Go Back
A plate of colorful Earth Day cookies decorated with eco-friendly designs.

Earth Day Cookies

Bright and playful cookies that celebrate Earth Day with a crunchy sugar edge and a tender interior, perfect for kids' parties and classroom treats.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 100
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the dough
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature Higher butterfat content gives richer flavor.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar, plus extra for rolling Replaces brown sugar for a bright vanilla bite.
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature Use room-temperature eggs for best results.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Choose pure vanilla extract for better flavor.
  • 1 bean vanilla bean seeds Provides aromatic intensity and visual flecks.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Sift and measure by weight for best results.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder Helps cookies rise.
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances the flavors.
  • to taste gel food coloring (Leaf Green and Royal Blue) Use gel for bright colors without altering dough consistency.
  • to taste heart sprinkles For decoration after baking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and scraped vanilla bean seeds and mix until incorporated.
  3. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Fold the dry mix into the butter mixture gently until just combined.
  4. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Tint one half with Leaf Green gel color and the other with Royal Blue gel color.
  5. Roll small pieces from each color into balls, coat with granulated sugar, and place on the prepared baking sheets with space in between.
Baking
  1. Bake for 8 minutes. Immediately press a candy heart gently into the center of each cookie after removing from the oven.
  2. Let cool briefly on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Notes

For a festive twist, try adding lemon zest or dipping in chocolate. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.