These Italian Easter Cookies are light, sweet treats often decorated with colorful icing. With a hint of lemon, they bring a burst of freshness to your celebrations!
Every bite feels like springtime on your tongue! I love making these with my family, rolling the dough into fun shapes and adding sprinkles. It’s a sweet way to share joy!
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the cookies. If you need a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture!
Baking Powder: Essential for making your cookies rise. If you run out, you can substitute 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp cream of tartar for each tsp of baking powder.
Granulated Sugar: I find granulated sugar gives the cookies a nice sweetness and texture. If you want, you can substitute with brown sugar for a hint of molasses flavor. Just be aware that it may make the cookies a bit chewier.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness. If you don’t have unsalted, just use salted butter and reduce the added salt slightly.
Eggs: Essential for binding. If you’re egg-free, you can use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) for a fluffier texture!
Extracts: I love the combination of vanilla and almond extracts for flavor. If almond isn’t your thing, you can skip it or use a different flavor like lemon or coconut extract for a fun twist!
Milk: Regular milk works best, but you can substitute with almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture?
The texture of these Italian Easter cookies is all about mixing and baking correctly. Here’s how to get them just right:
- Mixing: When you combine the dry and wet ingredients, do it gently. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies. Stir until just combined!
- Spacing: Make sure to leave enough space between the mounds of dough on your baking sheet. They spread a little while baking!
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on them. They should be lightly golden on the bottom. If they look too pale, give them a minute or two more.
- Cooling: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them. This helps them finish setting and keeps them soft.
Following these tips will help ensure your cookies turn out light and delicious every time! Enjoy baking!
How to Make Italian Easter Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookies:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
- ⅓ cup milk
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Pastel-colored sugar confetti or sprinkles (pink, blue, purple, white)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake. Make sure to allow an additional 5 minutes for the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. All in all, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze!
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using a mixer. Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for deliciously soft cookies!
4. Add the Eggs:
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. This will help to create a nice, airy texture in your cookies.
5. Mix in the Flavors:
Now it’s time to add the vanilla extract and almond extract. Stir these in until well incorporated. The sweet and nutty aroma will fill your kitchen, making it feel like Easter already!
6. Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the milk. Start and end with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overdo it! You want the dough to be fluffy and tender.
7. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space each mound about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread while baking.
8. Add Some Fun:
Lightly press the tops of the dough mounds down, and sprinkle them with your fun pastel-colored sugar confetti or sprinkles. This will add a festive touch to your cookies!
9. Bake the Cookies:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. You want the cookies to be set and lightly golden on the bottom. The tops should look cracked but still soft—this is perfect!
10. Cool Down:
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. After that, transfer them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their soft texture.
11. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
Once your cookies have cooled, dust them lightly with powdered sugar for a sweet finish that makes them look even more special.
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, it’s time to enjoy these traditional festive Italian Easter cookies! Share with family and friends or keep them all for yourself—they’re sure to bring smiles all around!
Can I Use Different Types of Flour?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for similar results. Just note that the texture might differ slightly, but they will still be delicious!
Can I Prepare the Dough in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cookie dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before baking for even results.
What is the Best Way to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend their freshness, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy!
Can I Use Different Extracts?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of almond extract, feel free to substitute it with lemon or coconut extract for a different flavor twist. Just use the same amount as stated in the recipe!
