Italian Easter Cookies are soft, sweet, and beautifully glazed treats that bring color and joy to any spring celebration. These classic cookies are known for their tender texture, delicate vanilla-almond flavor, and bright pastel icing topped with festive sprinkles. Whether you’re baking for Easter Sunday, a family gathering, or simply welcoming the new season, this Easy Italian Easter Cookies Recipe is a timeless favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Italian Easter Cookies Recipe
These Italian Easter Cookies are simple to make yet impressive enough for special occasions. Here’s why they’re so loved:
- Soft and cake-like texture
- Light, sweet flavor with hints of vanilla and almond
- Beautiful pastel glaze perfect for spring
- Easy ingredients you likely already have
- Kid-friendly and fun to decorate
- Perfect for gifting or holiday dessert tables
This Easy Italian Easter Cookies Recipe is approachable for beginner bakers and dependable enough for experienced home cooks.
Ingredients for Italian Easter Cookies
Cookie Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (pastel shades)
- Sprinkles for decorating
Ingredient Notes
- Butter Substitute: You can use plant-based butter if needed.
- Milk Substitute: Almond milk or oat milk works well in the glaze.
- Almond Extract: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount or replace it with extra vanilla.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon lemon or orange zest for a fresh spring flavor.
These swaps keep the Easy Italian Easter Cookies Recipe flexible and family-friendly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3 – Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step creates the soft texture that makes Italian Easter Cookies so special.
Step 4 – Add Eggs and Extracts
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla and almond extracts, mixing until smooth.
Step 5 – Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Mix until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 6 – Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into smooth balls. Place them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Step 7 – Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes. The bottoms should be lightly golden while the tops remain pale. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft texture.
Step 8 – Cool Completely
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully before glazing.
Step 9 – Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Divide into small bowls and add pastel food coloring.
Step 10 – Dip and Decorate
Dip the tops of each cooled cookie into the glaze. Place back on a rack and immediately add sprinkles before the glaze sets.
Let the glaze harden for about 30 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature butter and eggs for smoother mixing.
- Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling.
- Do not overbake — they should remain soft and pale.
- Let cookies cool fully before glazing.
- Adjust glaze thickness by adding milk slowly.
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant pastel shades.
Following these tips ensures your Easy Italian Easter Cookies Recipe turns out perfect every time.
Flavor Variations
- Lemon Italian Easter Cookies – Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the glaze.
- Orange Blossom Version – Replace almond extract with orange extract.
- Anise Flavor – Use anise extract for a traditional Italian touch.
- Chocolate Drizzle – Add a light drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate.
- Coconut Glaze – Use coconut milk in the icing for subtle tropical flavor.
Each variation keeps the spirit of Italian Easter Cookies while adding something new.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Italian Easter Cookies:
- Alongside coffee or espresso
- With tea at a spring brunch
- On an Easter dessert platter
- Packaged in decorative gift boxes
- As part of a holiday cookie exchange
Their pastel colors make them especially beautiful on festive tables.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Not necessary, but can extend freshness to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
For best results, separate layers with parchment paper.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 1 Cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 65mg |
Values are approximate and may vary.
FAQ About Italian Easter Cookies
Why are my Italian Easter Cookies dry?
Dry cookies usually result from too much flour or overbaking. Measure carefully and remove from the oven when the bottoms are just lightly golden.
Can I make Italian Easter Cookies ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake them 2–3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container. Glaze them the day you plan to serve for the freshest appearance.
Can I freeze Italian Easter Cookies with glaze?
It’s best to freeze them without glaze. Add the icing after thawing for the best texture and presentation.
What makes Italian Easter Cookies unique?
Their soft, cake-like texture and signature almond flavor set them apart. The colorful glaze also gives them their festive holiday look.
Can kids help make this recipe?
Absolutely. Kids love rolling the dough and decorating with sprinkles. This Easy Italian Easter Cookies Recipe is great for family baking traditions.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Italian Easter Cookies Recipe combines tradition, simplicity, and festive charm in every bite. With their soft texture and beautiful pastel glaze, these cookies are perfect for celebrating spring and sharing with loved ones. Whether you follow the classic version or try a fun variation, Italian Easter Cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.
Print
Easy Italian Easter Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and festive Italian Easter Cookies topped with pastel glaze and sprinkles. Perfect for spring celebrations and Easter gatherings.
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
Food coloring
Sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
5. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a soft dough forms.
6. Roll dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on baking sheets.
7. Bake for 10–12 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden.
8. Cool cookies completely on a wire rack.
9. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze.
10. Dip tops of cookies into glaze and decorate with sprinkles.
11. Allow glaze to set before serving.
Notes
Do not overbake to keep cookies soft and tender.
Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling.
Let cookies cool completely before glazing.
Adjust glaze thickness by adding milk gradually.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
