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Italian Easter Cookies

These soft and sweet cookies, resembling little knots or rings, are easy to make and perfect for Easter celebrations. Covered with a simple glaze and colorful sprinkles, they are a festive treat enjoyed by families and kids alike.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

For the cookies
  • 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
For the icing
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-4 tablespoons whole milk (for icing)
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract (for icing)
  • gel food coloring (purple, pink, blue, yellow)
  • rainbow sprinkles

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat together butter and sugar until creamed.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating to combine between each.
  4. Beat in vanilla and almond extracts.
  5. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  6. Add half of the milk and half of the flour mixture to the butter/sugar mixture.
  7. Mix until combined, scraping the bowl as needed.
Shaping and Baking
  1. Use a 1 1/2 tablespoon cookie scoop to form scoops of dough, roll into 6-7 inch logs.
  2. Twist into knots or form donut shapes.
  3. Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake for about 9 minutes until bottoms are slightly golden brown.
  5. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack.
Icing
  1. Whisk together icing ingredients until smooth.
  2. Dip cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, and sprinkle with nonpareils.
  3. Let glaze set until dry.

Notes

These cookies are perfect for any holiday or occasion, and the dough is easy for kids to work with. Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness.