Name: Italian Easter Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 3½ cups all-purpose flour; ¼ cup milk; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon almond extract; 2½ cups powdered sugar; Food coloring (optional); Sprinkles (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Italian Easter Cookies are a beloved holiday tradition, known for their soft, cake-like texture, delicate almond-vanilla flavor, and festive pastel frosting. These cookies are a nostalgic reminder of family gatherings, Easter brunches, and the joy of springtime baking. With a dough that’s easy to shape into rings, knots, or twists, and a glaze that hardens into a sweet, glossy finish, they are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Perfect for sharing, these cookies come together with basic pantry ingredients, making them ideal for whipping up a large batch for holiday celebrations. The hint of almond extract in both the dough and frosting gives them a unique and classic Italian flavor, while the colorful sprinkles and frosting make them a cheerful centerpiece for your dessert table. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, these cookies will make your Easter celebration extra sweet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for Celebrations

These cookies are festive and beautiful, making them perfect for Easter, baby showers, or spring-themed gatherings.

Soft and Tender Texture

They bake up soft and slightly cake-like, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.

Easy to Decorate

The simple frosting allows for fun customization with food coloring and sprinkles, making it a great recipe to do with kids.

Classic Italian Flavor

The combination of almond and vanilla extracts gives these cookies an authentic, old-world charm that stands out from typical sugar cookies.

Great for Sharing

The batch makes a generous number of cookies, ideal for gifting, parties, or family get-togethers.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

Sugar
Unsalted butter, softened

Eggs
Vanilla extract
Almond extract

Baking powder
All-purpose flour

For the Frosting:

Milk

Melted butter
Vanilla extract
Almond extract

Powdered sugar
Food coloring (optional)
Sprinkles (optional)

Variations

Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough or frosting for a bright citrus flavor.
Anise Flavor: Replace almond extract with anise extract for a more traditional Italian taste.
Shape Options: Shape the dough into braids, rings, or twists for a variety of festive looks.

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Holiday-Themed: Use different colored sprinkles to adapt these cookies for other holidays like Christmas or birthdays.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking powder and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into ropes about 5 inches long. Twist them into knots, rings, or other shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale. Let them cool slightly on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, vanilla, and almond extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar and stir until smooth. Add food coloring if using.

Step 6: Frost and Decorate

Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the frosting, letting excess drip off. Immediately add sprinkles before the glaze sets. Place the cookies on wax paper or a rack to allow the frosting to harden.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overbake: These cookies should remain soft, so pull them out as soon as the bottoms start to turn golden.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature butter and eggs for better mixing and texture.
Frosting Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Decorate Quickly: Add sprinkles immediately after glazing each cookie to ensure they stick.
Let Frosting Set: Allow enough time for the frosting to harden before stacking or storing the cookies.

How to Serve

Serve these cookies as part of an Easter dessert spread, alongside coffee or tea, or pack them into decorative boxes for festive homemade gifts. They also make a lovely addition to spring brunches or as a sweet treat after a holiday meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months. Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature and frost before serving.

Reheating

These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature. If desired, you can microwave one for a few seconds for a warm treat, though the frosting may soften.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before shaping.

Do I need to chill the dough?

Not necessarily. This dough is easy to work with without chilling, but chilling can help if it’s too soft to shape.

What’s the best way to shape these cookies?

Roll small pieces of dough into ropes and form rings or twists. You can also make small balls and flatten them slightly if you prefer round cookies.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles well. Just be sure to bake in batches and rotate the pans for even baking.

Are these cookies soft or crunchy?

They’re soft with a slightly cake-like texture, not crunchy like biscotti.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but margarine can be used if needed. Just expect a slight change in taste and softness.

Can I use different extracts?

Absolutely. Try lemon, orange, or anise extract for a different flavor profile.

What kind of sprinkles work best?

Nonpareils or colored sugar sprinkles work well and won’t bleed into the frosting. Avoid large, heavy sprinkles that may fall off.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.

How do I prevent the frosting from running off?

Make sure the cookies are completely cool before frosting. Also, don’t make the glaze too thin.

Conclusion

Italian Easter Cookies are a charming and delicious way to celebrate the season. With their soft texture, sweet almond glaze, and colorful sprinkles, they’re both fun to make and delightful to eat. Whether you’re keeping a family tradition alive or baking them for the first time, these cookies bring festive joy to any springtime celebration.