Italian Easter Cookies are a delightful treat that adds a touch of sweetness to your holiday celebrations. With their tender texture and vibrant flavors, these cookies are sure to become a favorite among family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of how to make them.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- 3 cups of flour (spooned and leveled)
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of lemon zest
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
For the Icing:
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of milk
For Decoration:
- 2 tablespoons of pastel nonpareil sprinkles
Directions:
- Preparation: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining three cookie sheets with parchment paper. This ensures that the cookies won’t stick and makes for easy cleanup later on.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lemon zest and granulated sugar, rubbing them together with your fingers to release their fragrant oils. Then, add the softened butter and cream everything together using an electric hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until everything is well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a thick and sticky dough forms.
- Shape the Dough: Use a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop to portion out the dough, then roll it into smooth balls. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake the cookies, one sheet at a time, for approximately 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until you have a smooth icing consistency.
- Decorate the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cooled, dip the tops into the icing, allowing any excess to drip off. Place them on parchment paper or a wire rack and sprinkle with pastel sprinkles for a festive touch.
- Allow the Icing to Set: Let the cookies sit for about 10 minutes to allow the icing to set before serving.
These Italian Easter Cookies are not only delicious but also a joy to make. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or simply craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to delight your taste buds and bring a smile to your face. Enjoy!
