Skip to content
back to Cakes, bakes and desserts

Easter cookies recipe

Create the perfect cookie that's chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside – ideal for weekend baking or whipping up a cheeky afternoon snack. Just be sure to make plenty, as everyone will want an extra one (or two).

  • 20 minutes prep. time
  • 12–14 minutes cooking time
  • Serves 12
  • Cakes, bakes & desserts
Stack of chocolate cookies and a bowl of mini chocolate eggs in the background
These Easter cookies are delicious and simple to make | © National Trust/William Shaw

Ingredients

  • 250g baking margarine
  • 180g caster sugar
  • 75g soft light brown sugar
  • 50g golden syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • 375g self-raising flour
  • 50g cocoa powder
  • Toppings of your choice
 

Method

Something extra

Try adding mini eggs or chocolate chunks to these cookies to make them extra indulgent.

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 160°C (140°C fan/gas mark 3) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 2

Place the margarine and sugars into a large bowl, and using a spoon or hand whisk, beat together until smooth.

Step 3

Add the golden syrup and vanilla and mix again until combined.

Step 4

Finally, add in the flour and cocoa powder and gently mix together.
 

Step 5

Split the dough into 12 even pieces. Place onto your lined baking tray and flatten gently. Space them out a little, as they will spread when cooking. Top with your favourite Easter treats.
 

Step 6

Place tray into oven and cook for around 12–14 minutes until slightly firm and cracked on the top. They'll be slightly soft, but don't worry, they'll firm up as they cool.
 

Step 7

Remove from the oven and leave to cool.

A collection desserts on a table, including lemon and white chocolate scones and fresh lemons

Recipes

From tried and tested classic bakes to healthy dishes the whole family can enjoy, find inspiration for your next meal.

Recipes to make at home

You might also be interested in

Cakes and biscuits in the tea-room at Penrhyn Castle, Gwynedd, Wales

Making our recipes at home

The recipes on our website might differ from those served at the places in our care as they’re adapted for you to make at home.

Two visitors holding sitting at an outdoor table holding coffee mugs, surrounded by garden greenery

Places to eat 

Discover a range of cafés, restaurants and tea-rooms at the places in our care across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Find a place to eat near you, as well as special deals and allergen information.

Hot cross bun bread and butter pudding
Recipe
Recipe

Hot cross bun bread and butter pudding 

Try this interesting twist on the traditional pudding, ideal for using up days-old hot cross buns that have slightly dried.

Looking down on shortbread biscuits topped with rhubarb compote and mixed yogurt and cream, drizzled with red wine syrup. A cupful of cream and yogurt is to the right, and shortbread biscuits cool on a rack to the back.

Cakes, bakes and desserts 

We love food and we've got some great recipes to prove it. Here are some of our favourite cakes, bakes and dessert recipes from our chefs and local experts.

Sign up to hear more from the National Trust

By sharing your email address you’re agreeing to receive marketing emails from the National Trust and confirm you’re 18 years old or over. Please see our for more information on how we look after your personal data.