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Italian Easter Cookies

Italian Easter Cookies
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Traditional Italian Easter Cookies offer a delightful springtime treat with a perfect balance of soft and crisp texture. Made with simple pantry staples and flavored with lemon zest or vanilla, they bring authentic Italian holiday warmth to your table. Decorated with colorful sprinkles or a sweet glaze, these festive cookies are perfect for sharing with family or gifting to friends during Easter celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free blend)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup sugar

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) or ½ cup oil (coconut or vegetable oil for vegan option)
  • 2 large eggs (or 2 flax eggs for vegan version)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or zest of 1 lemon

For Decoration

  • 1 beaten egg white (for brushing)
  • Colored sprinkles or colored sugar
  • Optional: powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice or water)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: Begin by mixing the sugar and softened butter (or oil) until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract or lemon zest. Gradually blend in sifted all-purpose flour and baking powder until you form a soft, manageable dough.
  2. Shape the Cookies: Pinch off small balls of dough and roll them into ropes about 5 inches long. Join the ends together to create rings or shape into traditional wreaths, arranging them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space to spread.
  3. Add Sprinkles: Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg white to help sprinkles stick, then generously sprinkle colored sugar or festive sprinkles all over each cookie.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes. The cookies should be golden at the edges but still soft in the center. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before serving or decorating further.
  5. Optional Glaze or Decoration: If desired, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled cookies and sprinkle additional decorations to make them shine.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smooth mixing.
  • Mix dough just until combined to keep cookies tender and avoid toughness.
  • Use fresh lemon or orange zest for best flavor.
  • Make cookie dough balls uniform in size for even baking.
  • Bake until edges are golden but centers remain soft; cookies firm up after baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Easter Cookies, Italian cookies, Easter baking, traditional Italian recipe, festive cookies, spring cookies

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/italian-easter-cookies/