Easy-Italian-Easter-Cookies

12 Easy Italian Easter Cookies 

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Easter in Italy is a time for celebration, family traditions, and indulging in delicious Easter holiday cookies. These festive treats come in a variety of textures and flavors, from light, fluffy, cake-like cookies to dense cookies perfect for celebration. Many are topped with a homemade glaze or homemade icing and sprinkles, making them both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty. 

What makes these traditional cookies so special is their lightly flavored dough, often featuring hints of lemon or hints of vanilla. Some are finished with a lemon glaze, while others boast icing and pastel sprinkles for a festive touch. No matter which recipe you choose, these buttery, homemade delights will bring a taste of Italian tradition to your holiday.

Almond-Flavored Italian Easter Cookies

Almond-Flavored-Italian-Easter-Cookies

Almond-Flavored Italian Easter Cookies are light and nutty Italian Easter cookies are a delightful blend of buttery goodness with a soft, slightly dense cookie texture. Infused with hints of vanilla and almond extract, they bring a traditional touch to your Easter holiday cookie lineup. 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp almond extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (hints of vanilla)
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Mix in the egg, almond extract, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden.
  8. Let the cookies cool, then dust them with powdered sugar before serving.

Anise-Flavored Italian Easter Cookies

Anise-Flavored-Italian-Easter-Cookies

Anise-flavored Italian Easter Cookies are a staple during the Easter season in Italian households. They are light, fluffy, and extremely delicious. These cake-like cookies stand out for their moist and tender texture. Each cookie pairs perfectly with a sweet homemade glaze, finished with icing and pastel sprinkles for a festive touch. 

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (buttery goodness)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp anise extract
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (hints of vanilla)
  • ⅓ cup whole milk

For the Homemade Glaze:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Icing and pastel sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs, anise extract, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
  6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are set but still moist and tender inside.
  8. Let the cookies cool before dipping them into the homemade glaze and topping them with icing and pastel sprinkles.

Buttery Italian Easter Knot Cookies

Buttery-Italian-Easter-Knot-Cookies

Buttery Italian Easter Knot Cookies are here to give you a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Their signature knotted shape makes them extra special, while the homemade glaze icing and pastel sprinkles add the perfect festive finish. These cookies are a holiday classic, featuring a light, fluffy, cake-like texture with a touch of buttery goodness.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (buttery goodness)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (hints of vanilla)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (hints of lemon)
  • ⅓ cup whole milk

For the Homemade Glaze:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Icing and pastel sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing well.
  5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
  6. Take small portions of dough, roll them into ropes, and tie them into loose knots.
  7. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until set but still moist and tender inside.
  8. Let the cookies cool, then dip them into the homemade glaze and top with icing and pastel sprinkles.

Calabrese Italian Easter Cookies

Calabrese-Italian-Easter-Cookies

Calabrese Italian Easter Cookies are traditional cookies from Southern Italy. What makes these cookies stand out is how they are beautifully braided into a nest shape, symbolizing renewal and rebirth. A whole egg is baked into the center, representing Easter’s deep-rooted traditions. Made with a light, fluffy dough infused with hints of anise and hints of lemon, these cookies are a stunning addition to any Easter holiday cookie spread.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (buttery goodness)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs + 3 whole raw eggs for decoration
  • 1 tsp anise extract (hints of anise)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (hints of vanilla)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (hints of lemon)
  • ⅓ cup whole milk

For Brushing:

  • 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs, anise extract, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing well.
  5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
  6. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into a thin rope. Braid the ropes together and form a nest shape.
  7. Gently press a whole raw egg into the center of each nest.
  8. Brush the dough with egg wash for a golden finish.
  9. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and firm.

Chocolate-Dipped Italian Easter Cookies

Chocolate-Dipped-Italian-Easter-Cookies

Chocolate-dipped Italian Easter Cookies are moist and tender cookies that are a decadent twist on classic Easter holiday cookies. The contrast of the dense cookie interior with the smooth chocolate coating makes them an irresistible treat. With hints of vanilla and delicate buttery goodness, they are light, fluffy, and perfect for dipping in rich, melted chocolate.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (buttery goodness)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (hints of vanilla)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (hints of lemon)
  • ⅓ cup whole milk

For the Chocolate Coating:

  • 1 ½ cups dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil or unsalted butter
  • Icing and pastel sprinkles or crushed chocolate for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing well.
  5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
  6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until set but still moist and tender inside. Let the cookies cool completely.
  8. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and coconut oil (or butter) in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  9. Dip each cookie into the melted chocolate, letting the excess drip off.
  10. Sprinkle with icing and pastel sprinkles or crushed chocolate for a festive finish.
  11. Let the chocolate set before serving.

Classic Italian Sugar Cookies

Classic-Italian-Sugar-Cookies

Classic Italian Sugar Cookies feature a buttery goodness that melts in your mouth with every bite. These cookies are delicately sweet and have a hint of vanilla, creating a nostalgic taste reminiscent of traditional Italian baking. Each cookie is light and fluffy and comes topped with a homemade glaze, giving it a smooth and glossy finish, then adorned with icing and pastel sprinkles for a festive touch.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (buttery goodness)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (hints of vanilla)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (hints of lemon)
  • ⅓ cup whole milk

For the Homemade Glaze:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Icing and pastel sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing well.
  5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
  6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until set but still moist and tender inside.
  8. Let the cookies cool before dipping them into the homemade glaze and topping them with icing and pastel sprinkles.

Gluten-Free Italian Easter Cookies

Gluten-Free-Italian-Easter-Cookies

Gluten-Free Italian Easter Cookies are perfect for anyone who loves Easter holiday cookies but needs a gluten-free option without compromising on flavor. Made with a blend of almond and coconut flour, these cookies have a delicate, moist, and tender texture that melts in your mouth. Despite being gluten-free, they still deliver the buttery goodness of traditional Italian cookies, making them an irresistible treat. A light homemade glaze coats each cookie, enhancing its sweetness, while a sprinkle of pastel decorations adds a festive touch.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • ½ cup coconut flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (buttery goodness)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (hints of vanilla)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (hints of lemon)
  • ⅓ cup almond milk

For the Homemade Glaze:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp almond milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Icing and pastel sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing well.
  5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, alternating with almond milk, until a soft dough forms.
  6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until set but still moist and tender inside.
  8. Let the cookies cool before dipping them into the homemade glaze and topping them with icing and pastel sprinkles.

Italian Easter Cookies with Egg (Scarcelle)

Italian-Easter-Cookies-with-Egg-Scarcelle

Italian Easter Cookies with Eggs, also known as Scarcelle. These are a beautiful Easter symbol in Italian culture made with cake-like dough infused with hints of lemon and hints of vanilla. These cookies are shaped into intricate braided rings with a whole egg nestled at the center. 

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (buttery goodness)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (hints of vanilla)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (hints of lemon)
  • ⅓ cup whole milk

For the Assembly:

  • 3 whole raw eggs (white or dyed, as preferred)
  • 1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing well.
  5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
  6. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll them into long ropes. Braid two ropes together and shape into a circular nest.
  7. Gently press a whole raw egg into the center of each nest.
  8. Brush the dough with egg wash for a golden finish.
  9. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and fully set.
  10. Let cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Italian Easter Sprinkle Cookies

Italian-Easter-Sprinkle-Cookies

Italian Easter Sprinkle Cookies are a festive homemade treat. Each cookie is infused with hints of vanilla and topped with a homemade glaze. These cookies offer the perfect balance of sweetness and buttery goodness. The final touch of icing and pastel sprinkles adds a cheerful, decorative flair, making them as fun to look at as they are to eat.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (buttery goodness)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (hints of vanilla)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (hints of lemon)
  • ⅓ cup whole milk

For the Homemade Glaze:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Icing and pastel sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing well.
  5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
  6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until set but still moist and tender inside.
  8. Let the cookies cool before dipping them into the homemade glaze and topping them with icing and pastel sprinkles.

Italian Lemon Easter Cookies

Italian-Lemon-Easter-Cookies

For those who love a citrusy twist, Italian Lemon Easter cookies are a dream come true! Infused with hints of lemon, they have a moist and tender crumb with a lightly flavored dough. The buttery goodness balances beautifully with the refreshing lemon glaze, creating a sweet and tangy treat. Topped with a homemade glaze and decorated with icing and pastel sprinkles, these cookies are a bright and cheerful addition to any Easter table.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (buttery goodness)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (hints of vanilla)
  • 2 tsp lemon zest (hints of lemon)
  • ⅓ cup whole milk

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (lemon glaze)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Icing and pastel sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing well.
  5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
  6. Roll the dough into small balls and place them on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until set but still moist and tender inside.
  8. Let the cookies cool before dipping them into the lemon glaze and topping them with icing and pastel sprinkles.

Italian Ricotta Easter Cookies

Italian-Ricotta-Easter-Cookies

Soft, airy, and bursting with buttery goodness, Italian Ricotta Easter Cookies are the perfect way to celebrate the season. The ricotta cheese gives them a luscious, creamy texture, keeping them light and moist without feeling too dense. A delicate homemade glaze complements their subtle sweetness, while a sprinkle of colorful decorations makes them an eye-catching addition to any Easter holiday cookie platter. 

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (buttery goodness)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (hints of vanilla)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (hints of lemon)

For the Homemade Glaze:

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Icing and pastel sprinkles (for decoration)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add ricotta cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing until smooth.
  5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
  6. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until set but still moist and tender inside.
  8. Let the cookies cool before dipping them into the homemade glaze and topping them with icing and pastel sprinkles.

Traditional Italian Easter Cookies (Taralli Dolci)

Traditional-Italian-Easter-Cookies-Taralli-Dolci

Traditional Italian Easter Cookies, also known as Tralli Dolci, are delicate, ring-shaped treats that have long been a highlight of Easter celebrations. With a slightly crisp exterior and a moist, tender center, they strike the perfect balance between texture and sweetness. Their classic simplicity makes them a staple in Italian kitchens, often finished with a light glaze and pastel sprinkles for a festive touch. Whether served alongside coffee or as part of an Easter dessert platter, these cookies are a timeless way to embrace the holiday spirit.

Ingredients

For the Dough:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (buttery goodness)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (hints of vanilla)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (hints of lemon)
  • ⅓ cup whole milk
For the Lemon Glaze:
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (lemon glaze)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing well.
  5. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until a soft dough forms.
  6. Take small portions of dough and roll them into ropes. Form each into a ring shape and pinch the ends together.
  7. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
  8. Let the cookies cool before dipping them into the lemon glaze.
  9. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Conclusion

Italian Easter cookies capture the spirit of the holiday with their buttery goodness, delicate flavors, and festive decorations. Whether you prefer light, fluffy cookies or dense cookies with a satisfying bite, these recipes offer something for everyone. Bring a taste of Italy to your celebration with these quick and easy Easter treats that are sure to become a cherished tradition. Do let us know in the comments which cookie stood out for you. Keep baking!

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