Italian Easter Cookies

Name: Italian Easter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 eggs; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze); Colorful sprinkles (for decoration)

Posted on February 27, 2026

Sweet Treats

The delightful aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through the air, embracing your senses and conjuring memories of vibrant family gatherings. Imagine a warm kitchen alive with laughter, the sunlight streaming through the window, casting a golden glow on pastel-colored treats. Italian Easter Cookies, or “Biscotti di Pasqua,” embody the spirit of joy and celebration, each bite bursting with the sweetness of tradition. With their tender, cake-like texture, aromatic hints of vanilla and almond, and a delightful drizzle of frosting finished with playful sprinkles, these cookies create a festive and heartwarming experience.

As you gather around the table with loved ones, the anticipation builds—your eyes alight with excitement as you reach for one of these charming cookies. Biting into the soft, buttery dough, you experience a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on your palate. The slight crunch of the icing contrasted with the tender cookie creates a mouthwatering sensation—it’s pure bliss. These cookies encompass the essence of spring, making them a perfect addition to any Easter celebration or simply to share with family and friends during the season of renewal.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Easter Cookies

Italian Easter Cookies tie together tradition, flavor, and whimsy in each delightful bite. They stand out not only for their sweet, comforting taste but also for their striking appearance—like little gems adorning your dessert table. These cookies bring a touch of nostalgia, reminiscent of festive gatherings with loved ones, making them an excellent choice for any spring celebration.

The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch, a spring picnic, or just looking to add a sweet touch to your afternoon tea, these delights fit seamlessly into any occasion. Their tender texture and the indulgent sweetness of the glaze strike a perfect balance, making them irresistible not just for kids, but for adults too. The joyful colors of the sprinkles add a festive flair, inviting everyone to indulge in this sweet tradition.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Setting the stage for your baking adventure requires just a few essential tools that will enhance your cookie-making experience:

Mixing Bowls: Having a set of both large and small mixing bowls allows you to efficiently prepare your ingredients without the risk of spilling.

Electric Mixer or Whisk: An electric mixer works wonders for achieving that light, fluffy consistency when creaming together butter and sugar. If you prefer a workout, a whisk can do the job too!
Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheets with parchment paper ensures easy removal of cookies once they’re baked, preventing any sticky situations.
Cookie Scoop: This handy tool helps shape your cookies into uniform sizes, ensuring even baking and presentation.

Cooling Rack: Allowing your cookies to cool properly on a cooling rack prevents them from becoming soggy while giving you time to prepare the glaze.

Before you begin, take a moment to gather all your ingredients and tools. A well-prepared kitchen makes the baking process more enjoyable and your cookies more successful.

Ingredients for Italian Easter Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, it provides structure and tenderness. You can substitute it with gluten-free flour if needed.
1 cup sugar: Sweetness comes from this staple ingredient, creating a delightful balance with the flavors of extracts. You may opt for coconut sugar for a richer, caramel note.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter gives these cookies their rich flavor and soft texture. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.

2 eggs: These act as a binder, adding moisture and richness. If you prefer vegan options, flax eggs can work in a pinch.
1 tablespoon baking powder: This leavening agent creates a light and fluffy texture, essential for a generous rise.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This classic flavor enhances the sweetness and balances the almond notes.

1/2 teaspoon almond extract: A subtle yet distinctive flavor that adds depth to your cookies; you can adjust the amount based on personal preference.
1/4 teaspoon salt: This enhances the flavors, ensuring they pop without being overwhelmingly sweet.

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar: The base of your glaze, it creates that sweet, glossy finish that everyone loves.

2 tablespoons milk: This liquid gives the glaze the right consistency. Use almond milk for a dairy-free version.
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla in the glaze ties the flavors together beautifully.
Colorful sprinkles: Essential for decoration, they create a fun and festive look perfect for any celebration.

How to Make Italian Easter Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your oven ahead of time ensures even baking.
Cream together the softened butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes. If using an electric mixer, start on low to avoid sugar clouds.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Follow with the vanilla and almond extracts, stirring gently to combine.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined—don’t over-mix or your cookies may become tough.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving about two inches between each piece for spreading during baking.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies may feel soft; they’ll firm up as they cool. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

For the glaze, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and generously sprinkle with colorful sprinkles. Let the glaze set before serving to achieve the perfect presentation.

Chef’s Notes & Helpful Tips

Make-ahead tips: You can prepare the dough a day in advance and chill it in the refrigerator. This not only enhances the flavors but also allows for easier scooping.
Cooking alternatives: If you’re short on oven space, consider using an air fryer set at 325°F (160°C). Bake for about 8-10 minutes, checking for doneness.

Customization ideas: Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for added texture and flavor diversity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using cold butter: Always ensure your butter is properly softened. Cold butter will not cream well, affecting the texture of your cookies.
Over-mixing the dough: Mix until just combined. Over-mixing can lead to dense cookies instead of the tender bites you’re aiming for.

Skipping the cooling phase: Allowing cookies to cool properly prevents them from sticking to the parchment paper and helps them maintain their shape.

What to Serve With Italian Easter Cookies

Coffee or Espresso: The bitter notes of coffee complement the sweetness of the cookies beautifully, offering a delightful contrast.
Milk: Classic and nostalgic, a glass of cold milk brings out the flavors while making every bite more enjoyable.

Herbal Tea: Chamomile or peppermint tea adds a soothing element to your cookie experience, perfect for winding down.
Fruit Salad: Fresh, colorful fruits provide a refreshing palate cleanser, perfect after indulging in these sweet treats.
Cheese Board: Include a variety of cheeses for a savory balance to the sweetness of the cookies—sharp cheddar pairs exquisitely.

Ice Cream Sunday: Crumble a couple of cookies over vanilla ice cream for an exciting dessert twist that will impress your guests.
Sparkling Juice: A fruity, bubbly drink adds celebratory cheer, making your gathering feel festive.
Charcuterie Board: Charcuterie boards filled with flavorful cured meats and cheeses offer a delightful contrast to the cookies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store your Italian Easter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last longer, consider freezing them. Layer sheets of parchment paper between the cookies in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven to restore that fresh-baked feel.

Estimated Nutrition Information

Calories: ~115 per cookie
Total Fat: 4.5g
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 1.5g

Please note that these values are approximations and may vary based on ingredient brands and modifications.

FAQs

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains a binding agent or add a tablespoon of tapioca or corn starch for better texture.

2. How can I flavor these cookies differently?
You can experiment with different extracts such as lemon or orange. Adjust the amount to your taste, but keep the overall liquid ingredients in mind.

3. What’s the best way to store the glaze?
Store any leftover glaze in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can last for about a week; simply re-whisk before using.

4. Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Yes! Form the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

5. What can I do with leftover cookies?
Biscotti di Pasqua make fantastic gifts! Package them in colorful boxes or bags for friends and family or crumbled over yogurt or oatmeal for a delightful breakfast topping.

Conclusion

Biting into Italian Easter Cookies transports you to a place of warmth, joy, and festive celebration. These enchanting cookies bring not just flavor, but also the spirit of togetherness during the Easter season and beyond. As you embrace the sweetness of spring, why not try your hand at baking these tender delights? Share them with loved ones, bask in the compliments, and savor the return to timeless traditions. Happy baking, and enjoy the beautiful journey of creating something delicious!

Italian Easter Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Italian Easter Cookies

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Ingredients for Italian Easter Cookies

How to Make Italian Easter Cookies

Chef’s Notes & Helpful Tips

Common Mistakes to Avoid

What to Serve With Italian Easter Cookies

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Estimated Nutrition Information

FAQs

Conclusion