Can I make these cookies without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can use a handheld electric mixer or even mix by hand with a wooden spoon. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugar thoroughly for that light, fluffy texture.

Why did my cookies spread too much during baking?

This usually happens when the dough is too warm. Make sure to chill the dough properly, and if your kitchen is particularly warm, work with small batches of dough at a time, keeping the rest refrigerated until needed.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh is best, especially for the zest which contains essential oils that give a more pronounced flavor. However, bottled lemon juice will work in the glaze if that's all you have available.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

These cookies should maintain their shape and be just lightly golden around the edges. They may seem slightly soft in the center but will firm up as they cool. Overbaking will make them dry, so it's better to slightly underbake than overbake.

Italian Easter Cookies Recipe

Name: Italian Easter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 cup Butter, softened; 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar; 3 Large Eggs; 2 tsp Vanilla Extract; Zest of 1 Lemon; 1/4 cup Milk; 1/4 tsp Salt; For the Glaze:; 2 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted; 2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice; 1 Tbsp Milk; Multi-Color Pastel Sprinkles

Description

These delightful Italian Easter Cookies are soft, tender, and perfect for celebrating festive occasions. Infused with a hint of lemon and draped in a sweet glaze, they are a crowd-pleaser. The colorful pastel sprinkles add a cheerful touch, making these cookies not only delicious but also visually appealing. A must-try treat for your holiday table!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cookies:

2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
1/2 cup Butter, softened
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
3 Large Eggs
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
Zest of 1 Lemon

1 Tbsp Baking Powder

1/4 cup Milk
1/4 tsp Salt
For the Glaze:
2 cups Powdered Sugar, sifted
2 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Tbsp Milk
Multi-Color Pastel Sprinkles

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Instructions

Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a stand mixer or a hand-held mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until they are creamed and smooth. This ensures the cookies have a tender and rich texture.
Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the creamed butter mixture. Beat until combined, light, and fluffy. Then, add the milk and mix until fully incorporated.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, ensuring everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft and light.
Chill the Dough
Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or leave it overnight. Chilling helps the dough firm up and develop its flavors.
Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Take small pieces of dough and roll them into thin ropes, about 5–6 inches long. Form the ropes into knots and place them on the baking sheet.
Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden brown. Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze
In a bowl, combine powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and milk. Stir until you achieve a smooth, pourable glaze.
Glaze and Decorate
Once the cookies are fully cooled, cover them with the glaze and sprinkle the pastel-colored sprinkles on top. Let the glaze set before serving.
Serve and Enjoy
Delight in these soft, festive cookies that are perfect for Easter celebrations or any special occasion

Notes

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Place a piece of bread in the container to help keep them moist.
To make the cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked dough or baked (unglazed) cookies. Just glaze and decorate them when you’re ready to serve.
For a pop of color, use sprinkles that match your holiday or theme.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 118
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 55
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25