3 Easy Easter Baking Ideas: Sweet Treats for the Holiday

Easter is a time for celebration, and nothing makes the holiday sweeter than freshly baked treats. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, preparing an afternoon snack, or just looking to get into the festive spirit, these easy Easter baking ideas are perfect for adding a touch of spring to your dessert table. From colourful cookies to moist cakes, these recipes are simple yet delicious, making them great for bakers of all levels.

1. Easter Sugar Cookies

These classic sugar cookies are soft, buttery, and perfect for decorating with vibrant icing or sprinkles. Get creative and make bunnies, eggs, or flowers to celebrate the season!

Ingredients:

• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 tsp baking soda
  
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
  
• 1 cup butter, softened
  
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  
• 1 egg
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
  
• Coloured sprinkles or icing for decorating
  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
   
3. In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix well.
   
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until dough forms.
   
5. Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork or your hands.
   
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden. Cool completely before decorating with sprinkles or icing.
   
   

2. Carrot Cake Cupcakes

A moist and spiced carrot cake topped with cream cheese frosting is an Easter classic. These individual cupcakes are easy to serve and perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1 tsp baking powder
  
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
  
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  
• 1/4 tsp salt
  
• 2 large eggs
  
• 1 cup granulated sugar
  
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
• 1 1/2 cups grated carrots
  
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  
  

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  
• 1/4 cup butter, softened
  
• 2 cups powdered sugar
  
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  
  

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
   
2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
   
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until smooth. Stir in oil and vanilla extract.
   
4. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, followed by grated carrots and walnuts.
   
5. Divide the batter among the cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
   
6. Let the cupcakes cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
   
   

3. Hot Cross Buns

Hot cross buns are a traditional Easter treat, soft and spiced with currants and a cross on top. These buns are easy to make and perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup warm milk
  
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
  
• 1/4 cup sugar
  
• 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsp)
  
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
  
• 1/2 tsp salt
  
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  
• 1/2 cup currants or raisins
  
• 2 large eggs
  
  

For the Icing:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  
• 1 tsp milk
  
  

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine warm milk, melted butter, and sugar. Stir in the yeast and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
   
2. In another bowl, mix flour, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, and currants, and knead into a dough.
   
3. Cover the dough and let it rise for 1 hour until doubled in size.
   
4. Punch down the dough and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape into buns and place on a greased baking sheet.
   
5. Let the buns rise for 30 minutes, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes.
   
6. Once cooled, drizzle with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk to create the signature cross.
   
   

Why You Should Try These Recipes?

These Easter baking ideas bring a festive spirit to any occasion, and they’re easy enough for beginners to try. Whether you’re making sugar cookies, carrot cake cupcakes, or hot cross buns, these treats are sure to please your family and friends.

Explore different cupcake tins and mixing bowls to find the ones that best suit your needs and elevate your Easter baking experience.