Buttery Italian Easter Cookies are soft, tender cookies with a delicate vanilla-lemon flavor, finished with a light glaze and rainbow sprinkles.
Ingredients:
For the cookies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp lemon extract or zest of 1 lemon
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2–3 tbsp milk (as needed for soft dough)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla or lemon extract
- Rainbow nonpareil or pastel sprinkles
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👨🍳 Directions:
Step 1: Make the dough
1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla and lemon extract (or zest).
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is soft but not sticky.
6. Cover and chill for 30 minutes if the dough is too soft to handle.
Step 2: Shape the cookies
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough. Roll into ropes about 5–6 inches long and twist into knots, rings, or coils.
3. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets.
Step 3: Bake
1. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until bottoms are lightly golden (tops should remain pale).
2. Cool on wire racks before glazing.
Step 4: Glaze and decorate
1. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth and pourable.
2. Dip the top of each cookie in the glaze, letting excess drip off.
3. Immediately top with sprinkles before glaze sets.
4. Let cookies sit until glaze hardens (about 30 minutes).
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💡Tips:
- For classic presentation, use rainbow nonpareils or pastel sprinkles.
- Add 1/4 tsp almond extract for a rich bakery-style flavor.
- Make-ahead friendly: store unglazed cookies in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- Don’t overbake — these cookies are meant to be soft and tender!
- These cookies make beautiful edible gifts wrapped in clear bags and tied with ribbon.