Perfect Italian Easter Cookies

These traditional Italian Easter Cookies bring the sweet nostalgia of holiday celebrations to your kitchen with their delicate lemony flavor and colorful sprinkled tops. This family recipe has been passed down through generations, bringing Mediterranean sunshine to Easter tables with each perfectly soft bite.

I first made these cookies with my grandmother when I was just eight years old. She taught me to carefully dip each one in the glaze without making a mess a skill I still haven't quite mastered. Now my own children stand on stools at the counter, eagerly waiting to shower the wet glaze with colorful sprinkles.

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups flour: Creates the perfect tender texture while maintaining the cookie's shape
• 3 teaspoons baking powder: Gives just the right amount of lift to keep them light
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder for ideal texture
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor
• 3 eggs: Provide structure and richness look for farmfresh if possible
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens without overpowering the delicate flavor
• ½ cup butter: Softened at room temperature for proper creaming
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract: Provides that signature bright citrus flavor

• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar: Creates a smooth glossy finish use sifted for best results
• 2 teaspoons lemon extract: Reinforces the citrus flavor in the cookies
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps the glaze set with a slight shine
• ⅓ cup warm milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for dipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This moderate temperature allows the cookies to bake evenly without browning too quickly. Position your rack in the center of the oven for optimal heat distribution.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk these together thoroughly to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This prevents any bitter spots in your finished cookies.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In the bowl of your KitchenAid mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. The mixture should be pale yellow and increased in volume. This incorporates air which helps create tender cookies.

Add Eggs:

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual incorporation prevents the mixture from curdling and ensures a smooth batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl between additions.

Add Flavoring:

Beat in the lemon extract until fully incorporated. The lemon provides that distinctive bright flavor that makes these cookies special. Make sure to measure carefully as extracts are potent.

Incorporate Flour Mixture:

Lower the speed of the mixer to prevent flour from flying everywhere, then gradually add the flour mixture. Mix just until all ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten which can make your cookies tough.

Shape the Cookies:

Using a small cookie scoop for uniformity, portion the dough onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Leave about 1 inch between cookies as they will spread slightly during baking.

Bake to Perfection:

Bake for 7 to 10 minutes until the bottoms are a light golden brown. The tops should remain pale. These cookies should be soft rather than crisp, so be careful not to overbake.

Cool Completely:

Transfer the cookies from the baking tray to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before glazing. Patience here is important as warm cookies will cause the glaze to run off.

Prepare the Glaze:

Combine the powdered sugar, lemon extract, vegetable oil, and warm milk in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and free of lumps. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but thin enough to drip off slowly.

Glaze and Decorate:

Working quickly, dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the glaze and immediately sprinkle with nonpareils or other decorations. The glaze sets rapidly, so add sprinkles right away to ensure they stick.

Set the Glaze:

Arrange the glazed cookies on a wire rack and allow them to dry completely until the glaze has hardened, usually about 1 hour. This creates that beautiful shiny finish and makes them stackable for storage.

Save This

The lemon extract is truly the heart of this recipe. My grandmother always said the bright citrus flavor represents the freshness of spring after a long winter. One year when I ran out of lemon extract, I used orange instead and it became my husband's favorite variation a happy accident that's now part of our family tradition.

Flavor Variations

While lemon is traditional, these versatile cookies welcome different flavor profiles. Anise extract provides a classic Italian licorice note that many purists prefer. Orange extract creates a sweeter, more mellow citrus cookie that children often prefer. For a more subtle cookie, vanilla extract works beautifully, letting the buttery cookie flavor shine through. Whatever extract you choose, make sure it's pure rather than imitation for the most authentic flavor.

Storage and Freezing

These cookies stay remarkably fresh when stored properly. Once completely cooled and set, store them in layers separated by parchment paper in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies in freezer bags for up to three months. Thaw completely before glazing. The glaze does not freeze well, so always add it fresh before serving previously frozen cookies.

Holiday Traditions

In Italian culture, these cookies frequently appear at Easter celebrations symbolizing renewal and joy. Many families gather to make these cookies together, with younger generations learning the techniques from older family members. The colorful sprinkles traditionally represent the brightness of spring and new beginnings. Some families add colored food dye to the glaze creating pastel cookies that match Easter décor. Beyond Easter, these cookies make appearances at baptisms, first communions, and other spring celebrations.

Serving Suggestions

These delicate cookies pair beautifully with afternoon espresso or tea. For a more substantial dessert, sandwich two cookies with a thin layer of lemon curd or Nutella. They make a lovely addition to a springtime dessert board alongside fresh berries and small chocolate treats. Pack them in decorative cellophane bags tied with ribbon for a homemade Easter gift that friends and family will treasure.

Common Queries

→ What makes these Italian Easter cookies unique?

These cookies stand out for their soft texture, delicate lemon flavor, and festive glaze topped with sprinkles or candy decorations.

→ Can I substitute the lemon flavor?

Yes, you can replace lemon extract with anise, orange, or vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

→ How long should I bake the cookies?

The cookies need to be baked at 350°F for 7 to 10 minutes or until the bottoms turn lightly golden.

→ How do I ensure the glaze sets properly?

Dip cookies in the glaze and immediately add decorations before it hardens. Let the cookies dry completely on a wire rack.

→ Can I make these cookies in advance?

Yes, these cookies can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. Add the glaze close to serving time for best results.