These Italian Easter Cookies are soft, sweet, and fun to make! They are often decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles, adding a pop of joy for the holiday.
Baking these cookies brings back happy memories for me. I love how they fill my kitchen with a lovely scent. Sharing them with family always makes for a cheerful time! 🐣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cookies. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend instead. It won’t affect the flavor too much!
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cookies. Brown sugar can be used instead if you want a hint of caramel flavor, just remember it may slightly change the texture.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter helps control the salt level in your cookies. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based butter, and the cookies will still turn out great!
Eggs: These add moisture and structure. If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use flaxseed meal (1 tbsp mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg) or applesauce (1/4 cup per egg).
Lemon Zest: Adding zest is a fantastic way to brighten the cookies’ flavor. If you prefer, you can switch it out for orange zest or skip it altogether for a classic taste.
How Can I Make the Distinctive Glaze for These Cookies?
Creating the perfect glaze is key to enhancing the cookies’ appeal. The glaze should be smooth and pourable to create a lovely finish. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Start with powdered sugar in a bowl and gradually stir in milk. Adjust the milk amount until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
- Add vanilla extract for flavor; it makes a big difference!
- Divide the glaze into separate bowls for different colors. Just a few drops of food coloring create vibrant pastels!
- Spoon the glaze over cooled cookies or use a spatula to spread it evenly, then quickly add colored sprinkles before it sets.
Let the glaze dry completely so it hardens and won’t smudge when you stack the cookies.
How to Make Italian Easter Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional, for a citrus flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Glaze:
- 1½ cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (pastel shades like pink, blue, green, peach)
- Colored sprinkles for decoration
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and about 15-18 minutes of baking time. Once the cookies cool, you’ll need a few extra minutes to make the glaze and decorate. In total, plan for about 1 hour for everything, depending on how quickly you move!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly. While waiting for the oven to heat, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps aerate the flour and mixes the dry ingredients evenly. Once you’ve sifted, set this bowl aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In another large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. It’s important for getting that perfect cookie texture!
4. Add the Eggs and Flavors:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Once they’re fully incorporated, mix in the vanilla extract and lemon zest if you’re using it. This adds a lovely flavor and aroma to your cookies.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky, but don’t worry; that’s how it should be!
6. Shape the Cookies:
Using your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place these balls on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they’re spaced apart to allow for spreading during baking.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Put the cookie trays in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Look for a light golden color around the edges while keeping the tops pale. This means they’re cooked perfectly!
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, carefully take the cookies out of the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling process is important for glazing later.
9. Prepare the Glaze:
While the cookies are cooling, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Split the glaze into a few bowls and tint each with different pastel food colors.
10. Glaze and Decorate:
Once the cookies have cooled, glaze them by spooning or spreading the colored glaze over the tops. Be creative! Don’t forget to sprinkle on some colored sprinkles before the glaze dries for a festive touch.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the glaze set for a little while before serving. Enjoy your beautiful, soft, pastel-glazed Italian Easter Cookies at your next celebration!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but be aware that the cookies may have a denser texture and a nuttier flavor. You might want to start with 2 cups of whole wheat flour and 1 cup of all-purpose flour to maintain some lightness.
How Can I Make These Cookies Vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, substitute the eggs with 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for each egg. Also, use a plant-based butter substitute in place of the unsalted butter.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them; just place them in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper.
Can I Add Other Flavorings to the Dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different extracts like almond or hazelnut instead of vanilla. You can also mix in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to customize the cookies to your taste.
