Why did my cookies turn out tough instead of soft?

Tough cookies usually result from overworking the dough or adding too much flour during shaping. Mix just until ingredients are combined and use minimal flour for rolling.

Can I make these cookies without almond extract?

Absolutely! While almond extract gives these cookies their traditional flavor, you can substitute vanilla extract or try anise extract for a different but equally delicious Italian flavor.

Why isn't my icing setting properly?

If your icing remains too runny, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. If it's too thick, add a few drops of milk. The perfect consistency should coat the cookie but still allow excess to drip off.

Can I make these cookies ahead for Easter?

Yes! These cookies actually benefit from a day of rest as the flavors meld. You can make them 2-3 days ahead and store in an airtight container, or freeze uniced cookies up to a month ahead.

Italian Easter Cookies Recipe

Name: Italian Easter Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 54 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; 2-4 tablespoons whole milk; 2 tablespoons light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon almond extract; Gel food coloring (purple, pink, blue, yellow); Rainbow sprinkles

This Soft & Buttery Italian Easter Cookie recipe brings the authentic taste of Italian celebrations right to your kitchen. These pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth treats feature a delicate almond flavor topped with vibrant pastel icing and festive sprinkles. Perfect for Easter gatherings or anytime you need a special sweet treat, these cookies are surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to disappear quickly from your cookie jar!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Tender Texture: These cookies are amazingly soft and pillowy—they practically melt in your mouth with each bite!
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, making them an easy treat to whip up when the mood strikes.
Customizable Shapes: Whether you prefer traditional knots, rings, or simple rounds with indentations, you can shape these cookies however you like.
Festive Appearance: The pastel icing and rainbow sprinkles make these cookies instantly celebratory and perfect for spring gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These cookies stay fresh for days and can even be frozen, making them perfect for holiday prep.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Butter: Creates a rich, tender base for the cookies. Make sure it’s at room temperature for proper creaming with the sugar.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create that perfect soft texture.
Eggs: Act as a binder and contribute to the cookies’ structure and softness.
Vanilla and Almond Extracts: The almond extract is the secret weapon here—it gives these cookies their distinctive, irresistible flavor.
Milk: Adds moisture and creates that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Flour: The foundation of our cookies. Handle it gently to avoid tough cookies.
Baking Powder: Gives our cookies their perfect puff and rise.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: Forms the base of our glossy, sweet icing.
Corn Syrup: Adds shine and ensures the icing sets with a beautiful finish.
Food Coloring: Creates those classic pastel Easter colors. Just a tiny drop is all you need!
Rainbow Sprinkles: Because what’s a celebration cookie without sprinkles?

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make these cookies your own? Try these delicious twists:

Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, bright flavor.
Anise Alternative: Replace the almond extract with anise extract for a more traditional Italian flavor profile.
Chocolate Lovers: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate instead of icing.
Nutty Addition: Add finely chopped pistachios or almonds to the dough or sprinkle them on top of the icing.
Holiday Spin: Change up the sprinkles and colors for different holidays throughout the year.

How to Make Italian Easter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Cream together the room temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well between additions. Mix in the vanilla and almond extracts until combined—don’t worry if the mixture looks slightly separated at this point.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add half the milk to your butter mixture, followed by half the flour mixture. Then add the remaining milk and finish with the rest of the flour. Mix just until combined—overworking the dough will make your cookies tough!

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop out dough using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop. On a lightly floured surface, roll each scoop into a 6-7 inch log. Create knots with half the dough and form rings with the other half by connecting the ends. Alternatively, roll into balls and press your finger into the center for a simpler approach.

Step 4: Bake

Place your shaped cookies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 9 minutes, just until the bottoms turn slightly golden. Transfer to a cooling rack immediately.

Step 5: Prepare and Apply Icing

While the cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, corn syrup, and almond extract until smooth. Divide into four bowls and tint with different pastel colors. Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the icing, allowing excess to drip off, then place on parchment paper and quickly add sprinkles before the icing sets.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are truly at room temperature for the best texture.
Light Hand with Flour: When shaping the cookies, use as little extra flour as possible to keep them tender.
Gentle Shaping: Don’t compress the dough too much when forming shapes—a loose knot works better than a tight one.
Timing Is Everything: Watch the cookies carefully and remove them when just barely golden on the bottom. They’ll continue cooking slightly on the hot baking sheet.
Icing Application: Hold the dipped cookie above the bowl for a few seconds to allow excess icing to drip off before placing on parchment.
Sprinkle Quickly: Add sprinkles immediately after dipping each cookie, as the icing will begin to set quickly.

How to Serve

These Italian Easter cookies are versatile and perfect for many occasions:

Holiday Dessert Table

Arrange them on a tiered platter with other Easter treats like chocolate eggs and fruit for a beautiful display.

Coffee Companion

Serve alongside espresso or cappuccino for an authentic Italian pairing—the cookies are perfect for dunking!

Gift Giving

Package a dozen in a pretty box with tissue paper for a homemade gift that’s sure to impress.

Everyday Treat

Keep them in a cookie jar for a special after-school snack or sweet pick-me-up with afternoon tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper to protect the icing.

Freezing

Freeze uniced cookies for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature, then ice before serving for the freshest taste.

Make-Ahead Options

Prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Icing Storage

If you have leftover icing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature and whisk before using.

FAQs

Why did my cookies turn out tough instead of soft?

Tough cookies usually result from overworking the dough or adding too much flour during shaping. Mix just until ingredients are combined and use minimal flour for rolling.
Can I make these cookies without almond extract?

Absolutely! While almond extract gives these cookies their traditional flavor, you can substitute vanilla extract or try anise extract for a different but equally delicious Italian flavor.
Why isn’t my icing setting properly?

If your icing remains too runny, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thick, add a few drops of milk. The perfect consistency should coat the cookie but still allow excess to drip off.
Can I make these cookies ahead for Easter?

Yes! These cookies actually benefit from a day of rest as the flavors meld. You can make them 2-3 days ahead and store in an airtight container, or freeze uniced cookies up to a month ahead.

Final Thoughts

These Italian Easter Cookies are more than just a treat—they’re a tradition you can create right in your own kitchen. The combination of that soft, buttery texture with the sweet almond flavor and colorful icing creates something truly special that both kids and adults will love. Whether you’re celebrating Easter or simply craving a taste of Italian baking, these cookies deliver big on flavor and charm with minimal effort. Give them a try and watch how quickly they become a requested favorite in your home!