Buttery Italian Easter Cookies

Buttery Italian Easter Cookies are a traditional delight, perfect for celebrating the holiday season. These soft, cake-like cookies have a rich, buttery flavor with a hint of vanilla and are topped with a sweet glaze and festive sprinkles. Whether enjoyed with coffee or as a holiday dessert, they are a must-have for Easter gatherings.

Ingredients

• For the Cookies:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup milk
• For the Icing:
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and slightly flatten them with the bottom of a glass. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges turn light golden. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. For the icing, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the top of each cookie into the icing, then return to the rack and immediately add sprinkles. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: 150 kcal per cookie
• Servings: About 36 cookies

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a delightful treat.
• Pair them with fresh fruit or a light dessert platter for a well-balanced holiday spread.
• Enjoy them slightly warm for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• For a festive presentation, arrange them on a platter and decorate with pastel-colored sprinkles to match Easter themes.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain their freshness.
• Refrigeration: If you prefer a firmer texture, store them in the fridge for up to 7 days.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Icing Consideration: If freezing, it’s best to add the icing after thawing to maintain its texture and appearance.

Following these tips ensures your Buttery Italian Easter Cookies stay fresh and delicious for any occasion!

Variations

1. Lemon-Flavored Italian Easter Cookies
Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 1/2 teaspoon of lemon extract to the dough for a bright citrusy twist. Replace vanilla in the icing with lemon juice for extra tang.

2. Almond Italian Easter Cookies
Swap vanilla extract for almond extract in both the dough and icing for a rich, nutty flavor. Garnish with sliced almonds instead of sprinkles.

3. Chocolate Chip Italian Easter Cookies
Fold 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the dough before shaping the cookies. This adds a delightful chocolatey touch without overpowering the classic flavors.

4. Anise-Flavored Cookies
For a traditional Italian twist, replace vanilla extract with 1 teaspoon of anise extract. This gives the cookies a distinct, slightly licorice-like flavor.

5. Cinnamon-Spiced Cookies
Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced variation. You can also mix a pinch of cinnamon into the icing for extra depth.

6. Cocoa Easter Cookies
Replace 1/4 cup of flour with 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to create a light chocolate variation. This pairs well with a white chocolate drizzle instead of icing.

7. Glazed Sprinkle Cookies
Instead of dipping the cookies in icing, drizzle the glaze over them for a more delicate look. Top with color-coordinated sprinkles for different holidays.

8. Nutty Easter Cookies
Mix 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pistachios into the dough for added crunch and a rich, nutty flavor. Garnish with chopped nuts instead of sprinkles.

9. Coconut Italian Easter Cookies
Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dough and replace vanilla extract with coconut extract. This gives the cookies a tropical twist.

10. Raspberry Glaze Cookies
For a fruity glaze, replace the milk in the icing with raspberry or strawberry juice. This adds a soft pink color and a subtle berry flavor.

Each variation offers a unique spin on these classic Buttery Italian Easter Cookies, making them perfect for any occasion!

FAQs

1. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling and baking.

2. Why are my cookies dry?
Overbaking or adding too much flour can cause dryness. Make sure to measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off, and bake just until the edges turn golden.

3. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt to 1/4 teaspoon to balance the flavor.

4. What can I use instead of vanilla extract?
You can substitute vanilla with almond extract, anise extract, or lemon extract for a different flavor twist.

5. How do I make the icing thicker or thinner?
For thicker icing, add more powdered sugar. For thinner icing, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

6. Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes! Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing unglazed cookies, add the icing after thawing for best results.

7. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
They stay fresh at room temperature for 5 days in an airtight container or up to 7 days in the fridge.

8. Can I make these cookies without a mixer?
Yes, but creaming the butter and sugar by hand will take longer. Use a sturdy whisk or spatula and mix thoroughly for a smooth dough.

9. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the best texture.

10. What other toppings can I use instead of sprinkles?
Try using chopped nuts, shredded coconut, chocolate drizzle, or colored sugar to customize the look and flavor.

These FAQs will help you make the best Buttery Italian Easter Cookies every time!

Buttery Italian Easter Cookies are a simple yet elegant addition to any holiday dessert table. Their soft texture, rich flavor, and festive appearance make them perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether made for Easter or any special occasion, these cookies are sure to become a cherished tradition.

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