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
Scale
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