingredients, especially flour, to avoid a dry or crumbly texture.