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
Scale
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.
