Easter is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and, of course, delicious treats. These Italian Easter Cookies are the perfect way to add a sweet, traditional touch to your holiday festivities. With their soft, buttery texture and vibrant pastel-colored frosting, these cookies are not only visually appealing but also a delightful treat to enjoy with loved ones. Perfect for Easter or any special occasion, these cookies will quickly become a cherished part of your tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how these Italian Easter Cookies blend simplicity with festive charm. The soft, tender cookie base has a perfect buttery flavor, and the pastel-colored icing on top makes them ideal for Easter celebrations. Plus, the recipe is easy to follow, and the result is a batch of cookies that are sure to impress both in flavor and appearance. Whether you’re making them for an Easter gathering or simply to enjoy with family, these cookies bring a touch of sweetness and joy to every occasion.
Ingredients
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon almond extract
1 tablespoon baking powder
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
For the Frosting:
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and eggs until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and baking powder.
Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
Scoop out one-inch balls of dough, roll them in your hands, and place them on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
For the Frosting:
In a bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.
Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to create pastel shades, if desired.
Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the frosting, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them back on the cooling rack and decorate with sprinkles before the frosting sets.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
Storage/Reheating
Once the frosting has set, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them, though the frosting may change in texture upon thawing. If you’d like to enjoy them warm, you can gently reheat the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds.
Related Recipes:
FAQs
Can I use margarine instead of butter for these cookies?
While I recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor, you can substitute margarine if necessary. However, the texture and taste may vary slightly.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies are great for making ahead. I often prepare them a day or two before an event and store them in an airtight container. The frosting will set well and keep the cookies fresh.
Can I use different food colors for the frosting?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with the frosting colors. Pastels are typical for Easter, but you can use any colors that fit your celebration theme.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should be set but not browned. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid overbaking, as this can make them too firm.
Can I add other decorations to the cookies?
Of course! Sprinkles, colored sugar, or even small candy decorations can be added for extra flair. Make them your own by experimenting with different toppings.
Conclusion
These Italian Easter Cookies are a beautiful and delicious addition to any Easter celebration. With their soft, buttery texture and vibrant frosting, they’re not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you’re baking them for Easter or just because, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy making these delightful cookies and share them with your loved ones for a truly memorable occasion. Buon appetito!
📖 Recipe:
Print
Italian Easter Cookies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Italian Easter Cookies are a festive treat perfect for Easter celebrations. Soft, buttery, and topped with pastel-colored icing, they offer a sweet, traditional touch for your family gatherings. Easy to make, these cookies will become a beloved part of your holiday tradition, impressing guests with their delicious flavor and vibrant appearance.
Ingredients
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
For the Frosting:
¼ cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, sugar, and eggs until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and baking powder.
- Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring until a dough forms.
- Scoop out one-inch balls of dough, roll them in your hands, and place them on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. Allow them to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, whisk together the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Divide the frosting into separate bowls and add food coloring to create pastel shades.
- Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the frosting, letting any excess drip off. Place the cookies back on the cooling rack and decorate with sprinkles before the frosting sets.
Notes
If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute with more vanilla extract for a slightly different flavor.
You can store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Feel free to experiment with different sprinkles or colored sugar to add extra flair to the cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Easter Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 36 cookies
