These soft and chewy Easter Chocolate Cookies are filled with double chocolate chunks and topped with two of the best Easter chocolates – Malteser Bunnies and Mini Eggs! This easy, one-bowl recipe is perfect for getting your cookie fix during the Easter season or using up leftover Easter chocolate.
FULL RECIPE:
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter – 150g
- White caster sugar – 100g
- Light brown sugar – 100g
- Eggs – 1 whole egg + 1 egg yolk
- Vanilla extract – 1 tsp
- Self-raising flour – 300g
- Salt – 1/2 tsp
- Chocolate chunks – 200g (a mix of white and milk chocolate bars, chopped into small chunks)
- Easter chocolates – Mini Malteser Bunnies and Mini Eggs for decoration
Directions
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, white caster sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the whole egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Gradually fold in the self-raising flour and salt until a dough forms. Gently fold in the chopped chocolate chunks.
- Chill the dough: Cover the mixing bowl with clingfilm and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 5 hours, or ideally overnight (up to 12 hours). Chilling the dough enhances the flavor and improves the texture, resulting in thicker, puffier, and gooier cookies.
- Preheat the oven: Once the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 180°C (fan). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop out portions of the dough (about 2 tablespoons each) and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking tray, leaving space between each ball to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. The cookies are ready when the outside edge is pale golden but the inside is still soft and slightly underbaked. This ensures a chewy outside and soft inside.
- Decorate: As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press a Mini Malteser Bunny and a few Mini Eggs into the top of each cookie. The residual heat will slightly melt the chocolates, helping them adhere to the cookies.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking tray for 15-20 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Why You’ll Love These Easter Chocolate Cookies
Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and of course, indulging in delicious treats. These Easter Chocolate Cookies are perfect for the occasion, as they combine rich, chocolatey flavors with a soft and chewy texture. Topped with festive Easter chocolates like Malteser Bunnies and Mini Eggs, these cookies bring both visual appeal and a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re making them for an Easter party, as a gift, or just to enjoy at home, they’re sure to be a hit.
The Secret to Soft and Chewy Cookies
The texture of a cookie is just as important as its flavor. The perfect Easter Chocolate Cookie should have a soft and chewy center with slightly crispy edges. This is achieved by using the right balance of butter, sugar, and eggs. The combination of white and brown sugar ensures the cookies remain moist while also providing a deep caramel flavor.
Why Easter Chocolate Makes These Cookies Extra Special
Easter chocolates like Mini Eggs and Malteser Bunnies aren’t just for snacking – they make an incredible topping for cookies. Mini Eggs provide a crunchy shell with a creamy chocolate center, while Malteser Bunnies add a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The contrast between the soft cookies and the crisp chocolate candies enhances the overall eating experience. Adding these chocolates on top while the cookies are still warm allows them to slightly melt and adhere to the surface, making each bite a mix of textures and flavors. Plus, their bright colors make the cookies look extra festive, perfect for Easter celebrations.
Variations and Customization
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily modify it to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas to make the cookies your own:
- Triple Chocolate Cookies: Instead of using just milk and white chocolate, add dark chocolate chunks for an even richer flavor.
- Nutty Delight: Mix in chopped hazelnuts, pecans, or almonds for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
- Filled Cookies: Place a small chocolate truffle or caramel piece in the center of each cookie before baking for a gooey surprise inside.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute self-raising flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder to maintain the texture.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use plant-based butter, a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water), and dairy-free chocolate for a vegan-friendly version.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These Easter Chocolate Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, they are best enjoyed at room temperature, so let them sit out for a few minutes before eating if chilled. For longer storage, these cookies freeze well. Simply place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. If you want to make the dough in advance, you can refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. This actually enhances the flavors, as the ingredients have more time to meld together.
Pairing These Cookies with Other Easter Treats
While these cookies are fantastic on their own, they can be part of a larger Easter dessert spread. Here are some ideas for pairing them with other treats:
- Easter Cupcakes: Decorate cupcakes with pastel-colored frosting and place a cookie on top for an extra special touch.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip these cookies into a bowl of melted chocolate along with marshmallows, strawberries, and pretzels.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of ice cream for a fun and delicious Easter dessert.
- Hot Chocolate: Serve these cookies with a warm mug of homemade hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort treat.
Perfect for Easter Gatherings and Gifting
If you’re hosting an Easter celebration, these cookies make a great addition to your dessert table. Their festive look and delicious taste will impress guests of all ages. Arrange them on a decorative plate, or place them in small gift bags tied with ribbons for a thoughtful Easter gift. These cookies also make a fun baking activity for kids. Let them help with mixing the dough, shaping the cookies, and decorating with Easter chocolates. It’s a great way to create holiday memories while enjoying a sweet treat together.
Conclusion
Easter Chocolate Cookies are the perfect combination of rich, chocolatey goodness and festive Easter candies. Their soft and chewy texture, combined with crunchy and creamy toppings, makes them an irresistible treat for the holiday season. This recipe is easy to follow, customizable, and ideal for sharing with family and friends.