Description
These buttery Italian Easter cookies, adorned with colorful sprinkles, are a symbol of renewal and joy. Celebrate Easter traditions with this easy, customizable recipe that’s perfect for family gatherings or festive treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Sprinkles for decoration
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extract. Beat until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch) or form rings by rolling ropes and shaping them into circles. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cookies cool, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk for desired consistency.
- Decorate: Dip the tops of the cooled cookies in the glaze or drizzle it over them. Immediately add sprinkles before the glaze sets.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow the glaze to harden before serving. These cookies store well in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too sticky or soft to shape, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes. This helps maintain the cookies’ shape during baking and prevents excessive spreading.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cookies when the bottoms are just lightly golden. They should still be soft in the center, as they’ll firm up while cooling. Overbaking will result in dry cookies.
- Quick Decoration: Add sprinkles immediately after applying the glaze. The glaze sets quickly, so work in small batches to ensure the sprinkles adhere properly for a festive finish.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 min