Italian Easter Cookies

As the vibrant colors of spring blossom, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a batch of traditional Italian Easter Cookies. These delightful cookies, with their bright lemon flavor and cheerful pastel sprinkles, are perfect for bringing joy to any gathering. Follow this simple recipe to create these festive treats that are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

For the Cookies:

• 3 cups flour, spooned and leveled
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons milk

For Decoration:

• 2 tablespoons pastel nonpareil sprinkles

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prep:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Line 3 cookie sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the lemon zest and sugar. Rub them together with your fingers until the mixture is fragrant.
   • Add the softened butter and cream together with an electric hand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
   • Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, continuing to mix until the dough becomes thick and sticky.
5. Form Cookies:
   • Use a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop to form the dough into smooth balls.
   • Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared cookie sheets.
6. Bake:
   • Bake the cookies, one sheet at a time, for 15 minutes or until the bottoms start to turn golden brown.
   • Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Icing:
   • In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk. Mix until the icing is smooth.
8. Decorate:
   • Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the icing, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Place the cookies on parchment paper or a cooling rack and sprinkle with pastel nonpareil sprinkles.
   • Allow the icing to set for about 10 minutes before serving.

Additional Tips:

• Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can add a bit more lemon zest or a splash of lemon extract.
• For a colorful twist, try using different colored sprinkles to match various occasions or themes.

Enjoy!

These Italian Easter Cookies are not only visually appealing but also delightfully delicious with their lemony zing and sweet icing. They make for a wonderful addition to any springtime celebration or Easter gathering. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful cookies with your loved ones!

Recipe Details:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies

Happy baking!