There is something irresistibly joyful about sharing classic Italian treats during the festivities, and these Italian Easter Cookies with Colorful Glaze Recipe perfectly capture that spirit. Soft, tender, and lightly almond-flavored, these cookies bring a lovely homemade charm to your holiday table. The bright, glossy glaze topped with cheerful sprinkles adds a playful splash of color that makes these cookies as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re celebrating with family or bringing a sweet gift to a gathering, these cookies hold a special place in Italian Easter traditions and are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Italian Easter Cookies with Colorful Glaze Recipe is both simple and satisfying. Each element plays a crucial role in building the cookie’s soft texture, subtle almond aroma, and that bright, shiny glaze that makes these treats truly shine.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy foundation for soft, tender cookies.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the dough rise to a light, fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and keeps the cookies moist.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering.
- 3 large eggs: Bind ingredients and give the dough structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Infuses that signature nutty, slightly floral note traditional in Italian Easter cookies.
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (as needed): Adjusts dough consistency for perfect shaping.
- For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 1–2 tablespoons milk to create a smooth, shiny coating.
- Colorful sprinkles: Add festive charm and a bit of crunch to the glazed finish.
How to Make Italian Easter Cookies with Colorful Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. Next, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl, giving these dry ingredients a quick but thorough mix to distribute the leavening and seasoning evenly.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 minutes. This step is important because it incorporates air into the dough, contributing to the tender crumb you’ll love in your Italian Easter Cookies with Colorful Glaze Recipe.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Extracts
One at a time, beat in each egg, making sure to mix well after each addition to create a smooth, creamy base. Then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts; these give your cookies their unmistakable aromatic signature that makes them so special during Easter celebrations.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too stiff, gently mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to reach the perfect consistency for shaping. This flexibility ensures your cookies remain soft and easy to mold.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into a 5-inch rope. You can then form these ropes into loops, knots, or twists—the traditional shapes that make Italian Easter Cookies with Colorful Glaze Recipe so charming and recognizable.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the shaped cookies on your prepared baking sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms turn a gentle golden color. Keep a close watch to avoid over-baking, which could dry out these tender treats.
Step 7: Add the Colorful Glaze
While the cookies cool briefly, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze. Dip the tops of each cookie into the glaze, then immediately decorate with colorful sprinkles. Allow the glaze to set before enjoying your vibrant, delicious creations.
How to Serve Italian Easter Cookies with Colorful Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the festive look of these Italian Easter Cookies with Colorful Glaze Recipe, consider adding extra zest with edible flowers or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts. These little touches make the presentation even more inviting and special.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of espresso or a light dessert wine. Their soft texture and subtle almond flavor offer a lovely balance to stronger drinks, making them a perfect sweet finish after an Easter meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your cookies on a tiered cake stand or alongside fresh spring flowers for a breathtaking centerpiece. Wrapping individual cookies in clear cellophane tied with pastel ribbon also makes them wonderful party favors or thoughtful gifts during the season.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and tasty for up to 4 days, making them ideal for enjoying throughout the holiday weekend.
Freezing
You can freeze these Italian Easter Cookies with Colorful Glaze Recipe before glazing by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them completely before glazing and serving to maintain that delightful softness.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm cookie, briefly microwave a single piece for 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid reheating multiple cookies at once to preserve their texture and glaze quality.
FAQs
Can I substitute almond extract?
Yes! If you don’t have almond extract, you can use extra vanilla extract or a small amount of lemon extract for a different but still delicious flavor profile. The cookies will remain soft and delightful either way.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
The cookies are best enjoyed within 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature. Beyond this, their texture may become less tender, but they’re still tasty.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
While this recipe uses all-purpose flour, you can experiment with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the overall flavor should remain lovely.
What sprinkles work best for the glaze?
Classic nonpareils or jimmies work beautifully because they add color without affecting the smoothness of the glaze. Avoid larger or heavier decorations that might weigh down the icing.
Can I shape the dough into other forms?
Absolutely! The traditional loops, twists, or knots are charming, but feel free to get creative with simple shapes like circles or braids. Just keep the dough thickness uniform to ensure even baking.
Final Thoughts
It’s hard not to smile while baking and sharing these Italian Easter Cookies with Colorful Glaze Recipe. They bring together a celebration of simple, heartfelt ingredients and vibrant, festive presentation that will brighten any Easter gathering. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—once you taste these soft, almond-kissed cookies topped with that joyful glaze, they’ll become a beloved tradition in your kitchen too.
Print
Italian Easter Cookies with Colorful Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These traditional Italian Easter Cookies are soft, cake-like treats infused with almond flavor and topped with a sweet glaze and colorful sprinkles. Perfect for holiday celebrations, they are shaped into loops or twists and baked to a light golden perfection.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (as needed)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- Colorful sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to evenly combine the dry ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, ensuring good aeration.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Add the 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth batter. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk if the dough is too dry to achieve a pliable consistency.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll each into 5-inch ropes. Shape each rope into loops or twists and place them spaced on parchment-lined baking sheets.
- Bake Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the shaped cookies on the prepared sheets for 10 to 12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies cool slightly, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons milk until smooth and creamy.
- Glaze and Decorate: Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the glaze, then immediately sprinkle with colorful nonpareils or jimmies. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture with a subtle almond flavor.
- You can shape the dough into knots, twists, or circular loops according to your preference.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
