
Spring is finally here, and what better way to celebrate the season than by baking some delicious cookies with your kids?
Whether you’re craving the zesty freshness of lemon cookies, the sweetness of strawberry sugar cookies, or something a little more unique like shortcake cookies, spring offers a perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen.
Baking cookies together isn’t just about the end result—it’s about making memories, enjoying the simple pleasures, and filling your home with the sweet aroma of homemade treats. Plus, there’s something so special about spring desserts that bring a little extra cheer to every family gathering.
In this blog, I’m sharing 11 delightful spring cookie recipes that are perfect for baking with your little ones. From frosted lemon cookies to raspberry lemon cookies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a mom just looking for some fun cookie recipes to try with your kids, these spring treats are sure to bring smiles to your family’s faces.
So grab your aprons, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some sweet memories together!
Key Takeaways
- We’ve curated 11 delightful spring cookie recipes for you to try with your kids.
- These spring cookies recipes cater to different dietary preferences, including gluten-free and vegan options.
- The average total time required to make the cookies ranges from 20 minutes to 55 minutes.
- Spring-themed ingredients like lemon, fresh berries, and lavender are prominently featured in these recipes.
- These spring baked goods are perfect for creating cherished moments with your kids in the kitchen.
- You can easily find a recipe to suit your taste and skill level, from classic lemon sugar cookies to bunny-shaped carrot cake cookies.
- These spring dessert ideas are sure to bring joy and excitement to your spring baking adventures.
Why Spring is the Perfect Time for Baking Cookies

Spring is such a wonderful time to get the family together in the kitchen and bake some delicious cookies. The season is filled with fresh flavors, sunny days, and a sense of renewal that makes everything feel a bit more special.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weekend treat, or just because, spring provides the perfect backdrop for creating sweet memories with your kids. Here’s why spring is the ideal time to dust off your baking tools and start whipping up some tasty cookies!
- Fresh, Vibrant Flavors: Spring brings an abundance of fresh fruits like strawberries, lemons, and raspberries, making it the perfect season for spring dessert recipes. These bright, tangy flavors elevate any cookie recipe—think strawberry sugar cookies or raspberry lemon cookies. You can incorporate these seasonal ingredients into your baking, giving your cookies that light, refreshing taste that pairs perfectly with the season.
- Family-Friendly Fun: The warmer weather means more time spent outdoors, and baking cookies can be a great way to get the kids involved. The process is simple, fun, and offers plenty of opportunities for little hands to mix, shape, and decorate. Whether it’s rolling out dough for spring sugar cookies or adding a festive touch to pretty cookies, baking together is a great way to bond as a family while creating something delicious to enjoy.
- Celebrating Seasonal Occasions: Spring is packed with holidays and celebrations that call for sweet treats! From Easter to Mother’s Day, there are plenty of moments to share your favorite spring cookie recipes. You can bake cookies like cookie flavors that match the theme, such as bunny-shaped carrot cake cookies or pastel-colored frosted lemon cookies, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- The Joy of Easy, No-Fuss Baking: Spring baking doesn’t need to be complicated, especially with simple recipes that make use of what you already have in the pantry. Lemon cookies easy to make and delicious, or shortcake cookies that are simple but oh-so-satisfying, are perfect for moms who want quick but impressive results.
- Spring is the time to bake without stress, whether you’re making a batch of homemade cookies to share or surprising your family with something new and exciting!
Essential Ingredients and Tools for Spring Cookies

Baking cookies with your kids can be such a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you have all the right ingredients and tools on hand. Whether you’re making spring sugar cookies or experimenting with unique cookie recipes, having the essentials ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable. Here are the must-have ingredients and tools to help you bake up the perfect spring treats:
Must-Have Ingredients for Perfect Spring Cookies
- Fresh Citrus: Spring is all about fresh, bright flavors, and citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges are essential for making delicious lemon cookies recipes or frosted lemon cookies. The zest and juice bring that tangy, refreshing flavor we love in spring baking.
- Berries and Fruits: Seasonal fruits such as strawberries and raspberries add a burst of flavor to your cookies. Whether you’re baking strawberry cookies or incorporating them into raspberry lemon cookies, these fruits will infuse your treats with a natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- Butter and Sugar: Good old butter and sugar form the base of almost every cookie recipe, but in spring, you’ll want to use high-quality butter to get that melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can even experiment with flavored sugars for a fun twist on spring baking recipes.
- Vanilla Extract and Almond Extract: A dash of pure vanilla extract adds warmth to your cookies, balancing the bright citrus and berry flavors. For a more unique touch, almond extract is great for creating almond shortbread cookies that have a delicate, nutty flavor.
- Flour and Baking Powder: These pantry staples are key for creating that perfect cookie texture. Whether you’re making light, airy cookies or chewy ones, the right combination of flour and baking powder will ensure your cookies bake to perfection every time.
Helpful Baking Tools for Moms and Kids
- Cookie Cutters: Spring-themed cookie cutters are a must-have for adding some fun to your baking! From flower shapes to bunny outlines, these cutters will make your spring cookie recipes come to life and give your little ones a chance to get creative.
- Mixing Bowls and Hand Mixer: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining your ingredients, and a hand mixer (or stand mixer) makes quick work of creaming butter and sugar together. This is a perfect way to get the kids involved without making a mess, as they can help with mixing.
- Baking Sheets and Parchment Paper: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cookies every time. The non-stick surface ensures your cookies won’t stick, making the process smooth and simple for you and your little bakers.
- Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows your freshly baked cookies to cool evenly and prevents them from getting soggy. Plus, it’s a fun way for the kids to watch as their cookies transform from dough to delicious treats!
- Decorating Supplies: For an extra touch of fun, stock up on sprinkles, colored sugars, and icing to decorate your cookies. Whether it’s creating pretty cookies or adding a fun design to cookie flavors, decorating is the best part when baking with kids.
Having these ingredients and tools on hand will ensure that your spring baking session is a breeze and that you’ll end up with delicious, memorable cookies every time. Happy baking!
Tips for Baking with Kids: Making It Fun and Mess-Free
Baking cookies with your kids can be a wonderful bonding experience, but it can also get a little messy! Fortunately, with a few simple tips, you can make the process both fun and easy to clean up. Here are some tricks to keep things smooth and enjoyable as you bake your spring cookies recipes together:
1. Prep Everything in Advance
Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients and tools. Measure out the flour, sugar, and other ingredients so that your little ones can easily pour them in without spilling. This makes the process feel more organized and less chaotic, allowing the kids to focus on the fun parts like mixing and decorating. Plus, you’ll have fewer distractions, and the mess will be easier to handle.
2. Use a Nonstick Baking Mat or Parchment Paper
No one likes the hassle of scraping cookie dough off baking sheets. To avoid the mess, line your baking sheets with parchment paper or use a nonstick baking mat. Not only will it prevent the dough from sticking, but it will also make cleanup a breeze after baking your strawberry sugar cookies or frosted lemon cookies.
3. Set Up a Designated “Baking Zone”
Create a kid-friendly baking space that’s easy to clean. Lay down a tablecloth or old newspapers to catch any flour spills, and give your little bakers their own mini station with a rolling pin and cookie cutters. Having everything in one spot minimizes mess and keeps your kitchen organized, plus it makes it easier to clean up afterward.
4. Let the Kids Decorate (Without Overdoing It!)
Decorating cookies is always the most fun part, but it can also be messy if you’re not careful. To keep the decorating process clean, set out small bowls with sprinkles, icing, or colored sugar. Give each child a spoon to scoop the toppings onto their cookies instead of pouring them directly. This simple trick will reduce the mess and still let them have all the fun of adding their own special touches to those pretty cookies.
11 Delightful Spring Cookies Recipes

These 11 delightful spring cookie recipes are easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Whether you’re in the mood for classic spring sugar cookies, fruity lemon cookies, or cute bunny-shaped cookies, there’s something for every family to enjoy.
1. Classic Lemon Sugar Cookies
These classic lemon sugar cookies are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making them a refreshing treat for spring. With the zesty flavor of lemon and a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are ideal for sharing with family and friends during springtime celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup coarse sugar (for rolling)
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add the egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and roll in coarse sugar.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden. Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
2. Pastel Flower Shortbread Cookies
Delicate and buttery, these pastel flower shortbread cookies are a delightful way to celebrate the season. The soft texture of the shortbread pairs perfectly with vibrant, pastel-colored icing, creating an eye-catching treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Pastel-colored icing or royal icing for decoration
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the flour and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until dough forms.
- Roll dough out onto a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness and cut into flower shapes.
- Place cookies on the baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until slightly golden on the edges. Let cool.
- Decorate with pastel-colored icing once cooled.
3. Bunny-Shaped Carrot Cake Cookies
These adorable bunny-shaped carrot cake cookies combine the flavors of classic carrot cake with a fun Easter twist. Perfect for kids and spring gatherings, these cookies are a flavorful addition to any seasonal dessert table.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup grated carrots
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, then fold in grated carrots and raisins.
- Roll dough into bunny-shaped cutouts and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool before serving.
4. Strawberry Cheesecake Thumbprint Cookies
Indulge in these strawberry cheesecake thumbprint cookies for a rich, creamy, and fruity treat. The strawberry jam center paired with a tangy cream cheese filling is the perfect spring-inspired dessert for cookie lovers.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup strawberry jam
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients, stirring until dough forms.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls, press a thumbprint in the center of each, and place on the baking sheet.
- Fill each indentation with strawberry jam.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
5. Funfetti Spring Blossom Cookies
Bring some color to your spring baking with these funfetti spring blossom cookies. Bursting with colorful sprinkles, these fun, chewy cookies are the perfect treat to brighten up any celebration, whether it’s a spring picnic or a holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup rainbow sprinkles
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Stir in the rainbow sprinkles.
- Drop dough by rounded tablespoon onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden around the edges.
6. Honey Lavender Butter Cookies
These delicate honey lavender butter cookies feature a soothing floral flavor, making them a sophisticated choice for your springtime baking. With a perfect balance of honey sweetness and fragrant lavender, they’ll quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup honey
- 1 tbsp dried lavender
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until dough forms.
- Stir in the dried lavender.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on the baking sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
7. Chocolate Chip Easter Egg Nest Cookies
These chocolate chip Easter egg nest cookies add a fun twist to the traditional chocolate chip cookie. Perfect for Easter, these cookies are shaped into cute nests and filled with candy Easter eggs, combining chocolatey goodness with festive flair.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup mini candy Easter eggs
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold in chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto the baking sheet and use your thumb to make a small indent in the center of each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, then press candy Easter eggs into the center while still warm.
8. Coconut Macaroon Birds' Nests
These coconut macaroon birds’ nests are sweet, chewy, and the perfect dessert for spring celebrations. Their crunchy exterior and coconut flavor pair beautifully with the playful nest shape, making them an ideal treat for Easter.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups shredded sweetened coconut
- 2 large egg whites
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate eggs (optional)
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together egg whites and sugar until soft peaks form.
- Stir in vanilla extract and shredded coconut.
- Scoop the mixture into small mounds on the baking sheet and shape into nests.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown.
- Cool and fill with mini chocolate eggs, if desired.
9. Raspberry Almond Linzer Cookies
These elegant raspberry almond Linzer cookies are perfect for a spring dessert table. The almond-flavored dough paired with sweet raspberry jam creates a delightful combination that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup ground almonds
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp almond extract
- ½ cup raspberry jam
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and almond extract and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until dough forms.
- Roll dough out onto a floured surface and cut into shapes.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely, then spread raspberry jam on one cookie and sandwich with another.
10. Peep-Inspired Marshmallow Sandwich Cookies
Bring a bit of Easter fun to your baking with these Peep-inspired marshmallow sandwich cookies. Featuring soft marshmallow peeps nestled between two sweet, chewy cookies, they’re a playful and delicious addition to any springtime gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Marshmallow peeps (for filling)
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Gradually add flour and baking powder, mixing until smooth.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and flatten with a fork.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes and sandwich together with marshmallow peeps.
11. Springtime Confetti Oatmeal Cookies
These springtime confetti oatmeal cookies are a fun and festive treat filled with colorful sprinkles and wholesome oats. Perfect for a spring picnic or as a light dessert, these cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together butter and brown sugar, then add egg and vanilla.
- Gradually add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and oats. Stir in sprinkles.
- Drop dough by spoonfuls onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes and let cool.
Creative Ways to Decorate Your Spring Cookies
Decorating spring cookies is such a fun way to get creative with your kids while adding that special touch to your treats. Here are a few simple yet creative ideas to make your cookies stand out and get everyone excited to enjoy them!
- Bright Pastel Icing: Use pastel colors like soft pink, lavender, and baby blue for your icing to create that perfect springtime look. You can use royal icing or simple frosting for detailed designs, such as flowers, bunnies, or butterflies. Don’t forget to let your kids get involved with the decorating—they’ll love helping to pipe the icing onto the cookies.
- Edible Flowers: Adding edible flowers like violets, pansies, or marigolds to your cookies not only enhances their look but also gives them a natural, springtime feel. Simply press the flowers gently onto the icing before it sets. It’s a fun way to teach your kids about nature while creating a stunning presentation.
- Sprinkles and Sugar: A sprinkle of colorful sugar or fun-shaped sprinkles can make your cookies pop! From mini hearts to star-shaped confetti, sprinkles are a fun and easy way to add texture and color to your cookies. You can also use sanding sugar for an extra sparkle!
- Creative Cookie Cutters: Invest in cookie cutters shaped like flowers, butterflies, or bunnies to give your cookies a whimsical, spring-like feel. You can even create fun cookie sets, like flower cookies with different colored petals, for a fun baking project with your kids.
With these decorating ideas, your spring cookies will not only taste delicious but also look picture-perfect! Enjoy the process with your family and let your creativity flow.
Conclusion
Baking spring cookies with your kids is such a wonderful way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories together. From classic spring sugar cookies to fun bunny-shaped cookies, there’s a recipe here for every family to enjoy.
The best part? Decorating these spring cookies is just as fun as baking them! So, gather your ingredients for spring baking recipes, get your kids involved, and let the creativity (and deliciousness) flow. These springtime cookies will not only add a sweet touch to your home but also bring smiles to your family’s faces with every bite.
Happy baking!