If you’re looking to bring a sweet, colorful tradition to your holiday table, this Italian Easter Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These soft, buttery cookies are delightfully simple but packed with subtle flavors from almond and vanilla extracts, giving them that signature Italian charm. Topped with a glossy pastel frosting and sprinkles, they are as beautiful as they are delicious, perfect for celebrating with family and friends or adding a festive touch to any spring gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you. Each one plays a critical role in creating the perfect texture and flavor that make this Italian Easter Cookies Recipe so special. From the richness of butter to the lightness the baking powder provides, every element is essential.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: This gives the cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 3 large eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Offers a warm, familiar aroma that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Provides that classic nutty undertone that’s signature to Italian cookies.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the cookies rise just enough for a soft bite.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that provides structure to the dough.
- For the Frosting:
- ¼ cup milk: Adds moisture to the frosting for smooth application.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: Brings richness and helps create a silky texture.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s sweetness and aroma.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: Ties the frosting flavor back to the cookies themselves.
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting for that perfect glaze.
- Food coloring and sprinkles (optional): Fun additions to make your cookies festive and visually delightful.
How to Make Italian Easter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by heating your oven to a warm 350°F (175°C). Lightly line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat to keep the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Setting these basics up early ensures a smooth baking process.
Step 2: Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and sugar, beating them together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it helps create that wonderfully tender crumb. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter smooth and uniform.
Step 3: Add Vanilla, Almond Extracts, and Baking Powder
Once the wet ingredients are well combined, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts along with the baking powder. These little touches are what make the flavor of this Italian Easter Cookies Recipe stand out, giving it that unmistakable, tradition-inspired taste.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the sifted all-purpose flour into the bowl, mixing gently but thoroughly until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix as you want to keep the dough tender and soft for beautifully light cookies.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands, scoop out one-inch portions of dough and roll them into neat balls. Place each ball onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. This step shapes the cookies and ensures they bake evenly without sticking together.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your cookie sheet into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the cookies are set but not browned. This timing creates that perfect sweet shortbread texture — slightly firm on the outside and tender inside. After baking, allow the cookies to cool fully before moving on to frosting.
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
While the cookies cool, whisk together the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and powdered sugar until you have a smooth, luscious frosting. This frosting is what really transforms the cookies, adding a delicate sweetness and creamy finish.
Step 8: Color and Decorate
Divide the frosting into separate small bowls, adding food coloring in pastel shades to create a charming spring palette. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the frosting, allowing any excess to drip off so it doesn’t become runny. Place cookies back on the rack and quickly add sprinkles before the frosting sets. It’s a delightful way to add a festive touch and celebrate the season!
How to Serve Italian Easter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies look stunning with just a simple sprinkle of rainbow nonpareils or pastel sugar crystals on top of the frosting. If you want to add a subtle twist, try finely chopped pistachios or crushed almonds for some crunch and extra color. Each garnish speaks to the joyful spirit of the Italian Easter tradition.
Side Dishes
Pair these Italian Easter Cookies Recipe favorites with a cup of rich espresso or a smooth cup of tea to balance their sweetness beautifully. They also make a perfect accompaniment to a light fruit salad or citrus sorbet for a refreshing contrast during a spring afternoon gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your cookie display the centerpiece of your table by arranging the cookies in pastel-colored baskets or on elegant tiered cake stands. Wrapping them individually in clear cellophane tied with pastel ribbons also makes for charming take-home treats. Presentation adds to the festive vibe and encourages everyone to dig in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies stay fresh and soft for several days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid the frosting sticking to other cookies or surfaces.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the baked, unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a sealed freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw them completely before frosting to keep the icing from melting.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies as if freshly baked, allow them to come to room temperature after freezing. There’s no need to reheat since these are best served cool with frosting, but if you prefer a slightly warm cookie, a few seconds in the microwave will do the trick.
FAQs
Can I use other extracts instead of almond extract?
Absolutely! While almond extract gives these cookies their traditional flavor, you can experiment with lemon or orange extracts for a citrus twist. Just remember that a little goes a long way, so start with half the amount to avoid overpowering the dough.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This classic Italian Easter Cookies Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend, though the texture may vary slightly.
How long do frosted cookies keep?
Once frosted, these cookies are best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness. Beyond that, the frosting may start to dry out and lose its shiny finish.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To veganize this recipe, you’ll need to replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs or another egg substitute. Keep in mind the flavor and texture might change, but it’s a great option for dietary restrictions.
Why are these called Italian Easter Cookies?
This recipe is traditionally made around Easter in many Italian-American households. Their bright, pastel frosting and festive sprinkles symbolize the joy and renewal of the spring season, making them a beloved holiday treat.
Final Thoughts
Making this Italian Easter Cookies Recipe is not just about baking cookies; it’s about sharing a joyful tradition filled with warmth, sweetness, and colors that celebrate springtime. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, these cookies are easy, fun, and sure to become a cherished favorite in your family. So grab your mixing bowl, and get ready to create some sweet memories!
Print
Italian Easter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Traditional Italian Easter Cookies are soft, buttery treats flavored with vanilla and almond extracts. These delicious cookies are baked until set but not browned, then dipped in pastel-colored frosting and decorated with sprinkles, making them perfect for festive occasions.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Frosting
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and baking powder for flavor and leavening.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour into the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a dough forms and all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out one-inch balls of dough using a spoon or cookie scoop. Roll each ball between your hands to form smooth rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about two inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. They should be set on top but not browned. Remove them from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and powdered sugar until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Color Frosting: Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to each to create pastel shades, perfect for an Easter theme.
- Frost Cookies: Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the frosting, allowing any excess to drip off. Return cookies to the cooling rack and decorate immediately with sprinkles before the frosting sets.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should remain soft and not browned.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before dipping in frosting to prevent melting.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy removal and cleanup.
- Customize frosting colors and decorations based on your festive theme.
