Description
Delight in these classic Italian Easter Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery dough flavored with vanilla and almond extracts. These soft, subtly sweet cookies are topped with a colorful, creamy frosting and festive sprinkles, perfect for celebrating the holiday season or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened (one and a half sticks)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Frosting
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet pan with parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat together the sugar, softened butter, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. Incorporate the vanilla and almond extracts along with the baking powder. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and mix until a cohesive dough forms.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to portion out one-inch balls of dough. Roll each portion into smooth balls with your hands and place them on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The cookies won’t change much in color. After baking, transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Frosting: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Gradually sift and add the powdered sugar while whisking until the frosting is smooth and lump-free. If desired, divide the frosting into smaller bowls and mix in food coloring for a festive touch.
- Frost the Cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, flip each cookie over and dip the top side into the frosting. Return the frosted cookies to the cooling rack and decorate with sprinkles if you like. Let the frosting set and dry completely before serving or stacking.
Notes
- The cookies may appear pale after baking; this is normal due to their soft texture.
- Ensure cookies are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- Customize frosting colors with food coloring to match your celebration theme.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container once the frosting is dry to maintain freshness.
Keywords: Italian Easter cookies, Easter desserts, almond cookies, frosted cookies, holiday baking, festive cookies