Ah, Italian Easter Cookies—soft, lightly sweet, and dotted with colorful sprinkles that somehow scream “celebration” louder than your neighbor’s holiday lights. These little pillows of joy are deceptively simple: a soft dough, a hint of citrus, a little vanilla, and a quick dip in sprinkles before baking. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s tender yet slightly chewy, sweet but not cloying, with every sprinkle adding a playful crunch.
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Italian Easter Cookies
- Total Time: 30 mins
Description
Soft, sweet, and festive Italian Easter Cookies made with simple ingredients, perfect for celebrating Easter or sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup milk (optional)
- ½ cup colorful sprinkles
- Optional: lemon or orange zest, almond extract, glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, beat in eggs and vanilla, then mix in flour, baking powder, and salt. Add milk if needed.
- Scoop dough into 1-tablespoon balls, slightly flatten, and roll in sprinkles.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Optional: drizzle glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 cookies
Table of Contents
Italian Easter Cookies are soft, sweet treats that have been a beloved part of Easter celebrations for generations. Unlike the dense cookies you might expect, these are tender, melt-in-your-mouth delights often topped with colorful sprinkles or a light glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need for Italian Easter Cookies
Essential Ingredients for the Dough
To make soft, sweet, and festive Italian Easter Cookies, you don’t need a long shopping list. The basics are simple pantry staples, yet together they create that signature tender texture and light sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 ½ cups | Provides structure; spoon and level for accuracy |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Adds sweetness without overpowering |
| Unsalted butter | ½ cup (1 stick) | Softened for easier mixing |
| Eggs | 2 large | Adds richness and binds the dough |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | Classic flavor enhancer |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp | Helps cookies rise slightly |
| Salt | ¼ tsp | Balances sweetness |
| Milk | ¼ cup | Optional, for a softer dough |
| Sprinkles | ½ cup | For festive topping |
Optional Ingredients and Flavor Enhancers
While the traditional recipe is simple, you can experiment with flavors to make your cookies extra special. Many families like to add:
- Lemon or orange zest for a subtle citrus note
- Almond extract (½ tsp) for a nutty aroma
- A light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness
Using these ingredients, your cookies will turn out tender, soft, and perfectly festive—ready to impress family and friends without stressing in the kitchen. With standard US measurements, even beginner bakers can confidently whip up a batch.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Italian Easter Cookies
Preparing the Dough
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, stir in the milk slowly until it reaches a slightly sticky but manageable consistency. This dough should be tender and easy to shape, not tough or crumbly.
Shaping and Decorating the Cookies
Step 2: Scoop small portions of dough, about 1 tablespoon each, and roll them into balls. Gently press each ball onto the prepared baking sheet to slightly flatten. Now comes the fun part—sprinkles! Roll the top of each cookie in colorful sprinkles or lightly press them onto the dough. You can also create small cookie shapes or twist the dough for a little extra flair. This step is where your creativity shines, making every cookie unique and festive for Easter.
Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies
Step 3: Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake—they should stay soft in the center. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. The cookies will firm slightly as they cool, maintaining a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. For extra sweetness, drizzle a light glaze over the cooled cookies or sprinkle a bit more sugar on top.
Tips, Tricks, and Variations
Flavor Variations and Add-ins
Italian Easter Cookies are delightfully versatile. While the classic recipe is sweet and lightly flavored, you can easily add a twist to suit your taste. Try adding a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty aroma or a teaspoon of citrus zest—lemon or orange works beautifully—to brighten the flavor. Some families fold in mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness, while others like to gently press colored sugar or chopped nuts on top for festive texture. Using these simple variations, you can make your cookies uniquely yours without straying from tradition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even simple recipes can go wrong, so here are some tips to ensure success. First, avoid overmixing the dough once you’ve added the flour—it can make cookies tough instead of soft. Second, don’t flatten the cookies too much; they should spread just enough to hold their shape. Third, keep an eye on baking time—12 to 15 minutes is usually perfect. Overbaking leads to dry cookies, while underbaking can make them collapse. Lastly, let the cookies cool slightly before removing from the baking sheet to prevent breaking. Following these tips guarantees tender, melt-in-your-mouth Italian Easter Cookies every time.
Serving, Storing, and Gifting
How to Serve Italian Easter Cookies
Italian Easter Cookies are perfect for any spring celebration. Serve them on a decorative platter at your Easter brunch or pair them with coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat. They also make a cheerful addition to a dessert table or a festive centerpiece when arranged in colorful bowls. For a more elegant touch, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze over them to enhance their appearance and flavor.
Storing Tips to Keep Them Fresh
To maintain the soft, tender texture, store Italian Easter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. You can also layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you’d like to enjoy them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. When ready to serve, let them thaw at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you baked them.
Creative Gift Ideas
These cookies also make a wonderful homemade gift. Place them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a charming presentation. You can even include a small note with the recipe to make the gift extra personal. Italian Easter Cookies are not only delicious—they’re thoughtful, festive, and perfect for sharing with neighbors, friends, and family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Yes! Italian Easter Cookies can be baked a day or two in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Are Italian Easter Cookies Gluten-Free?
Traditional recipes use all-purpose flour, so they are not naturally gluten-free. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend in equal amounts to make them safe for gluten-free diets.
Can I Substitute Ingredients for Dietary Restrictions?
Absolutely. You can use unsalted butter alternatives like vegan butter or ghee, and milk substitutes like almond or oat milk. For egg-free versions, try a commercial egg replacer or unsweetened applesauce.
How Do I Keep the Cookies Soft?
Avoid overbaking, and store them in an airtight container. Adding a small piece of bread in the container can help maintain moisture.
Conclusion
Italian Easter Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a celebration of family, tradition, and festive joy. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, anyone can bake these soft, tender cookies that melt in your mouth. From colorful sprinkles to citrus zest or almond flavor, the possibilities for personalization are endless. Whether you’re serving them at an Easter brunch, gifting them to loved ones, or simply enjoying a few yourself, these cookies bring warmth, nostalgia, and happiness to every bite. Baking them is easy, fun, and the perfect way to make Easter extra special.