Are you trying to find something new and unique for your Easter Sunday meal? I have put together 3 impressive things to bake for Easter that are delicious and beautiful! 

Easter is one of my favorite holidays. Not only because of what we are celebrating, but because it is a great time to bake fancy Easter desserts! There is something exciting about the light and airy feeling of springtime which is reflected in the meal we eat on Easter. If you are searching for something impressive to bake for the Easter holiday (or any spring event!), I have three great ideas for you. While these treats may look complicated, they are not! With a little bit of time you will be able to bake a dessert that is sure to dazzle your friends and family.

3 Impressive Things to Bake for Easter

1. Decorated Sugar Cookies

Buttercream decorated sugar cookies are amazing. Royal icing usually gets a lot of attention with decorated cookies, but personally, I think the buttercream tastes so much better. Not only does it taste better, but you can still make so many fun designs with the buttercream frosting, too! With a little practice, you can make a simple dessert very impressive. Also, if you are looking for a great way to incorporate your kids into the Easter meal, having them help decorate the cookies is an easy and fun option. And be sure to make a few extra cookies and package them for neighbors- they will definitely thank you! Here is what you will need:

• Favorite sugar cookie recipe
• American buttercream frosting recipe
• Easter themed cookie cutter (I purchased mine from Hobby Lobby)
• Piping bag
• Size 4 piping tip
• Gel food coloring (optional, but I highly recommend using Americolor)

Directions for how to decorate your cookies like a pro:

1. Bake your cookies and make your buttercream frosting according to directions. Be sure to let cookies cool completely before decorating.
2. If you are going to color any of your frosting, do that now.
3. Place your size 4 piping tip inside piping bag. Cut a hole in the tip just large enough for about 1/4 of the tip to come through. Spoon frosting into piping bag leaving enough from to twist the top closed*.
4. Outline cookie with one line of frosting. Then, starting at the top, slowly make lines back and forth across the cookie until you have reached the bottom.
5. Once you have piped the base of the cookie with frosting, decorate the rest of the cookie as desired. You can use different colored frosting to make designs or top with fun sprinkles!

*Pro tips:

• Chill your dough and do not use store bought cookie dough! In order for the cookies to maintain the shape of the cookie cutter, the dough must be very cold. Store bought dough, even when very cold, will not keep its shape (trust me, I’ve tried before when I was short on time). Give your dough at least 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator before baking.
• Practice makes perfect. If you have never decorated cookies with a piping tip before, practice the lines on a plate before decorating the cookie.
• Getting the frosting into the piping bag can be tricky. To reduce the mess, place the piping bag in a tall drinking glass and fold the edges over the outside. First, spoon the frosting in, then pull the bag up and twist to close.

2. Hot Cross Buns

Hot Cross Buns are a classic Easter treat that may have been made as far back as the 14th century by monks for Good Friday. I love this recipe by Sally’s Baking Addiction. It is a simple recipe, just be sure to give yourself a little time as the dough will need time to rise. Bring this traditional Easter dessert to brunch and it will definitely be a hit!

3. Mini Carrot Cakes

• Carrot cake baked in 9×13 pan – You can use your own recipe or a box mix.
• Cream cheese frosting – Again, use your own recipe or pre-made.
• 3 inch round cookie or biscuit cutter
• Optional toppings- nuts, sprinkles, flowers, piped rosettes (shown above)

Directions:

1. Take your cookie cutter and cut circle pieces out of your cake.
2. Using a serrated knife, cut those pieces in half.
3. Put a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the bottom layer. You can use a knife or I chose to use a 1M piping tip to frost the cake. Continue with one to two more layers.
4. Decorate the top! I chose to use the 4M tip to pipe a simple rosette on the top. You could add flowers, sprinkles or nuts to the top as well.

A final note…

With these three ideas, baking for Easter will be one less thing you have to think about. All of these treats can be made ahead of time so you can have time to truly enjoy the holiday with your family and loved ones.

This post is all about impressive things to bake for Easter.