Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies: A Sweet Treat for the Season

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheets**:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent the cookies from sticking.

#### 2. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**:
– In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process helps create the soft, chewy texture that makes these cookies irresistible.
– Once the butter and sugar are combined, beat in the egg and vanilla extract (and almond extract, if using). Mix until smooth and well combined.

#### 3. **Add the Dry Ingredients**:
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to denser cookies.

#### 4. **Add the Fun Mix-ins**:
– Gently fold in the colorful sprinkles and chopped white chocolate, if using. The sprinkles will add a fun, festive touch, while the white chocolate pieces add a creamy, sweet bite that perfectly complements the soft dough.

#### 5. **Shape the Cookies**:
– Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space them about 2 inches apart, as the cookies will spread slightly during baking.
– For a fun Easter twist, you can gently flatten the dough balls with the back of a spoon or your fingers before baking to create a slightly thicker cookie. This will result in a chewy texture.

#### 6. **Bake the Cookies**:
– Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so be careful not to overbake them.
– Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

#### 7. **Prepare the Icing**:
– While the cookies are cooling, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. If you want to create pastel-colored icing, divide the icing into separate bowls and add a few drops of food coloring to each one.
– Stir until the icing is smooth and thick but still pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

#### 8. **Decorate the Cookies**:
– Once the cookies are completely cooled, use a spoon or a piping bag to drizzle the icing over the cookies in fun, decorative patterns. You can also dip the tops of the cookies into the icing for a smoother, more uniform coating.
– If desired, sprinkle more colorful sprinkles or edible glitter over the icing to add an extra touch of festivity.

#### 9. **Serve and Enjoy**:
– Allow the icing to set for about 30 minutes before serving to avoid smudging. Once the icing is firm, these Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

### Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Easter:
**Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies** are a true celebration of the season, thanks to their bright colors, sweet flavor, and festive appearance. The combination of soft, buttery dough with chewy white chocolate and crunchy sprinkles makes them a treat that everyone will love. Plus, they’re easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients, so you can have a batch of fresh cookies ready in no time.

What sets these cookies apart is their perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The buttery dough gives way to a chewy bite, while the icing adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the slightly salty edge of the dough. The vibrant sprinkles not only look stunning but also add a slight crunch that makes every bite a little more fun.

### A Few Tips:
– **Add More Color**: For an extra burst of Easter cheer, you can mix in additional pastel candies like M&M’s or mini chocolate eggs, or even make the icing in multiple colors for a fun rainbow effect.
– **Chill the Dough**: If you prefer a firmer, more structured cookie, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
– **Storage**: These cookies will stay soft and fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They also freeze well for up to a month—just wrap them individually to keep the icing intact.

### Conclusion:
**Soft and Chewy Easter Cookies** are the perfect addition to your holiday festivities, bringing a delightful combination of flavor, texture, and color to the table. Whether you’re baking them for an Easter egg hunt, a family brunch, or simply as a fun treat to share with loved ones, these cookies are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. With their sweet, buttery goodness and festive decorations, they capture the spirit of Easter in every delicious bite!