Like with any holiday there are many traditions that families develop with Easter. Whether yours is filled with the Easter Bunny and egg hunts or church services and remembrance of Jesus, or a combination of the two I hope yours is day filled with fellowship and fun.
Easter brunch seems to be a tradition for many, but there are so many variations of what people serve I thought I'd share a good ol' fashion dessert staple - the classic sugar cookie. Although you can mix things up a bit with adding essential oils to the cream cheese frosting for a fun twist.
Sugar Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Cookie Ingredients
1 ½ c powdered sugar
1 c softened unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
½ tsp almond extract
2 ¼ c all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar
Frosting Ingredients
3 oz softened cream cheese
1 tbls milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 c powdered sugar (add up to ½ cup more as needed)
Optional
food coloring
essential oils (2-3 drops Lemon, Lime, Peppermint, Wild Orange, or Tangerine)
Instructions
To make the cookies:
- Use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment to beat the powdered sugar and butter until well combined. Next, add and mix in the vanilla extract, egg, and almond extract, until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar together. Slowly add this dry mixture to the standing mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Divide the dough in half, forming each half into a disk. Using plastic wrap, cover each disk tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or up to 24 hours.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheets - parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Lightly flour your countertop, and roll dough until it is ¼-inch thick. Cut the cookies into desired shapes and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing an inch+ apart. Place cookies in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before baking to reduce spreading.
- Bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes until the cookies are slightly golden on the bottom. Let cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting:
- Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese, milk, and vanilla together.
- One cup at a time, add the powdered sugar, beating until you reach the desired consistency and sweetness.
- If desired, add food coloring to color the frosting.
- Add essential oil(s) to the frosting mixture and stir well to combine.
- Spread frosting in an even layer on cookies. Enjoy!
Your home may already be filled with delicious smelling aromas from all your Easter food, but here are some yummy diffuser blends to help you keep that festive Easter mood flowing even long after the food is in everyone's bellies.
If your the type of host that likes to send your guests home with goodies or you like to have crafts for the adults to enjoy too, below are a couple suggestions. To celebrate the season of flowers, make a natural air freshener that will be very aromatic and bring Spring into the home.
Lavender in a Jar
What you need
- ¼ cup baking soda
- 5–6 drops of Lavender essential oil
- Small and colorful piece of fabric
- Mason Jar
- Decorative Ribbon
Instructions
- Put ¼ cup baking soda into a small Mason jar. Add five to six drops of Lavender essential oil
- Put piece of fabric over the mouth of the jar and seal with the lid.
- Add a small decorative ribbon to make it look like a present.
- Give one to each guest!
- You can also personalize each jar by choosing a different oil/blend for each person.
My family's Easter traditions have been a mix of the holy with the Easter Bunny, so I want to share some ancient oils, their benefits, and their roots in the Bible with you.
MYRRH
Ancient records show that Myrrh was deemed so valuable that at times it was valued at its weight in gold. Myrrh has been used throughout history in perfumes and religious ceremonies, and for its internal and external health benefits. Myrrh is mentioned in the Bible 13 times, including Matthew 2:11 as one of the three gifts (along with gold and Frankincense) presented to baby Jesus. And again in Mark 15:23 at His crucifixion.
Skin – Oral Health – Cleansing - Meditation
FRANKINCENSE
In addition to its notoriety as a gift to baby Jesus, its mentioned in the Bible seven times. The Babylonians and Assyrians would burn Frankincense in religious ceremonies and the ancient Egyptians used Frankincense resin in everything from perfume to salves for soothing skin.
Cellular Health – Skin – Immunity - Mood
GALBANUM
Egyptians used Galbanum for incense and embalming. The Roman and Greek civilizations used it in beauty products and perfume. Hippocrates used it for its other health benefits. Galbanum is also mentioned in the Bible, as a sweet or fragrant spice, along with Frankincense in Exodus 30:34.
Circulation – Breathing – Cellular Function
HYSSOP
Hyssop, a member of the mint family, was regarded by both the Greeks and the Hebrews as a sacred herb. It is mentioned 11 times in the Bible, including Psalm 51:7 talking about purification and at Jesus’ crucifixion when Hyssop was dipped in vinegar and wiped across his lips to ease the suffering. It is one of the oldest herbs used by human beings.
Gut health – Respiratory support - Circulation
CISTUS
Also known as Rock Rose, Sun Rose, Rose of Sharon, and Labdanum, Cistus was used as perfume and incense in Biblical times. In Genesis 43:11 cistus is suggested along with honey, spices, and nuts as a gift and is mentioned in the Bible 49 times. For centuries, Cistus, has been used during meditation and for other benefits.
Breathing – Skin - Perfume
COMMON MYRTLE
Common Myrtle also known as Corsican pepper, has been used for thousands of years as a symbol of love, honor, happiness, and generosity. Its benefits were well known as early as 600 B.C. Mentioned in the Bible 6 times, it was used in purification ceremonies, and described as an evergreen, fragrant shrub – a symbol of recovery.
Seasonal Threats – Skin – Uplifting
If you haven't incorporated any of these ancient oils into your routine I highly recommend it. I use Frankincense and Myrrh the most. In December (2021) I learned that Frankincense and Myrrh combined create a unique and extremely powerful duo. The easiest way I use them is one drop of each under my tongue every morning. I do this for healthy inflammatory response, immune support, cellular health, overall vitality, and so much more.
I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Easter celebration. Have fun and Happy Easter!
xoDanette