Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Fluffy – The cookies have a soft and airy texture, melting in your mouth.
- Simple Ingredients – Made with basic pantry items like butter, sugar, and eggs, they’re easy to prepare.
- Versatile Decoration – Add colorful icing and sprinkles for a festive touch, or customize with lemon zest or almond extract.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
- Icing: 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles for decoration
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Dough: Cream together the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined.
- Shape the Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently flatten with a glass or your hand.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden.
- Cool and Decorate: Allow the cookies to cool completely before dipping them into the prepared icing. Sprinkle with colorful decorations for a festive look.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 8-10 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a fresh citrus twist.
- Almond Flavor: Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a distinct flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Storage/Reheating
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze un-iced cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before decorating.
FAQs
How long will these cookies last?
These cookies will stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week when stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze the cookies without icing for up to 3 months. Thaw and decorate when ready to serve.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How do I make these cookies more flavorful?
Try adding citrus zest, almond extract, or a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for extra depth of flavor.
Conclusion
Buttery Italian Easter Cookies are a sweet and festive treat that captures the spirit of Easter. With their tender texture and sweet icing, these cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones. Whether enjoyed after Easter Mass or as a special gift, they’re a delightful part of any Easter celebration. Enjoy the process and the festive flavors!
Buttery Italian Easter Cookies
Buttery Italian Easter Cookies are a traditional holiday treat known for their light, tender texture and sweet, buttery flavor. Often decorated with colorful icing and sprinkles, these cookies are the perfect symbol of joy and renewal. Simple to make with basic ingredients, they’re a delightful addition to any Easter celebration, bringing both festive cheer and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup milk
For the Icing:
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough:
Cream together the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk. Mix until just combined. - Shape the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently flatten with a glass or your hand. - Bake:
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges begin to turn golden. - Cool and Decorate:
Allow the cookies to cool completely before dipping them into the prepared icing. Sprinkle with colorful decorations for a festive look.
Notes
- For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough.
- Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a distinct flavor.
- To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
