Easter Italian Cookies

Growing up, Easter always meant waking up to a kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked Easter Italian Cookies. These soft, cake-like treats were a staple on our holiday table, often nestled among colorful dyed eggs and chocolate bunnies. My grandmother would make big batches, tinting the glaze in soft pastel shades and letting us kids sprinkle on the decorations.

These Easter Italian Cookies are perfect for spring gatherings, Easter brunch, or as a sweet homemade gift. With their tender crumb, lightly sweet glaze, and festive look, they’re sure to bring joy to any celebration.

Why You’ll Love Easter Italian Cookies

• Soft and Tender Texture: These cookies are light, airy, and almost cake-like in texture.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples you likely already have on hand.
• Customizable Flavors: Use vanilla or almond extract to suit your taste.
• Kid-Friendly: Great for baking with children and letting them decorate.
• Perfect for Celebrations: Their pastel glaze and sprinkles make them ideal for Easter and springtime.
• Freezer-Friendly: Bake ahead and freeze for easy planning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or substitute 1 teaspoon almond extract for a flavor twist)
• ¼ cup milk

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
• Food coloring (pastel shades: pink, blue, yellow, etc.)
• Sprinkles (rainbow nonpareils or pastel-colored)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs and Extract:
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla or almond extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
6. Shape the Cookies:
   • Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into smooth balls. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake:
   • Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set. Let cool on wire racks.
8. Make the Glaze:
   • In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and extract until smooth. Divide and tint with food coloring as desired.
9. Decorate:
   • Dip cooled cookies into glaze, letting excess drip off. Top with sprinkles and place on parchment to set.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve on a festive platter at Easter brunch, tea parties, or as a colorful addition to dessert tables.
• Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Freeze undecorated cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. Glaze and decorate after thawing.

Helpful Notes

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake.
• Flavor Variations: Lemon or orange zest can be added to the dough for a citrus twist.
• Allergy-Friendly Tips: Substitute a dairy-free butter and milk alternative to make them suitable for dairy-free diets.
• Decoration Tips: Let kids dip and sprinkle cookies—it's a fun Easter activity!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I freeze the glazed cookies?
   Yes, but the glaze may get sticky when thawed. For best results, freeze before glazing.
2. Can I use almond flour or gluten-free flour?
   Yes, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour works well. Almond flour will change the texture.
3. Can I use a cookie scoop?
   Absolutely! A medium cookie scoop makes portioning easier and ensures even baking.
4. Do these cookies spread while baking?
   Not much! They retain their shape well, which makes them ideal for glazing and decorating.
5. How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
   Add more powdered sugar to thicken or a bit more milk to thin it to your liking.

Final Thoughts

Easter Italian Cookies are a cherished springtime tradition that brings families together in the sweetest way. From mixing the dough to adding the final sprinkle, every step is filled with love and joy. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite.

I’d love to hear how your cookies turn out—leave a comment, share a photo, or tag me on social media. Happy baking and Buona Pasqua!