The ultimate Easter cookie is here: rich, chewy chocolate dough studded with melty chocolate chips and topped with pastel candy eggs that add crunch and charm in every bite. These cookies bring the spirit of spring into your kitchen and make baking with the family a joyous tradition.
Perfect for holiday parties, spring bake sales, or just an afternoon treat, these cookies combine fudgy goodness with fun, colorful toppings. Kids will love helping roll the dough in sprinkles and pressing on the candy eggs, and you’ll love how easy they are to prepare. They’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that disappears fast—so make a double batch!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
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2 tsp. baking powder
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1 tsp. kosher salt
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1/2 tsp. baking soda
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1 1/2 cups candy-coated chocolate eggs (like Cadbury Mini Eggs)
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1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) salted butter, room temperature
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup light brown sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
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1 2/3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
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Pastel nonpareils and pastel sprinkles (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
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Place candy eggs in a zip-top bag and gently crush them using a rolling pin until broken into large pieces.
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In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low after each. Mix in vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, mixing on low until just combined.
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Stir in 1 1/3 cups chocolate chips and 3/4 cup of the crushed candy eggs. Reserve the rest for topping.
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Scoop dough into 1.5-tablespoon balls. If using sprinkles, roll dough balls in them and place on baking sheets 2 inches apart.
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Top each ball with remaining candy eggs and chocolate chips, pressing gently to adhere.
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Bake for 10–11 minutes, until just set. Cool on sheet for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Repeat with remaining dough.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 11 minutes | Total Time: 31 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 240 kcal per cookie | Servings: 32 cookies
The Magic Behind Easter Egg Cookies
Easter is traditionally associated with new beginnings, and the egg has long symbolized fertility and rebirth. Translating this symbolism into desserts has led to some of the most visually stunning and emotionally meaningful creations in the baking world, and Easter Egg Cookies are no exception.
These cookies are made with a chocolate cookie dough that resembles a fudgy brownie—rich, chewy, and just slightly crisp on the edges. What makes them unique, however, is the generous topping of crushed candy-coated chocolate eggs, often in pastel hues that evoke the soft colors of springtime. From Cadbury Mini Eggs to other candy variations, the aesthetic alone makes these cookies irresistible.
The texture contrast is another part of the appeal. You get the soft, dense base of the cookie, enhanced by melting chocolate chips throughout, topped with crunchy candy eggs that add a playful pop in every bite. It’s a multisensory experience that both kids and adults love.
Why These Cookies Stand Out on the Easter Table
There are countless Easter-themed treats, from carrot cake to hot cross buns, but Easter Egg Cookies occupy a special place thanks to their versatility, ease of preparation, and visual charm.
Whether you’re planning a festive brunch, an egg hunt for kids, or a seasonal bake sale, these cookies make an impression. They’re easy to transport, don’t require refrigeration, and are instantly Instagram-worthy. In fact, their colorful appearance makes them a hit not just at the dessert table but also as gift bag additions or party favors.
Another reason for their popularity is how easy it is to get the whole family involved. Kids love crushing the candy eggs, rolling the dough in sprinkles, and pressing decorations onto each cookie before baking. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that turns baking into a memory-making experience.
Customizing for Other Holidays and Occasions
Although these cookies are designed with Easter in mind, one of their best features is their adaptability. Simply swap out the pastel-colored eggs and sprinkles for other festive options to make these cookies work year-round.
For Christmas, consider using red and green M&M’s or peppermint pieces. For Halloween, orange and black candies can make these cookies spooky and fun. Even birthdays can be celebrated with rainbow sprinkles and colorful candy-coated chocolate. The base chocolate cookie is so universal and crowd-pleasing that it forms a blank canvas for all your festive needs.
You can also adjust the size or shape. For a more gourmet presentation, make them slightly larger and top with a single, oversized chocolate egg. Or use cookie cutters to shape the dough before baking and decorate each differently. The possibilities are endless.
Tips for Making the Best Easter Egg Cookies
Achieving the perfect Easter Egg Cookie takes a few key tricks, especially if you’re going for that ideal chewy center and beautifully decorated top.
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Use high-quality cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa gives the cookies a rich, dark chocolate flavor and a deep color that contrasts beautifully with the pastel eggs. If you only have natural cocoa, you can still make the cookies, but expect a lighter hue and slightly tangier taste.
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Don’t overbake: One of the secrets to getting that fudgy texture is pulling the cookies out when they’re just set. They’ll continue to bake a bit on the tray, so leaving them slightly underdone ensures they remain chewy and soft.
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Reserve toppings: Always save some chocolate chips and crushed candy eggs for topping each dough ball before baking. This keeps the presentation picture-perfect and ensures there’s candy in every bite.
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Chill the dough if needed: If your dough feels too soft or sticky to shape, chill it for 15–30 minutes. This will make it easier to handle and help prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
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Store properly: These cookies keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or can be frozen for longer storage. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Making Memories with Every Batch
Food isn’t just sustenance—it’s storytelling. And few foods tell a story as joyful and colorful as Easter Egg Cookies. Making them can become a yearly tradition, something you look forward to when the flowers begin to bloom and spring holidays roll around.
Many families now incorporate baking as part of their Easter activities, alongside egg dyeing and decorating. These cookies are a wonderful addition to that lineup, bringing together taste, creativity, and quality time. And once the smell of chocolate and sugar fills your kitchen, it instantly sets the tone for a warm, happy holiday at home.
You can even turn the baking process into an Easter weekend event. Invite friends or family over for a “decorate-your-own cookie” party, where kids and adults alike can go wild with sprinkles, toppings, and their own personal cookie art. It’s a stress-free way to bring people together and celebrate the season.
Pairing Ideas and Serving Suggestions
While these cookies are fantastic on their own, pairing them with other seasonal treats can turn a simple dessert into a celebration. Serve alongside lemon tarts, mini carrot cupcakes, or strawberry shortcake to balance the richness of the chocolate with something fruity or tangy.
They also go beautifully with beverages—think a hot cup of coffee or tea for adults, or cold milk and pink lemonade for the younger crowd. Display them on a pastel platter or in a decorative Easter basket to make them part of your table’s visual appeal.
If you’re into edible gifting, stack a few cookies in a clear treat bag, tie with a pastel ribbon, and include a handwritten tag. It’s a heartfelt gesture that makes the holiday even more memorable.
Conclusion: The Cookie That Brings Joy and Flavor Together
Easter Egg Cookies are more than just another seasonal sweet—they’re a celebration of color, creativity, and the joy of baking. With their fudgy chocolate base and festive toppings, they strike a perfect balance between decadence and fun. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and ideal for bringing loved ones together.
Whether you bake them with your children as part of your Easter tradition, gift them to neighbors and friends, or enjoy them with a quiet cup of tea, these cookies are bound to become a cherished recipe in your spring repertoire.
So this season, skip the store-bought chocolates and fill your basket with something baked from the heart. These cookies aren’t just treats—they’re memories in the making.