Italian Easter Cookies Recipe

Italian Easter Cookies are soft, tender, and lightly sweetened cookies with a hint of vanilla and citrus, topped with a simple glaze and festive sprinkles. These classic cookies are a staple in many Italian households during Easter celebrations. They’re easy to make, fun to decorate, and perfect for sharing with family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and Cake-Like – These cookies have a light, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Simple and Classic – A traditional Italian recipe with easy-to-find ingredients.
• Perfect for Easter – The colorful sprinkles make these cookies festive and fun.
• Easy to Make – No fancy equipment needed, just mix, roll, and bake!
• Great for Gifting – Wrap them up in a box or bag for a sweet Easter treat.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon or orange zest
• Milk

For the glaze:

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla or almond extract
• Sprinkles (for decoration)

Directions

1. Preheat & Prepare – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugar – Beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla, and citrus zest, mixing well.
4. Combine Ingredients – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape the Cookies – Roll small portions of dough into balls or twist them into knots. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake – Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden. Let them cool completely before glazing.
7. Make the Glaze – Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla or almond extract until smooth.
8. Decorate – Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze and top with colorful sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Almond Flavor – Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist.
• Lemon Lovers – Add extra lemon zest for a bright citrusy flavor.
• Chocolate Version – Drizzle melted chocolate over the glazed cookies.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend for a GF-friendly treat.

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before glazing.

FAQs

What makes Italian Easter cookies soft?

The combination of butter, eggs, and milk keeps them light and tender.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! Bake them a day or two in advance and glaze them before serving.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh zest gives the best flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

Why is my dough too sticky?

If your dough is too sticky, chill it for 15–20 minutes before shaping.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, but the glaze adds sweetness and helps the sprinkles stick.

What kind of sprinkles should I use?

Nonpareils or jimmies work best for a festive look.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients to make more cookies.

What’s the best way to shape these cookies?

Roll into balls for a simple look or twist into knots for a traditional style.

Can I use butter instead of shortening?

Yes, butter adds flavor but may make the cookies slightly denser.

Do I have to refrigerate the dough?

It’s not required, but chilling the dough makes shaping easier.

Conclusion

Italian Easter Cookies are a delightful and festive addition to any Easter celebration. With their soft texture, light citrus flavor, and sweet glaze, they’re perfect for springtime gatherings. Give them a try and enjoy a taste of tradition with family and friends!

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