Soft Italian Easter Cookies

These Italian Easter cookies are soft, tender, and topped with a colorful glaze that makes them an irresistible treat for celebrating the season. Their delicate almond flavor and festive decorations bring a fun and meaningful touch to your holiday table.

When I first made these cookies, my family couldn’t stop reaching for more. They quickly became our tradition every spring.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Three cups form the base of the dough and provide structure
• Baking powder: Two teaspoons act as a leavening agent to keep the cookies light and soft
• Salt: A quarter teaspoon enhances overall flavor without being overpowering
• Granulated sugar: Three quarters cup for sweetness and to help with the cookie’s texture
• Unsalted butter: Eight tablespoons softened butter bring richness and tenderness
• Vanilla extract: One teaspoon adds a warm, familiar aroma
• Almond extract: Two teaspoons are essential for that signature nutty and aromatic flavor
• Eggs: Three at room temperature help bind ingredients and contribute to a soft crumb
• Powdered sugar: One cup for the glaze offers smooth sweetness
• Milk or cream: Three tablespoons create the perfect glaze consistency
• Almond extract: One teaspoon for the glaze deepens the cookie’s flavor profile
• Liquid food coloring: Needed to tint the glaze for a festive and colorful finish
• Sprinkles: Used to decorate and add an extra festive touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven:

Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking. This helps ensure even baking and easy cleanup.

Mix dry ingredients:

Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl thoroughly to evenly distribute the leavening and salt throughout the flour.

Cream butter and sugar:

In a large bowl or mixing stand, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar along with vanilla and almond extracts on medium-high speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step builds the base for tender cookies.

Add the eggs:

Incorporate eggs one at a time on medium-low speed, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth and stable dough.

Combine wet and dry ingredients:

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies from over-mixing.

Shape the cookies:

Use a medium cookie scoop or a tablespoon measurement to portion the dough. Roll each scoop into a ball with your hands and arrange them about one inch apart on the prepared baking sheets.

Bake:

Place the trays in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft. Allow them to cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prepare the glaze:

Whisk powdered sugar, milk or cream, and almond extract until glossy and smooth. Divide the glaze and tint with food coloring to your liking.

Glaze and decorate:

Once the cookies are completely cool, dip in the glaze and add sprinkles as desired. Allow the glaze to set on a flat surface. Double dipping is an option for a richer color and thicker coating.

Save

I love the almond extract for its fragrant and slightly nutty flavor that makes these cookies special. These cookies remind me of Easter mornings in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of almond filled the air and everyone eagerly awaited the first sweet bite.

Storage Tips

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days to maintain their softness. If kept longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in a single layer separated by parchment paper and thaw at room temperature before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can replace almond extract with a bit more vanilla extract if you prefer a milder flavor or to accommodate allergies. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter and milk alternative such as almond or oat milk.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies pair beautifully with an afternoon cup of tea or coffee. They also work well as a festive dessert at an Easter brunch or party. Consider serving with fresh fruit or a light mascarpone cream on the side for an elegant touch.

Cultural Context

Italian Easter cookies are part of a broader tradition of sweet breads and cookies made to celebrate festive holidays in Italy. Their vibrant colors often symbolize the joy and renewal associated with spring and resurrection in the Easter holiday.

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives these cookies their soft texture?

The combination of butter, granulated sugar, and careful mixing keeps the dough tender, resulting in soft cookies after baking.

→ How can I make the glaze more vibrant?

Divide the glaze into separate bowls and use liquid food coloring. Double dipping the cookies enhances the glaze's color intensity.

→ Why should the cookies cool completely before glazing?

Cooling prevents the glaze from melting or sliding off, ensuring it adheres smoothly and sets properly on the cookie surface.

→ Can I substitute almond extract in the dough?

While almond extract adds a signature flavor, you can replace it with more vanilla or another mild extract to suit your taste.

→ What baking sheets work best for these cookies?

Using parchment paper or silicone baking mats helps prevent sticking and promotes even baking for a consistent texture.