Heavenly Italian Easter Cookies Recipe: Sweet Spring Magic
Sweet memories of nonna’s kitchen dance through my mind when I think about these delightful italian easter cookies.
Soft and crumbly textures whisper stories of tradition passed down through generations.
Delicate powdered sugar coatings glisten like morning frost on each perfectly shaped treat.
Fragrant with hints of lemon and vanilla, these cookies carry the warmth of family gatherings.
Crisp edges give way to tender centers that melt softly on your tongue.
Baking these treasures connects you to centuries of culinary love and celebration.
Let’s recreate a slice of italian heritage that will make your taste buds sing with joy!
What Makes Italian Easter Cookies Special
Ingredients for Italian Easter Cookies
Flour Ingredients:Dairy and Fat Ingredients:Sweet and Flavor Ingredients:Decoration Ingredients:How to Prepare Italian Easter Cookies
Step 1: Warm Up the Oven
Crank your oven to 350F (175C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and mix together:Blend these ingredients thoroughly and set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whip softened butter and granulated sugar until they transform into a fluffy, light cloud. This should take about 2-3 minutes of energetic mixing.
Step 4: Introduce Wet Ingredients
Add eggs one at a time, then splash in vanilla extract, almond extract, and citrus zest. Mix until everything comes together smoothly.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Slowly fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Alternate with splashes of milk, creating a soft, tender dough.
Step 6: Shape Tasty Rings
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll into logs and twist into rings or knots. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each one.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide cookies into the oven. Bake 10-12 minutes until bottoms turn light golden. Cookies should remain soft and pale on top.
Step 8: Whip Up Glossy Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:Adjust consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed.
Step 9: Decorate with Flair
Dunk cooled cookies into glaze. Sprinkle with colorful confetti before glaze sets.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Let glaze harden for 15 minutes. Serve these delectable treats. Store in airtight container for up to 5 days.
Smart Tips for Italian Easter Cookies
Reheat and Save Italian Easter Cookies Properly
Great Add-Ons for Italian Easter Cookies
New Ways to Enjoy Italian Easter Cookies
FAQ Time: Italian Easter Cookies
The key flavor elements include vanilla extract, optional almond extract, and citrus zest (lemon or orange), which provide a delicate and aromatic taste profile that’s traditional in Italian baking.
These cookies are relatively easy to make, requiring basic baking skills like creaming butter and sugar, mixing wet and dry ingredients, and simple shaping techniques. Most home bakers with basic experience can successfully prepare these cookies.
The ring or knot shape is a traditional Italian Easter cookie design, symbolizing eternity and unity. This shape is deeply rooted in Italian cultural baking traditions and adds a special aesthetic to the cookies.
Yes, you can easily omit the almond extract. The cookies will still have excellent flavor from the vanilla, citrus zest, and other ingredients. The almond extract is optional and won’t significantly impact the overall recipe if left out.
Print
Italian Easter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Description
Sweet Italian Easter cookies blend traditional family charm with delicate almond flavors, celebrating springtime memories. Crisp, powdered sugar-dusted delights invite festive moments and warm cultural connections you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Main Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet and Sweet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 teaspoons lemon or orange zest
Glaze and Decoration:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- Colorful sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Position the oven rack in the middle position and heat to 350F (175C). Cover baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk thoroughly and set aside.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale, airy, and significantly increased in volume.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract, almond extract, and citrus zest until evenly distributed.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix gently until a cohesive, soft dough develops without overmixing.
- Portion dough into tablespoon-sized segments. Roll each portion into a slender log, then shape into elegant rings or delicate knots. Arrange cookies on prepared baking sheets, maintaining approximately two inches between each piece.
- Transfer sheets to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for subtle golden edges while maintaining a soft, pale upper surface. Cookies should appear slightly tender.
- Transfer baked cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing complete cooling before glazing.
- Prepare glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and extract until smooth. Adjust liquid ratio to achieve desired consistency.
- Immerse cookie tops into glaze, allowing excess to drip away. Immediately garnish with colorful sprinkles before glaze solidifies.
- Allow glazed cookies to rest until coating hardens completely. Store in an airtight container, where they will remain fresh for up to five days.
Notes
- Experiment with different extracts like rose water or anise for unique flavor variations that elevate traditional Italian Easter cookie taste.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading and maintain intricate knot or ring designs during baking.
- Substitute gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring the same tender texture and delicate crumb.
- Use dairy-free milk and vegan butter alternatives to create a plant-based adaptation of these classic holiday treats without compromising authentic Italian cookie essence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Daves Miller
Contributing Chef & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Sullivan University, Louisville, Kentucky
White Mountains Community College, Berlin, New Hampshire
Daves is the friendly face guiding you through flavorful, fuss-free recipes at Picture Perfect Meals.
He studied culinary arts at Sullivan University and embraced Baking and Pastry Arts at White Mountains Community College. Daves specializes in comforting meals with vibrant flavors, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.