Italian Easter Cookies (Authentic Buttery Soft Recipe)

Italian Easter Cookies are one tradition you don’t want to miss! These soft batch frosted cookies are super easy to make and perfect for holidays or any occasion.

If you love soft batch frosted cookies, then you are going to love these delicious Italian Easter Cookies! So much better than those store bought versions, these are sure to be your new favorite treat.

Once you make these cookies, they are guaranteed to be on your baking list forever. Super easy to make and a crowd pleaser, they are perfect for Easter or anytime you are craving a soft batch frosted cookie.

If you love fun and easy Easter treats, then check out these Rice Krispies Easter Treats, Italian Easter Cake, Italian Rice Pie, or the classic Torrone candy. For a fun warm weather dessert, be sure to try my easy Strawberry Tiramisu recipe!

You’ll Love Italian Easter Cookies!

Italian Easter Cookies are a traditional cookie that is so easy to make. Plus, they are beautiful to look at and great for the season!

These cookies are soft and they melt in your mouth. Everyone just loves the colors and sprinkles on these festive cookies.

Make these once and I guarantee they’ll become a new holiday tradition. Plus, you can change up the dye color and make them for any occasion.

These are a fun cookie to have around for guests and kids love them too. You can flavor them up with almond or anise if you’d like, but my kiddos prefer I stick with vanilla.

This classic Italian cookie is one recipe you don’t want to miss for Easter. Give it a try, you’re going to love it!

Ingredients

This recipe for Italian Easter Cookies comes together quickly and only requires a few ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:

• Butter
• Eggs
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional)
• Baking powder
• All purpose flour

For the frosting you will need:

• Melted butter
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract (optional)
• Powdered Sugar

How to Make Italian Easter Cookies

These simple cookies are quick and easy to put together. To start, you will need to line a cooking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick baking mats; set aside.

Step 1: make the batter

Firstly, using a handheld mixer or stand up mixer, beat together the butter, sugar, and eggs until well combined; about two minutes. Then add in the vanilla and almond extracts, along with the baking powder.

Lastly, use your mixer on low to slowly add in the flour. The dough will be thick and soft.

Step 2: roll the dough

Then, use a cookie scoop to scoop the batter into one inch balls. Roll the dough into your palms and place on lined cookie sheet about two inches apart. No need to flatten the dough before baking.

Step 3: bake

Bake in a preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Be careful not to over bake the cookies.

Step 4: cool before frosting

Note that the final cookie will not change in color much. Let the cookies cool on the sheet pan for a couple of minutes before placing on a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting.

Frosting Italian Easter Cookies

While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting. Be sure not to frost the cookies until they are completely cooled.

Step 1: prepare the frosting

To make the frosting, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and extracts in a large bowl. Then, whisk in the powdered sugar until the mixture is combined and there are no lumps.

Step 2: divide the frosting into bowls

Divide the frosting into separate bowls depending on how many colors you are using.

Step 3: stir in food coloring

Add a couple drops of food coloring into each bowl and stir. Be sure to only add a little food coloring at a time. You can always add more if necessary.

Once the frosting is made and the cookies are cooled, you are all set to start decorating the cookies.

Step 4: frost the cookies

Frosting the Italian Easter Cookies couldn’t be simpler and no special tools are necessary. Firstly, make sure are ready for assembly by having the cookies, a wire cooling rack, the frosting, and sprinkles ready to go.

To frost the cookies, simply flip them over and dunk the top of the cookie in the frosting. Let some of the frosting drip off, then turn the cookie on to the cooling rack. Lastly, top with sprinkles and that’s it!

Repeat until all of the cookies have been dunked in frosting and sprinkled.

Expert Tips

• Use room temperature butter so that the batter is smooth.
• I like to use a combination of almond and vanilla extract here. You can always omit the almond extract if you don’t like the flavor.
• The cookies will not change color much when baked. Be careful not to over bake the cookies.
• Only apply frosting to cooled cookies.
• To store these cookies, make sure the frosting has had a chance to set completely. It can take an hour or so for the frosting to set. Then, you can place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator until ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Recipes You Need to Try!

If you are looking for more delicious Italian Easter ideas, be sure to check out these delicious recipes:

Aspragus Ricotta Frittata

Italian Deviled Eggs

Italian Pignoli Cookies

Lemon Ricotta Pound Cake

Italian Pistachio Cookies

Ricotta Pie