If you are searching for a delightful treat to celebrate springtime or a special holiday, this Italian Easter Cookies Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite. These cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly sweetened with just the perfect hint of almond and vanilla, making each bite feel like a little celebration. What makes this recipe truly special is not only the tender texture but the colorful pastel frostings that bring joy to both the eyes and the palate. They are traditional, festive, and irresistibly delicious—perfect for sharing with family and friends during Easter or any occasion that calls for sweetness and sunshine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Easter Cookies Recipe calls for simple pantry staples that come together beautifully to create a tender, flavorful cookie base and a smooth, colorful frosting. Each ingredient plays a role in the magic—from the rich butter contributing softness to the almond extract adding a signature nutty aroma.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the rich, creamy base that keeps cookies tender and moist.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- 3 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure for a soft but stable cookie.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, fragrant sweetness that enhances all other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Adds a quintessential nutty essence that defines this traditional recipe.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the cookies a gentle rise and light texture.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, providing the structure and chew.
- ¼ cup milk (for frosting): Creates a smooth frosting texture to decorate the cookies.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for frosting): Adds richness and shine to the frosting.
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting into the perfect consistency.
- Food coloring and sprinkles (optional): For that festive pastel pop and cheerful decoration.
How to Make Italian Easter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. This little prep step sets the stage for perfect cookies every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened butter, sugar, and eggs until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This ensures your cookies will be tender and moist with a slight sweetness that’s balanced just right. Adding vanilla and almond extracts now infuses the dough with those classic flavors.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Make Dough
Mix the baking powder with the flour, then gradually add this to your wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until a soft, pliable dough forms. This dough is the heart of your Italian Easter Cookies Recipe, and handling it carefully ensures tender results.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Using your hands, scoop out one-inch pieces of dough and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet with about two inches of space between each ball. This spacing is key so the cookies have room to spread slightly without sticking together.
Step 5: Bake Until Set
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until they are set but not browned. This timing keeps the cookies soft inside while slightly firm on the outside—perfect for frosting. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to frosting them.
Step 6: Make the Frosting
Whisk together the milk, melted butter, vanilla, almond extracts, and powdered sugar until silky and lump-free. This frosting has a luscious texture that’s just right for dipping or spreading on your cookies, complementing their tender crumb.
Step 7: Add Color and Decorate
Divide the frosting into several small bowls, adding food coloring to achieve those lovely pastel shades that make this Italian Easter Cookies Recipe so festive. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the frosting, allow any excess to drip off, then place them back on the rack.
Step 8: Add Finishing Touches
Before the frosting sets, decorate your cookies with sprinkles or any other festive toppings you love. This final touch adds a fun, celebratory sparkle that’s perfect for Easter gatherings!
How to Serve Italian Easter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While colorful sprinkles are a classic, consider adding finely chopped nuts, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for additional charm. These little finishing touches can transform simple cookies into an elegant holiday centerpiece.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a fresh fruit salad or a cup of fragrant herbal tea to balance their sweetness. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or a sparkling lemonade, making them the perfect treat for brunch or afternoon festivities.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging these cookies on a tiered serving tray or lining a basket with pastel-colored napkins for a lively Easter display. Alternatively, pack a few in a decorative box or cellophane bag tied with ribbon—these make delightful handmade gifts that anyone would treasure.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Italian Easter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy that festive flavor throughout the season without any rush.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze unfrosted cookie dough balls or fully baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last for up to three months and be thawed overnight when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Reheating
If you want to refresh slightly stale cookies, warm them briefly in a low oven or microwave for just a few seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as you want to preserve the perfect soft texture and keep the frosting intact.
FAQs
Can I use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour in this Italian Easter Cookies Recipe?
Using almond flour will drastically change the cookie’s texture and structure since it lacks gluten. While it adds intense almond flavor, the cookies might be more crumbly and require recipe adjustments. For the best traditional results, stick to all-purpose flour.
What can I substitute if I don’t have almond extract?
If almond extract is unavailable, vanilla extract alone can be used, but the signature nutty flavor will be milder. You could also try adding a tiny bit of almond-flavored liqueur for a similar effect, but use sparingly to avoid altering the dough’s consistency.
How thick should the frosting be for dipping?
The frosting should be thick enough to coat the cookies but still fluid enough to dip easily without clumping or dripping excessively. Adjust by adding a little extra milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if it’s too runny.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, but you’ll need to use a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend that includes xanthan gum to mimic the structure gluten provides. Expect a slightly different texture but still delicious results with the right blend.
Are Italian Easter Cookies suitable for kids to decorate?
Absolutely! Decorating these cookies with pastel frostings and sprinkles is a fun and safe activity for kids. Just be sure to supervise any use of food coloring and scoop the dough for them as needed.
Final Thoughts
Making this Italian Easter Cookies Recipe is such a joyful way to welcome spring and celebrate with loved ones. The tender cookies with their soft pastel frosting bring warmth to any gathering, reminding us that baking together creates not just treats but memories. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover why it’s a festive favorite year after year!
Print
Italian Easter Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Italian Easter Cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly flavored with vanilla and almond extracts, perfect for celebrating the holiday. They feature a tender dough baked to perfection and topped with sweet pastel frosting and festive sprinkles, making them both delicious and visually appealing for any Easter gathering.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Frosting
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- Food coloring (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and baking powder.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms without any dry flour remaining.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop out approximately one-inch balls of dough and gently roll them between your palms to create smooth round balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set but not browned, ensuring a soft texture. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
- Prepare Frosting: Whisk together the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and powdered sugar in a bowl until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Color Frosting: If desired, divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to each to create pastel shades suitable for Easter decoration.
- Frost and Decorate: Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the frosting, letting excess drip off. Place the cookies back on the cooling rack and decorate with sprinkles before the frosting sets.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and a better cookie texture.
- Do not overbake the cookies; they should remain soft and not brown.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent cookies from sticking and promote even baking.
- For a stronger almond flavor, consider adding a few drops of almond extract in the frosting as well.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Customize the frosting colors to match your holiday theme using different food colorings.
