Italian Easter Cookies

Name: Italian Easter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze); Colorful sprinkles (for garnish)

Posted on February 28, 2026

Colorful Italian Easter cookies decorated for the holiday

Dessert

Imagine the mingling scents of sweet vanilla and nutty almond wafting through your kitchen as you bake a batch of Italian Easter Cookies. These delightful treats represent more than just a recipe; they encapsulate a tradition steeped in love, family, and the joy of celebrating life’s milestones. With their subtle sweetness and soft, cake-like texture, these cookies evoke warmth and cheer, reminiscent of springtime gatherings and the laughter of loved ones sharing memories around the table.

As you take that first bite, a delightful crunch gives way to a tender interior, kissed by the festive notes of vanilla and almond. Each cookie feels like a small celebration, generously adorned with a glaze that glistens under the light, inviting you in for another taste. The vibrant sprinkles add a pop of color, transforming each bite into a visual delight. Picture the bright hues dancing on your plate, beckoning family and friends to indulge in a little sugary bliss during your Easter festivities.

Why You’ll Love These Italian Easter Cookies

Italian Easter Cookies are not just dessert; they’re an experience, a canvas for creativity, and a tradition that warms the heart. Their gentle sweetness pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, making them perfect for a leisurely afternoon with family or friends. They’re also versatile enough to serve at various occasions—Easter brunch, birthday parties, or simply as a delightful treat on a sunny spring day.

This recipe stands out thanks to the unique blend of flavors and textures. The combination of butter and sugar creates a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie that boasts a delightful crunch on the outside. The inclusion of almond extract adds an unexpected depth, elevating these cookies from ordinary to extraordinary. And let’s not forget about that colorful glaze, which transforms each cookie into a tiny work of art, leaving you and your guests enchanted and wanting more.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the baking process, equip yourself with the essential tools to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly.

Mixing Bowls: A good set of mixing bowls allows you to easily combine ingredients without creating a mess.

Electric Mixer: While you could mix by hand, an electric mixer saves time and ensures your butter and sugar are creamed to fluffy perfection.
Baking Sheet: Use a light-colored baking sheet to prevent the cookies from browning too quickly on the bottom.
Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper ensures that your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

Cookie Scoop: This nifty tool helps you portion out equal cookie sizes, ensuring even baking.

Preparation Tips:

Set your eggs and butter out an hour before you start baking to allow them to reach room temperature. This will help achieve a creamy texture.

Pre-measure your ingredients to streamline the baking process and avoid last-minute scrambling.

Ingredients for Italian Easter Cookies

2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure; consider using whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies; brown sugar can be substituted for a richer taste.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a tender cookie; refrigerate your butter if it’s too soft.
2 large eggs: Adds moisture and richness; aquarium-friendly egg replacements work for vegan versions.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for leavening; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm aroma; pure extract will yield better flavor than imitation.
1/2 teaspoon almond extract: Enhances flavor; you can skip it if you’re not a fan.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens and adds sheen; sift it for smoother texture.
2 tablespoons milk: Activates the powdered sugar; plant-based milks can substitute.

Colorful sprinkles: Add a festive touch; feel free to get creative with shapes and colors.

How to Make Italian Easter Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This aeration is crucial for a tender cookie.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts for added flavor.
In another bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few flour streaks are okay.

Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each cookie for spreading.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden. Watch closely to prevent over-baking, as the cookies will continue to firm up while cooling.
Allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.

For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Sprinkle with colorful sprinkles to your heart’s content.
Allow the glaze to set before serving, giving the cookies a beautiful touch.

Chef’s Notes & Helpful Tips

Make-ahead Tips: You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready, allow it to come to room temperature before scooping and baking.

Cooking Alternatives: You can try using an air fryer at 320°F for about 8-10 minutes if you want to save time. Adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Customization Ideas: Mix in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruits to create your own twist on these classic cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dough: This can lead to tough cookies, so mix until everything is just combined.

Not Preheating the Oven: Skipping this step can result in uneven baking. Preheating ensures the cookies bake evenly from the start.
Using Cold Butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly and will not give you the light texture that you want. Make sure it’s softened for the best results.

What to Serve With Italian Easter Cookies

Pair these delightful cookies with:

Freshly Brewed Coffee: The bittersweet notes perfectly contrast the cookie’s sweetness.
Earl Grey Tea: Its aromatic flavor enhances the almond and vanilla notes.

Milk: A classic and beloved pairing, the coolness of milk balances the sweetness.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit medley cuts the sweetness and adds a healthy element.
Gelato: A scoop of rich gelato elevates each cookie to a gourmet experience.

Sparkling Lemonade: The effervescence and tartness brighten the palate after each cookie.
Charcuterie Board: Set up a festive board with cheeses and meats to enjoy with your cookies.
Chocolate Fondue: Dip your cookies for an indulgent twist that will impress anyone at your gathering.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store your Italian Easter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag or container lined with parchment paper. When ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature. You can even pop them into a warm oven for a few minutes to regain that freshly baked texture.

Estimated Nutrition Information

Estimated values per cookie (based on a yield of 24 cookies):

Calories: 120

Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 16g

Sugars: 7g
Protein: 2g

Please note that nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredient brands and variations.

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free flour for this recipe?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the texture similar while accommodating for dietary needs.

2. How can I make these cookies healthier?
Consider replacing half of the granulated sugar with applesauce or using whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the butter slightly without compromising texture.

3. Can I freeze the dough?
You can freeze the cookie dough before baking! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a container. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

4. What can I use instead of eggs?
You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup mashed banana, or 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds mixed with 6 tablespoons of water for a vegan alternative.

5. How long does the glaze take to set?
It typically takes about 30 minutes for the glaze to set completely at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, placing the cookies in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes can help speed up the process.

Conclusion

There’s something undeniably magical about Italian Easter Cookies. Their soft, inviting texture and captivating flavor evoke good memories and sweet moments shared with friends and family. As you revisit this recipe year after year, watch how it becomes an integral part of your springtime celebrations. So, gather your loved ones, step into the kitchen, and let the aroma of baking cookies warm your hearts. Each bite tells a story, and every sprinkle adds a touch of joy. Dive into this delightful tradition and create sweet memories that will last a lifetime; your taste buds will thank you!