The Sweet Tradition: Italian Easter Cookies Recipe You’ll Love

Sweet memories of nonnas carefully kneading italian easter cookies fill my childhood kitchen with warmth and nostalgia.

Soft whispers of tradition dance through generations, connecting us to cherished family recipes.

Delicate crumbs and powdered sugar tell stories of celebration and love.

Crisp edges hint at generations of careful baking techniques passed down through quiet conversations.

My grandmother’s hands would gently shape each cookie with practiced precision and tender care.

Fragrant with hints of anise and lemon, these treats invite you to create your own delicious memories.

Join me in bringing this classic Italian tradition to life with every sweet, tender bite.

Ingredients in Italian Easter Cookies

• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt: Essential dry ingredients that provide structure and rise to the cookies, ensuring a light and tender texture.
• Butter, Sugar: Creamy base that adds richness and sweetness, creating a smooth and tender cookie texture. Room temperature butter blends more easily.
• Eggs, Milk: Provide moisture, help bind ingredients, and contribute to the cookie's soft texture. Use large eggs at room temperature for best results.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Add depth and complexity to the cookie's flavor profile. Pure extracts offer more authentic taste compared to imitation versions.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for coating cookies. Adjust consistency by adding milk or sugar as needed.
• Rainbow Nonpareils: Adds color and festive appearance to the finished cookies. Sprinkle immediately after glazing for best adherence.
• Gel Food Coloring: Provides vibrant color to the icing without affecting its consistency. Use sparingly for pastel or intense colors.

Italian Easter Cookies – Step-by-Step Baking Method

Step 1: Cream the Base

In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Eggs & Extracts

Mix in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.

Stir in vanilla and almond extracts until the batter turns pale and slightly thick.

Step 3: Sift Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift flour, baking powder, and salt to remove lumps and combine evenly.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Gradually fold the flour mixture and a splash of milk into the butter base, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Use a scoop to portion dough into logs.

Twist half into knots and shape the rest into rings by joining the ends.

Step 6: Bake

Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined sheet and bake at 350 °F until the bottoms turn a light golden color, about 9 minutes.

Step 7: Whip Up Glazes

While the cookies cool, whisk powdered sugar with milk and a touch of vanilla to create a smooth glaze.

Divide into bowls and tint each with a different gel color.

Step 8: Glaze & Garnish

Dip cooled cookies into the colored glazes, let the excess drip off, then place on parchment and sprinkle with rainbow nonpareils.

Let the glaze set completely before serving.

Cookie Tips With Italian Easter Twist

• Roll dough logs gently on a clean surface to create smooth, even shapes without cracking.
• Avoid overworking the dough to keep cookies tender and light, mixing just until ingredients are combined.
• Use gel food coloring for vibrant, even icing that doesn't thin out the glaze's consistency.
• Let excess icing drip off cookies by holding them above the bowl at a slight angle for a clean, smooth coating.
• Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Italian Easter Cookies Stay Soft When Properly Stored

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
• Warm cookies gently in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in preheated 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore softness. Avoid overheating to maintain texture.
• If serving within 24 hours, keep cookies in sealed container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

What To Serve With Easter Cookies

• Savor Sweet Wine Pairings: Moscato d'Asti's delicate bubbles and light sweetness perfectly complement the vanilla and almond notes in these Italian Easter cookies, creating a harmonious dessert experience.
• Explore Coffee Companions: Strong espresso or cappuccino cuts through the cookie's sweetness, providing a robust contrast that balances the delicate glaze and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Celebrate Aperitif Matches: Limoncello offers a citrusy, zesty counterpoint to the cookie's rich butter base, bringing a refreshing Italian touch that elevates the traditional Easter treat.
• Enhance Milk Selections: Chilled whole milk or almond milk provides a creamy, smooth backdrop that softens the cookie's texture and complements its subtle extract flavors.

Italian Easter Cookies Styles

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with a blend of almond and rice flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cookie's delicate texture.
• Vegan Easter Treat: Swap butter with coconut oil, use aquafaba instead of eggs, and choose plant-based milk to create a compassionate cookie alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the classic cookie flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use almond milk or oat milk instead of regular milk, and select margarine or plant-based butter to accommodate dairy sensitivities.

FAQs

• Are these cookies difficult to make for beginners?

These cookies are relatively simple to prepare. The recipe requires basic baking skills like mixing, rolling, and forming shapes. Even novice bakers can successfully make these Italian Easter Cookies with patience and careful following of instructions.

• What makes the cookie dough unique?

The dough combines butter, sugar, eggs, and extracts to create a soft, rich base. Adding both vanilla and almond extracts gives the cookies a complex, subtle flavor that sets them apart from standard sugar cookies.

• Why do the cookies have different shapes?

The traditional Italian Easter Cookies are typically made in various shapes like knots and rings. The different shapes represent different symbolic meanings in Italian culture and add visual interest to the cookie presentation.

• How important are the nonpareils in the recipe?

The rainbow nonpareils are not just decorative but also traditional. They add a festive touch typical of Italian Easter celebrations, bringing color and a playful element to the cookies. They represent joy and celebration of the holiday.

Italian Easter Cookies That Look And Taste Like Celebration

• Celebrate Family Traditions: These Italian Easter Cookies carry generations of cherished memories, perfect for sharing sweet moments.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up these delightful treats in under 30 minutes, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that make baking a breeze for both novice and experienced home cooks.
• Versatile Design Options: Create beautiful cookie shapes like knots and donuts, then customize with colorful glazes and festive sprinkles.
• Kid-Friendly Baking Experience: Engage children in the fun process of rolling dough, twisting shapes, and decorating cookies.

Italian Easter Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 54 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Delightful Italian Easter Cookies bring sweet nostalgia from generations of family traditions. Crisp and delicate pastries promise a perfect blend of almond and vanilla, inviting you to savor a cherished slice of Italian culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon salt

Icing Ingredients:

• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 24 tablespoons (360 milliliters) whole milk
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• Gel food coloring (purple, pink, blue, and yellow)
• Rainbow sprinkles

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal baking conditions.
2. Cream butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookie dough.
3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to develop a cohesive and well-integrated batter.
4. Infuse the mixture with vanilla and almond extracts, which will result in a pale yellow, slightly separated consistency with rich aromatic undertones.
5. In a separate container, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
6. Alternate adding milk and flour mixtures to the butter base, gently mixing until just combined to prevent over-working the dough.
7. Shape the cookie dough into two distinct styles: create elegant twisted knots by rolling 6-7″ logs for half the batch, and form circular donut shapes with the remaining dough by joining log ends or pressing centers.
8. Arrange cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring adequate spacing for even heat circulation.
9. Bake for approximately 9 minutes, watching for a subtle golden hue on the cookie bottoms as an indication of perfect doneness.
10. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature completely before decorating.
11. Prepare a versatile glaze by whisking ingredients together, then divide into four separate bowls and introduce gel food coloring for vibrant presentation.
12. Dip each cooled cookie into the colored glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then embellish with rainbow nonpareils for a festive touch, and permit the glaze to set and dry thoroughly before serving.

Notes

• Experiment with different extract combinations like orange or lemon zest to create unique flavor profiles that elevate these traditional cookies.
• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cookie texture, which helps achieve that perfect soft, tender crumb.
• For gluten-sensitive guests, substitute all-purpose flour with a commercial gluten-free blend, keeping the same measurement to maintain the cookie’s delicate structure.
• When knotting or shaping cookies, wet hands slightly to prevent sticky dough from clinging and create more uniform, professional-looking pastries.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 202
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg