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This delightful Cadbury cookies recipe transforms ordinary sugar cookies into a festive Easter treat with a rich chocolate filling and colorful Cadbury mini eggs. The combination of buttery cookie, smooth chocolate frosting, and candy crunch creates the perfect spring dessert that both kids and adults will love.
I first made these cookies for my niece's Easter egg hunt party, and they disappeared faster than the actual hidden eggs. Now they've become our family's signature Easter dessert that everyone requests as soon as the Cadbury eggs hit store shelves.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Provides the rich base for both cookies and frosting. Make sure it's properly softened for the cookies but not melted.
- Sugar: Standard granulated sugar gives these cookies their perfect sweetness without overpowering the chocolate filling.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the dough. Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to both cookie and frosting. Use pure extract for the best results.
- All purpose flour: The foundation of our cookie. Measure by spooning into cups rather than scooping for accurate measurement.
- Baking powder: Provides just enough lift without making them cakey. Check that yours is fresh for proper rising.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Even in sweet recipes, this small amount makes a difference.
- Cocoa powder: Select Dutch processed for smoother, less bitter chocolate frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Creates silky smooth frosting without grittiness. Sift if lumpy.
- Mini Cadbury eggs: The star topping that makes these cookies festive. Their candy shell adds perfect crunch contrast.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven:
- Preheat to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This temperature creates the perfect cookie texture while preventing excessive spreading.
- Create The Cookie Base:
- Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step incorporates air for proper texture so don't rush it. Add egg and vanilla, beating until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix The Dry Ingredients:
- Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents throughout the dough for consistent cookies.
- Combine Wet And Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed just until combined. Overmixing at this stage can develop too much gluten, making cookies tough.
- Shape The Dough:
- Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform cookies, then roll each portion between your palms to create perfect balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until edges are just set but centers are still soft. The cookies should not brown much at all to maintain their tender texture.
- Create Thumbprints:
- Immediately upon removing from oven, press your thumb or the back of a rounded measuring spoon into the center of each cookie to create an indentation. Work quickly while cookies are still soft.
- Cool Completely:
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool fully before filling. This prevents the frosting from melting when added.
- Prepare The Chocolate Frosting:
- Melt butter in a microwave safe bowl, then stir in cocoa powder until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla and hot water, adjusting water as needed to achieve a thick but pipeable consistency.
- Assemble The Cookies:
- Spoon chocolate frosting into each thumbprint, filling it completely. While frosting is still soft, top each with a Cadbury mini egg, pressing gently to adhere.
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The miniature Cadbury eggs are truly what make these cookies special to me. Their milk chocolate centers surrounded by crisp candy shells remind me of my childhood Easter basket hunts. My grandmother always hid extra Cadbury eggs just for me because she knew they were my favorite.
Storage Tips
These cookies maintain their freshness in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place them in a single layer in a freezer safe container with parchment between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. The texture of the Cadbury eggs may change slightly upon thawing, but the taste remains delicious. If gifting these cookies, package them in a sturdy container with tissue paper between layers to prevent the candy eggs from becoming dislodged.
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Seasonal Variations
While perfect for Easter with their pastel Cadbury eggs, this versatile cookie base works beautifully year round. For Christmas, substitute the chocolate frosting with green or red tinted vanilla frosting and top with holiday M&Ms. Halloween versions can feature orange frosting with candy corn toppers. Valentine's Day calls for pink frosting and conversation hearts. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a true year round favorite that can be customized for any celebration.
Serving Suggestions
Present these cookies on a tiered stand for Easter brunch alongside fresh berries for a beautiful display. They pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk for children or a cup of coffee for adults. For an extra special dessert, sandwich vanilla ice cream between two cookies to create Easter themed ice cream sandwiches. The cookies also make thoughtful additions to Easter baskets or wonderful hostess gifts when packaged in a decorative tin.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of butter should I use for these cookies?
Use unsalted butter to better control the salt content in your cookies.
- → Can I substitute mini Cadbury eggs with another topping?
Yes, you can use other small chocolate candies or even nuts as a topping alternative.
- → How do I ensure the cookies are soft and chewy?
Don’t overbake the cookies. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges are lightly golden.
- → How long can these cookies be stored?
You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
- → What is an alternative to making chocolate frosting at home?
If you're short on time, you can use store-bought chocolate frosting as a convenient substitute.