Pastel Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you are looking to add a burst of festive joy to your Easter celebrations, then the Pastel Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies boast a dreamy swirl of pastel colors combined with classic chocolate chips and Easter-themed M&Ms that make every bite a delightful surprise. Soft, chewy, and speckled with charming pastel hues, this recipe transforms a beloved cookie into a celebration-ready treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, these cookies will brighten up your holiday spread and win over everyone’s hearts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple and each one plays a crucial role. From the richness of butter to the festive pop of pastel gel colors, everything comes together to create that perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The sturdy base that gives structure to your cookies.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise beautifully and achieve that soft but slightly chewy texture.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1 cup): Adds rich creaminess and tender crumb to the cookies.
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Provides sweetness and helps create that perfect bite.
• Brown sugar, packed (¾ cup): Adds moisture and lends a subtle caramel note for depth.
• Large eggs (2): Binds everything together while keeping the dough luscious.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Infuses the dough with warm, fragrant undertones.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 ½ cups): The classic chocolate surprise in every bite.
• Easter-themed M&Ms (1 cup plus extra): Brings a playful and colorful element unique to this recipe.
• Gel food coloring (pastel pink, purple, yellow, and blue): The magic that turns ordinary cookie dough into a pastel wonderland.

How to Make Pastel Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning, setting a solid foundation for the dough’s texture and flavor.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter along with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process traps air which contributes to the cookies’ tender crumb.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a smooth, homogenous dough. Then add the vanilla extract, which boosts the aromatic appeal of the cookies.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually blend the flour mixture into the wet mixture on low speed to avoid overmixing. Overworking the dough can lead to tougher cookies, so mix just until combined.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and M&Ms

Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the Easter-themed M&Ms; their vibrant colors are what truly bring this recipe to life.

Step 6: Divide and Color the Dough

Separate the dough evenly into four portions. Add a different pastel gel food coloring—pink, purple, yellow, and blue—to each portion, mixing gently until the color is consistent without over-blending.

Step 7: Create Marbled Dough Balls

Take small bits from each colored dough and press them together lightly without fully mixing, visually marbling the dough for a whimsical Easter look. Roll each marbled piece into roughly two-tablespoon balls.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Place the dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them at least two inches apart. Press a few extra M&Ms on top for added color. Cover and chill the cookies for at least 30 minutes, which helps maintain their shape during baking.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the chilled cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until their edges are just golden, though centers may look slightly soft—that’s perfect for that chewy texture.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they hold together beautifully without crumbling.

How to Serve Pastel Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Add an extra festive touch by sprinkling a few pastel sprinkles or edible glitter over the cookies just before serving. It makes the cookies sparkle visually and adds a delightful little crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a simple glass of cold milk or a cup of hot herbal tea for an indulgent snack. Since the cookies themselves are colorful and sweet, light and soothing beverages complement them perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming Easter gift or party platter, arrange the cookies in a decorative tin or wrap them in pastel-colored cellophane tied with ribbons. You can also stack them with small sheets of parchment paper in between to prevent sticking and showcase the multi-colored layers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This keeps them moist and chewy without drying out or losing their pastel charm.

Freezing

If you want to keep these beauties fresh for longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months while preserving their flavor and texture.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen or day-old cookies like fresh, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This gently revives their softness and brings out the gooey goodness of the melted chocolate chips.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

You can, but gel food coloring is preferred because it provides more vibrant pastel hues without altering the dough’s consistency. Regular liquid colorings might make the dough too wet or sticky.

Do I have to chill the cookie dough?

Yes, chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker, more defined cookies that hold the beautiful pastel pattern better.

Can I substitute the M&Ms with other candies?

Absolutely! White chocolate chips, pastel-colored candy-coated chocolates, or even chopped pastel candy bars work wonderfully in this recipe to maintain that Easter theme.

How do I ensure the pastel colors stay bright after baking?

Use gel food coloring and avoid excessive mixing to keep colors vibrant. Also, the marbled method ensures the color is visible and not blended away. Baking at the right temperature and time preserves this as well.

Are these cookies gluten-free friendly?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend might work with some tweaking; expect slight texture differences.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about bringing pastel colors and classic flavors together, and the Pastel Easter Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe nails that festive spirit flawlessly. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party, gifts, or just because, these cookies deliver smiles and sweet satisfaction in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try them out and share the joy of pastel-perfect Easter treats with your loved ones.

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