Can I make these cookies without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a wooden spoon. Just make sure your butter is properly softened, and be prepared for a bit of an arm workout if mixing manually!

My cookies spread too much during baking. What went wrong?

This typically happens when the butter is too warm or when there's not enough flour. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch. If your dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking. Also, try chilling the shaped cookie dough balls for 15 minutes before baking.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter - just omit the additional salt from the recipe. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!

What can I substitute for Cadbury mini eggs when they're not in season?

M&Ms, chocolate chips, Hershey's Kisses, or any small chocolate candy works beautifully. For a twist, try peanut butter cups or caramel-filled chocolates!

Cadbury Cookies Recipe

Name: Cadbury Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup sugar; 1 egg; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tbsp unsalted sweet cream butter; 3 tbsp cocoa powder; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2–3 tbsp hot water; 24 mini Cadbury eggs

These irresistible Cadbury Cookies combine buttery thumbprint cookies with rich chocolate frosting and adorable mini Cadbury eggs on top. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re the perfect treat for Easter celebrations or anytime you need a sweet chocolate fix!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: From mixing bowl to table in just 20 minutes – perfect for when that cookie craving strikes!
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have, plus those adorable Cadbury mini eggs.
Kid-Friendly: Little ones love pressing the thumbprints and placing the candy eggs on top.
Versatile: Works beautifully for Easter gatherings but delicious enough to enjoy year-round.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of buttery cookies, chocolate frosting, and candy eggs makes these impossible to resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

Unsalted butter: Creates that rich, tender cookie base – make sure it’s properly softened for the best texture.
Sugar: Provides just the right sweetness and helps create those slightly crisp edges.
Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture to the dough.
Vanilla: Enhances the flavor profile with a warm, aromatic note.
Flour: The foundation of our cookie – gives structure and that perfect crumb.
Baking powder: Just a touch gives a slight rise without making them cakey.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

For the Chocolate Frosting:

Unsalted butter: Creates a smooth, rich base for the frosting.
Cocoa powder: Provides that deep chocolate flavor – use the best quality you can.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens while keeping the frosting smooth and pipeable.
Vanilla: Rounds out the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Hot water: Adjusts the consistency – add gradually until perfect.
Mini Cadbury eggs: The star topping that makes these cookies special!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try these delicious twists:

Different Candy Toppings: Swap Cadbury eggs for M&Ms, Hershey Kisses, or chocolate chips when it’s not Easter season.
Flavor Boosts: Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the cookie dough for a nutty undertone.
Frosting Alternatives: Try white chocolate frosting or peanut butter frosting instead of chocolate.
Cookie Base Options: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cookie dough for double-chocolate cookies.
Festive Versions: Use colored frosting and coordinating candies for different holidays – red and green for Christmas, orange and black for Halloween.

How to Make Cadbury Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a standing mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and creamy – about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for that perfect texture! Mix in the egg and vanilla until well combined.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – that’s the secret to tender cookies!

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Using a small ice cream scoop, portion out the dough and roll into balls. Place them on your cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes until just set but not browned.

Step 4: Create Thumbprints

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, quickly press your thumb (or the back of a rounded teaspoon) into the center of each cookie to create an indentation. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar, vanilla, and hot water. Mix until smooth and creamy, adding more hot water as needed to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Decorate

Once cookies are completely cool, spoon the chocolate frosting into each thumbprint. Top each with a mini Cadbury egg, pressing gently to set.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature for the smoothest cookie dough.
Don’t Overbake: Remove cookies when they’re just set but not yet browning for the perfect soft texture.
Quick Thumbprints: Create the indentations immediately after baking when the cookies are still soft.
Cooling Is Critical: Let cookies cool completely before adding frosting to prevent melting.
Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thick, add hot water a few drops at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Seasonal Availability: Stock up on Cadbury mini eggs during Easter season and freeze them to make these cookies year-round!

How to Serve

These Cadbury Cookies make a wonderful addition to any dessert spread or holiday celebration:

Special Occasions:

Create a beautiful Easter dessert platter with these cookies as the centerpiece
Serve alongside pastel-colored macarons and chocolate dipped strawberries
Package in clear gift bags tied with ribbon for sweet Easter gifts

Everyday Enjoyment:

Pair with a cold glass of milk for the perfect afternoon treat
Serve with coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful dessert
Add to lunch boxes for a special surprise

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

For best freshness, add the frosting and Cadbury eggs just before serving if you plan to make the cookie base ahead of time.

Freezing

The unfrosted cookie bases freeze beautifully! Place in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then add frosting and Cadbury eggs before serving.

The frosting can also be frozen separately in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Make Ahead

Prepare the cookie dough up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before rolling and baking.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can use a hand mixer or even mix by hand with a wooden spoon. Just make sure your butter is properly softened, and be prepared for a bit of an arm workout if mixing manually!
My cookies spread too much during baking. What went wrong?

This typically happens when the butter is too warm or when there’s not enough flour. Make sure your butter is softened but still cool to the touch. If your dough feels sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before baking. Also, try chilling the shaped cookie dough balls for 15 minutes before baking.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter – just omit the additional salt from the recipe. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
What can I substitute for Cadbury mini eggs when they’re not in season?

M&Ms, chocolate chips, Hershey’s Kisses, or any small chocolate candy works beautifully. For a twist, try peanut butter cups or caramel-filled chocolates!

Final Thoughts

These Cadbury Cookies bring together the perfect trinity of flavors – buttery cookies, rich chocolate frosting, and sweet candy eggs. They’re simple enough for baking beginners but impressive enough to serve at gatherings. The best part? They take just 20 minutes from start to finish! Whether you’re preparing for Easter or just need a delightful treat to brighten someone’s day, these cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. Give them a try – I promise your cookie jar won’t stay full for long!