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
Scale
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.
