Hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! If you’re searching for a delicious way to celebrate the Easter holiday, you’ve found the right recipe. Italian Easter Cookies, also known as Taralli dolci, are soft, sweet treats that are perfect for inviting a sprinkle of joy into your festivities. Whether you’re hosting family gatherings or simply treating yourself, these cookies are a delightful way to embrace the season. With their colorful icing and festive sprinkles, these cookies not only taste incredible but also bring a burst of life to your dessert table. Let’s transform your kitchen into a joyful haven of sweetness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You might be wondering, what makes Italian Easter Cookies so special? Besides their eye-catching appearance, these cookies are infused with classic flavors that evoke warmth and nostalgia. The combination of buttery dough, hint of almond, and sweet icing creates a symphony of flavors in every bite. They’re light, fluffy, and as beautiful as a spring garden, making them a delightful addition to your Easter celebrations or any festive occasion.
These cookies are also incredibly versatile, you can customize the icing colors and toppings to match your theme or personal preference. Plus, creating these cookies can be a fun activity for the whole family, bringing your loved ones together in the kitchen as they decorate and enjoy the results of their hard work.
Step-by-Step: Making Italian Holiday Cookies
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into how to make these delectable cookies!
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2-4 tablespoons whole milk (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup (for icing)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (for icing)
- Gel food coloring (purple, pink, blue, yellow)
- Rainbow sprinkles
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the butter and sugar. In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is creamy and light.
- Incorporate the eggs. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla and almond extracts, followed by the milk.
- Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Create the dough. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating between flour and milk, until everything is combined into a smooth dough.
- Shape the cookies. Using about 1.5 tablespoons of dough, roll it into small logs, about 6-7 inches long, and shape them into knots or donuts.
- Bake. Place the formed dough on the prepared baking sheets and bake for about 9 minutes, or until the bottoms are just golden. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make the icing. In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, additional milk, corn syrup, and almond extract. Divide the icing into smaller bowls and color them with gel food coloring as desired.
- Decorate. Dip the cooled cookies into the icing, allowing any excess to drip off, and finish with a sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles before the icing sets.
Best Ways to Serve Italian Holiday Cookies
Serving these gorgeous Italian Easter Cookies is all about presentation! Arrange them on a beautiful platter adorned with fresh flowers to enhance their appeal. You can also place them in decorative boxes or bags for gifting or sharing with friends and family. Another fun idea is to create a colorful dessert table showcasing the cookies alongside other treats, like chocolate eggs and fruit tarts. This will make for an impressive centerpiece at your Easter gathering!
Storage Tips for Italian Holiday Cookies
To keep your Italian Easter Cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long! If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them. Place them in a single layer in a zip-top freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper, and they’ll stay good for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to indulge again!
Expert Tips for Perfect Italian Holiday Cookies
- Room temperature ingredients are key: Ensuring your butter and eggs are at room temperature helps achieve a creamy texture and better incorporation, which leads to fluffy cookies.
- Don’t skip the cooling time! Allow the cookies to cool completely before icing them; this prevents the icing from melting and running off.
- Customize your flavors: Feel free to experiment with flavored extracts or different types of sprinkles to personalize your cookies to your taste.
Delicious Variations of Italian Holiday Cookies
These cookies are like a blank canvas for your creativity! Why not try:
- Different icings: Instead of traditional almond flavoring, use coconut or lemon extracts for a fresh twist.
- Add-ins: Consider mixing in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts into the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
- Decorative themes: Use seasonal colors for the icing to make the cookies suitable for other holidays or occasions.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. This allows you to bake them fresh when you’re ready.
2. What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, try adding a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a manageable consistency.
3. How can I prevent my icing from becoming too thick?
If your icing turns out too thick, just add a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency for dipping.
With these delightful Italian Easter Cookies in mind (and belly), it’s time to preheat that oven! Bake some beautiful memories and enjoy the flavors of spring. Happy baking, friend!
Print
Italian Easter Cookies
- Total Time: 39 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the Easter holiday with these soft, sweet Italian Easter Cookies, infused with classic flavors and customizable icing.
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for icing)
- 2–4 tablespoons whole milk (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup (for icing)
- 1 teaspoon almond extract (for icing)
- Gel food coloring (purple, pink, blue, yellow)
- Rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix the butter and sugar together until creamy and light.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add the vanilla and almond extracts, followed by the milk.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Create the dough by gradually adding the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating between flour and milk, until smooth.
- Shape the cookies into small logs and form knots or donuts.
- Bake for about 9 minutes, or until the bottoms are just golden. Allow to cool completely.
- Make the icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and almond extract. Divide and color as desired.
- Decorate the cooled cookies with icing and rainbow sprinkles before the icing sets.
Notes
Allow the cookies to cool completely before icing. Customize icing colors and toppings to your preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg