Easy Buttery Italian Easter Cookies Recipe Everyone Loves

Sweet memories of childhood weekends flood back with these classic buttery Italian Easter cookies.

Baking these delightful treats brings warmth and tradition to your kitchen with minimal effort.

Passed down through generations, these melt-in-your-mouth Italian Easter cookies capture the essence of festive family gatherings.

The delicate texture and subtle sweetness make them an irresistible treat for anyone who loves classic Italian pastries.

Each bite tells a story of love, carefully crafted with simple ingredients that speak volumes about culinary heritage.

Sprinkled with powdered sugar and baked to golden perfection, these cookies promise a moment of pure, nostalgic bliss.

You won’t be able to resist sharing these delectable morsels with everyone around your table.

Why Italian Easter Cookies Taste Like Tradition

• Quick and Easy Preparation: Whip up these delightful cookies with minimal fuss, using basic pantry ingredients and simple mixing techniques perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Festive Treat: Create a delicious tradition that brings everyone together, with fun sprinkle decorating that kids will absolutely love and adults will enjoy making.
• Versatile Celebration Dessert: Perfect for Easter gatherings, holiday parties, or just because you want a sweet treat that looks impressive but requires minimal baking expertise.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Snack: Soft, buttery cookies with a sweet glaze that offer a nostalgic taste everyone from grandparents to children will adore, making them ideal for any social gathering.

What You’ll Need for Italian Easter Cookies

• Butter: Rich and creamy base for tender cookies.
• Sugar: Sweet ingredient that helps create a delightful texture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that adds richness to the cookies.
• Flour: Essential dry ingredient for cookie structure.

• Baking Powder: Helps cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the cookies.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm and comforting aroma.

• Milk: Provides moisture to the cookie dough.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Smooth icing for topping.
• Sprinkles: Colorful and festive decoration for cookies.

How to Bake Buttery Italian Easter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Workspace

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F.

Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect cookie release.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cookie Base

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

Blend until the mixture becomes light and airy.

Introduce eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully incorporated.

Splash in vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic touch.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Slowly marry the dry ingredients with your creamy mixture, alternating with milk.

Start and finish with the flour blend for a smooth, consistent dough.

Step 4: Shape Delicate Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough.

Roll into perfect little balls.

Place on prepared baking sheets and give each a gentle press with a glass bottom to create a classic cookie shape.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the cookies into the preheated oven.

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges begin to turn a delicate golden hue.

Remove and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Create Elegant Icing

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture reaches a smooth, glossy consistency.

Step 7: Decorate and Finish

Dip each cooled cookie into the icing, allowing excess to drip off.

Immediately sprinkle with colorful decorations.

Let the icing set completely before serving these festive treats.

Tips for Classic Italian Cookie Flavor

• Let butter sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure a smooth, fluffy texture that blends seamlessly with sugar.
• Mix flour mixture just until combined to keep cookies tender and avoid developing tough gluten that can make them dense.
• Use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation for a richer, more authentic flavor that elevates the entire cookie's taste profile.
• Immediately add sprinkles after icing to ensure they stick properly, creating a festive and colorful finish for these traditional Italian Easter treats.
• Watch cookies closely during baking, removing them when edges are just turning golden to maintain a soft, delicate texture.

How to Keep Italian Cookies Fresh

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, separating layers to prevent sticking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Place cookies in a freezer-safe container between sheets of wax paper. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes to restore softness and bring back their fresh-baked flavor.
• Keep sprinkled cookies at room temperature in a sealed container away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve their delicate icing and texture.

Best Pairings for Easter Cookies

• Elevate Taste with Perfect Pairings
• Match with Sweet Dessert Wine: Serve these buttery Italian Easter cookies alongside a chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti, enhancing the cookies' delicate sweetness with its light, fruity profile.
• Complement with Espresso: Brew a rich, bold espresso to cut through the cookie's sweetness, creating a classic Italian coffee and cookie experience that awakens the palate.
• Enhance with Almond Liqueur: Drizzle a small amount of Amaretto over the cookies or serve a shot alongside, bringing out the subtle nutty undertones and adding depth to the dessert.
• Create Textural Contrast with Gelato: Pair the cookies with a scoop of creamy vanilla or pistachio gelato, offering a smooth, cold counterpoint to the soft, warm cookie texture.

Easy Flavor Twists for Italian Cookies

• Gluten-Free Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a blend of gluten-free flour mix and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Easter Treats: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, and use plant-based milk for a dairy-free alternative.
• Lemon Zest Cookies: Add fresh lemon zest to the dough and replace vanilla extract with lemon extract for a bright, citrusy flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener and use a sugar-free glaze made with almond milk and powdered erythritol.

FAQs

• What gives these Italian Easter Cookies their unique texture?

The combination of butter, eggs, and milk creates a soft, tender crumb that makes these cookies melt in your mouth. The creaming method of mixing butter and sugar also contributes to their delicate, light texture.

• Can I make these cookies without a mixer?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand using a whisk and wooden spoon. However, using an electric mixer helps create a fluffier texture by incorporating more air into the butter and sugar mixture.

• Why are sprinkles important in this recipe?

Sprinkles are a traditional decoration for Italian Easter Cookies, adding a festive and colorful touch that makes the cookies look celebratory and fun. They symbolize joy and celebration during the Easter holiday.

• How do I ensure my cookies come out perfectly?

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, add eggs one at a time, and don’t overmix the flour. Slightly flattening the cookies before baking helps them spread evenly and bake uniformly.

Buttery Italian Easter Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 24 1x

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Description

Sweet memories of family gatherings bloom with these buttery Italian Easter cookies, passed down through generations of love. Crisp edges and delicate crumb invite warm connections as you savor each tender, powdered sugar-dusted bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquid and Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup milk (60 ml)
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk (45 ml)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sprinkles for decoration

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Instructions

1. Prepare all ingredients and equipment, ensuring butter is at room temperature for optimal mixing.
2. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment for delicate cookies.
3. Whip butter and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a fluffy base.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly blending after each addition to ensure smooth integration.
5. Infuse the mixture with vanilla extract, stirring gently to distribute the aromatic flavor.
6. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate vessel, whisking to eliminate potential lumps.
7. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the creamy mixture, alternating with milk to maintain a consistent texture.
8. Gently shape the dough into uniform spheres, roughly the size of a tablespoon.
9. Arrange cookie spheres on parchment-lined baking sheets, delicately flattening each with the base of a glass.
10. Position the trays in the preheated oven, baking until the cookie edges develop a subtle golden hue, approximately 8-10 minutes.
11. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for five minutes, enabling them to firm up slightly.
12. Transfer cookies to wire cooling racks, permitting complete cooling and texture stabilization.
13. Craft a glossy icing by blending powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until achieving a silky-smooth consistency.
14. Dip each cooled cookie into the icing, ensuring an elegant, even coating.
15. Immediately embellish with festive sprinkles while the icing remains wet, creating a decorative finish.
16. Permit the icing to set completely before serving, allowing the cookies to reach their ultimate flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Soften butter completely at room temperature for smoother, more even mixing and better cookie texture.
• Sift dry ingredients to eliminate lumps and ensure a lighter, more uniform cookie consistency.
• For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the same measurements.
• Use room temperature eggs to help them blend more evenly and create a smoother dough without curdling.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 24
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 32 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg