Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

The Perfect Treat to Sweeten Your Holiday

There’s something magical about Easter—the pastel colors, the joy of spring, and the promise of sweet treats shared with family and friends. Growing up, Easter was always a time when my kitchen was filled with the smell of warm cookies baking in the oven. But it wasn’t until a few years ago that I decided to take my classic chocolate chip cookie recipe and give it a festive twist.

These Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies are everything you love about the original but with a colorful and seasonal flair. Think soft, buttery cookies loaded with melty chocolate chips and dotted with pastel candy-coated chocolates. They’re the kind of cookies that disappear as soon as they hit the table.

If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dessert that brings a little extra joy to your Easter gathering, you’re in the right place. Keep reading—you’ll want to make a double batch!

Why I Love This Recipe

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These cookies are a game-changer for Easter treats.

For years, I searched for a dessert that would feel festive but still satisfy the traditional chocolate chip cookie lovers in my family. The answer? Adding pastel candy-coated chocolates to a classic recipe. It makes them perfect for the holiday without straying too far from the flavors we all know and love.

What makes these Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies special is their balance of texture and flavor. The edges are lightly crisp, while the centers stay soft and chewy. Every bite is a perfect mix of rich chocolate, buttery dough, and the gentle crunch of candy shells.

They’re also incredibly easy to make, which is ideal if you’re hosting a big Easter brunch or simply want to whip up something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they store beautifully—though I doubt they’ll last long enough for you to worry about that!

Whether you’re filling up an Easter dessert platter, making treats for the kids, or packing up homemade gifts, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients for Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

The magic of these cookies comes down to a few simple ingredients that, when combined, create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s everything you need to make them.

Pantry Staples and Festive Add-Ins

• All-Purpose Flour
  This forms the structure of your cookie. I use unbleached flour for a more natural flavor, but regular all-purpose works perfectly.
• Baking Soda
  Just half a teaspoon gives these cookies the lift they need, keeping them from spreading too much while baking.
• Sea Salt (Fine)
  Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor of the chocolate. If you prefer salted butter, you can reduce this by half.
• Unsalted Butter (Softened to Room Temperature)
  The key to a rich, tender crumb. Softening the butter (but not melting it) ensures the perfect cookie texture.
• Brown Sugar (Lightly Packed)
  Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that makes these cookies irresistibly chewy.
• Granulated White Sugar
  Balances the brown sugar and helps create those slightly crisp edges.
• Vanilla Extract (Pure)
  Essential for that warm, comforting cookie flavor. Use pure vanilla if possible for the best result.
• Large Eggs (Room Temperature)
  They bind everything together and contribute to the soft, chewy texture.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
  I love the balance of sweetness from semi-sweet chips, but you can use milk chocolate if you prefer something sweeter.
• Pastel Candy-Coated Chocolates (Like Mini Eggs or M&M’s)
  These are what make your cookies Easter-ready! Their colorful shells add crunch and a pop of festive color.

Optional

• White Chocolate Chips
  For extra sweetness and contrast, a handful of white chocolate chips can add another layer of flavor.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts
  If you like a little nutty crunch, feel free to add 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts.

How Much Time Will You Need?

Making these Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies doesn’t take long at all! Here’s the time breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time (Optional): 30 minutes (for thicker cookies)
• Bake Time: 10-12 minutes
• Cool Time: 10 minutes

Total Time:

About 35 minutes (or 1 hour with chill time)

If you’re short on time, you can skip the chilling step. Your cookies will spread a bit more but will still taste amazing!

How to Make Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s your detailed, step-by-step guide to baking these festive cookies.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar.
Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy.
This step adds air to the dough, ensuring tender cookies.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Pour in the vanilla extract and continue mixing for another 30 seconds until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients.
Mix on low speed, or use a spatula if mixing by hand, until just combined.
Be careful not to overmix, or your cookies might turn out tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate and Candy

Using a spatula, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and pastel candy-coated chocolates.
Reserve a small handful of candy pieces to press on top of the cookies right before baking—this gives them a beautiful, bakery-style look.

Step 7: Portion the Dough

Scoop out dough balls about 2 tablespoons each and place them on the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each ball.
For perfectly round cookies, gently roll the dough balls between your hands.

Step 8: Optional Chill

If time allows, chill the dough balls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
This helps prevent spreading and intensifies the flavor.

Step 9: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly soft.
They’ll continue to cook a little as they cool on the tray.

Step 10: Cool

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Substitutions

Sometimes you don’t have everything on hand—or maybe you want to put your own spin on things. Here are some ideas.

Butter

If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter—just reduce the added salt by half.
For a dairy-free option, swap in a high-quality plant-based butter.

Chocolate Chips

Substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor, or use milk chocolate for something sweeter.
White chocolate chips also add a nice contrast!

Candy-Coated Chocolates

If you can’t find pastel-colored candies, you can use regular M&M’s or even chopped chocolate-covered almonds.

Flour

You can swap in gluten-free 1:1 baking flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
Make sure it’s a blend designed for baking.

Best Side Dishes for Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

While these cookies are fantastic on their own, here are three simple sides to complete your Easter dessert spread:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of berries, kiwi, and citrus balances the sweetness of the cookies and adds a refreshing bite.
2. Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
   Serve a scoop alongside a warm cookie for an indulgent treat.
3. Easter-Themed Milkshakes
   Blend vanilla ice cream with pastel sprinkles and top with whipped cream for a festive drink.

Serving and Presentation Tips

If you’re bringing these Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies to the table for a family gathering, presentation makes all the difference.
These cookies are already colorful thanks to the pastel candy pieces, so a little styling goes a long way.

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Want these cookies to be the show-stopping treat on your Easter dessert table? With just a few easy touches, you can make them look as good as they taste.

Presentation Tips

• Serve on a white or pastel-colored platter. This makes the pastel candy colors pop and gives your dessert table that bright, springtime vibe.
• Garnish with a little edible Easter grass or pastel-colored paper shreds around the cookies. It’s a simple touch, but it creates a festive, playful display—especially fun for kids.
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar over the platter for a light, elegant look. It creates a soft “spring snow” effect without overwhelming the cookies.
• Package in clear cellophane bags tied with pastel ribbons if you’re gifting them. You can also use small Easter baskets lined with parchment paper to give them a charming, homemade feel.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

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Want to take your Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies from good to bakery-quality? These tips will help you get consistently perfect cookies every time.

Tips and Tricks

• Use high-quality chocolate chips and candy-coated chocolates. The better the chocolate, the better your cookies will taste. Brands like Ghirardelli and Guittard make a noticeable difference.
• Weigh your flour for accuracy. Too much flour is the most common reason cookies turn out dry. If you don’t have a kitchen scale, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it with a knife.
• Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes. This step is optional, but chilling firms up the fat in the dough, reducing spreading. It also allows the flavors to develop more deeply.
• Press a few extra candy-coated chocolates on top of each dough ball before baking. This creates a pretty, bakery-style look because the candies stay visible on top of the cookie.
• Don’t overbake! Take them out when they’re slightly underdone in the center. They’ll continue to cook as they cool, leaving you with soft, chewy centers and crisp edges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Even simple cookie recipes can go sideways. Here’s how to steer clear of the most common pitfalls and make your cookies turn out perfect every time.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the dough
  Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten, making the cookies tough.
• Not using room-temperature ingredients
  Cold butter or eggs can mess up the texture. Let them come to room temp for the best, most even mixing.
• Skipping the chill time (when it matters)
  If your dough is too warm when you bake, the cookies may spread too thin. Chill the dough if your kitchen is warm or if you want thicker cookies.
• Crowding the baking sheet
  Give each cookie enough space to spread. Overcrowding can lead to uneven baking.
• Overbaking
  It’s tempting to wait until they look “done,” but trust the timer and take them out when the edges are golden and the centers still look soft.

How to Store Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Proper storage keeps your cookies fresh, soft, and delicious for days (if they last that long!).

• At Room Temperature
  Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to help keep them soft.
• In the Refrigerator
  You can store them in the fridge, but I don’t recommend it unless your kitchen is very warm. Chilling can dry them out.
• Freeze the Dough
  Scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen; just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze the Baked Cookies
  Let them cool completely, then freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes to refresh.

FAQ: Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Got questions? Here are the answers to the most common things people ask about these cookies.

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that’s specifically made for baking cookies. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but they’re still delicious.

2. What’s the best type of candy for the Easter theme?

I love using pastel candy-coated chocolates like Cadbury Mini Eggs or Easter M&M’s. They add color and crunch without overpowering the cookie flavor.

3. Do I really need to chill the dough?

It’s not required, but highly recommended. Chilling helps the dough firm up, reducing spreading and creating thicker cookies with better flavor.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make the dough up to 48 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

5. How do I get perfectly round cookies?

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven (while they’re still hot and soft), use a round cookie cutter or the edge of a glass to gently swirl around the cookie. This shapes them into perfect circles.

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