Description
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) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
• Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
• Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each with the bottom of a glass.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
• Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
• Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
• In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the icing.
• Place the cookies back on the wire rack and immediately add sprinkles.
• Allow the icing to set completely before serving.
Notes
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.
