Italian Easter Cookies Recipe

These Italian Easter Cookies, also known as Taralli Dolci, are a delightful and festive treat that’s perfect for celebrating the spring season. With a delicate lemon flavor, a slightly sweet and crisp texture, and a beautiful glazed finish, these cookies are easy to make and sure to please everyone.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bake a batch of these delicious cookies:

For the Cookies:

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture.
• Cornstarch: Creates a tender and crumbly texture.
• Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light and airy.
• Salt and baking soda: Enhances the overall flavor and texture.
• Unsalted butter: Softened, adds richness and flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
• Vanilla extract and lemon extract: Adds a warm and citrusy flavor.
• Lemon zest: Freshly grated, adds a bright and fragrant citrus flavor.

For the Glaze:

• Confectioners’ sugar: Creates a sweet and smooth glaze.
• Lemon juice: Adds a tangy flavor and thins the glaze to the right consistency.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Sprinkles, lemon zest, or turbinado sugar: Optional, for decoration.

How to Make Italian Easter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Set aside. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to chill and firm up.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball into a 4-5 inch rope. Shape each rope into a lowercase “b” shape, then bring the long end of the rope through the hole to form a knot. Gently pat the dough to ensure the knots stay tied during baking.

Step 3: Bake

Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While the cookies are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and pourable.

Step 5: Glaze and Decorate

Remove the baked cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cookies. While the glaze is still wet, decorate the cookies with sprinkles, lemon zest, or turbinado sugar, if desired. Let the glaze set completely before serving.

How to Serve Italian Easter Cookies

• Easter Treats: These Italian Easter Cookies are perfect for Easter baskets, egg hunts, or as a festive treat for spring gatherings.
• Party Favors: Package them up in individual bags or boxes for a sweet party favor.
• Afternoon Snack: Enjoy them as a delicate and flavorful snack with a cup of tea or coffee.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough. Simply shape the dough into balls or ropes, freeze them solid on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag or an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

While all-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of flour, such as pastry flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I add other ingredients to the dough?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts, seeds, or other flavorings to the dough.

Can I make these cookies without the glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a beautiful touch and a tangy sweetness that complements the lemon flavor.

How can I make these cookies vegan?

You can try using vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) as an egg substitute, but the texture and results may vary.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Italian Easter Cookies that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy!

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