Taralli Dolci are delicious ring-shaped Italian cookies that are commonly served at Easter. These sweet and crunchy cookies are topped with a simple frosting and sprinkles, and are so easy to make!

Taralli Dolci piled on each other on a white countertop.

These traditional Italian Easter Cookies are a fun and festive treat to make for any occasion! You’re going to love how simple and delicious they are, plus you can make them days in advance.

Looking for another Easter treat? Don’t miss my fan-favorite Italian Easter Cookies, Torrone, authentic Pane di Pasqua, or these simple and fun Rice Krispies Easter Treats!

Why This Recipe Works

Taralli Dolci are a staple in any Italian grandmother’s kitchen. And for good reason! They are simple to make, satisfy your cravings without being overly sweet, and they stay fresh for days.

You may have heard of traditional taralli, a ring-shaped snack similar in texture to a cracker or breadstick. Taralli Dolci is similar in appearance but is sweet and glazed for a different sort of treat.

This recipe uses three eggs, which are beaten until frothy with sugar. This helps to keep the dough fluffy and soft. Plus, there is no need to chill the dough and the cookies can be rolled and baked immediately.

The simple glaze gives the cookies an extra special touch along with the sprinkles. You can even dye the icing to make them look more festive.

taralli dolci cookie being held up cut in half.

Taralli Dolci are the perfect little cookies for dunking in coffee too! They stay fresh for days. I usually just leave mine in a ziplock bag on the counter. But you can refrigerate them for an even longer shelf life.

Recipe Ingredients

overhead photo of ingredients for taralli include flour, butter, baking powder, milk, vanilla, sugar, and salt.

This is an easy recipe using ingredients you probably already have on hand like flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. The frosting is a simple topping of just powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

  • Vanilla: I like to use vanilla to flavor these cookies, but you can change up the flavor entirely by using a ½ teaspoon of almond extract. Or you can make them using lemon juice and lemon zest (see below).
  • Sprinkles: the sprinkles here are optional, but add a nice touch to the finished recipe. Feel free to add whatever festive sprinkles you have on hand.
  • Lemon: lemon is not a listed ingredient, however it is a flavor that is commonly using in Taralli Dolci recipes. If you love a lemony flavor in your cookies, simply add a teaspoon of lemon juice and ½ a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. Add lemon juice and zest in place of the vanilla in the icing.

Read on to see how easy it is to make delicious and festive Taralli Dolci for your next Easter celebration.

How To Make Taralli Dolci

Make taralli dolci once and you’ll see how simple and easy this recipe really is. The dough comes together quickly and doesn’t need time to rise or chill. Plus, it’s a great recipe to make with the kids!

process shots showing the beaten eggs and the dough for the cookies.

To start, use a handheld mixer (or stand up mixer) to beat the eggs until they are frothy. Add in the sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, adding in the melted butter and vanilla (step 1). Next, mix in the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix until combined (step 2).

Pour the cookie dough on a lightly floured surface (step 3). Gently knead the dough into a ball, using more flour if needed (step 4).

process shots 5-8 showing how to shape the taralli dolci into equal ring-shaped cookies.

Divide the dough into quarters, then divide those quarters in half. Roll the dough ball into a 12-inch rope (step 5) and cut into three equal pieces. Shape those smaller pieces into rings, pinching the ends of dough together. (step 6).

Place the cookies on a lined baking sheet leaving about 2-3 inches between cookies (step 7). You should be able to fit a dozen taralli per baking sheet. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 16-18 minutes, until the tops are golden brown in color (step 8). Let the Taralli Dolci cool on the baking sheet before frosting.

Taralli Dolci Icing

The topping for this cookie couldn’t be easier. It’s simply a mixture of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Whisk together the ingredients in a bowl (step 1). You can change up the flavor of the frosting by substituting a teaspoon of lemon juice for the vanilla, or adding ½ teaspoon of almond extract.

process shots showing how to make is icing using powdered sugar, milk and vanilla, then dunking the tops of the cookies in the icing and topping with sprinkles.

Next, flip over the cooled taralli cookies and dunk the tops of them in the icing mixture. Place on baking sheet and top with sprinkles (step 2). Let the icing on the Taralli Dolci set before moving from the baking sheet (step 3).

Recipe Tips

Take a look at these expert tips to make sure you get the best Taralli Dolci di Pasqua every time!

  • Whisk together the eggs and sugar until they are light and pale in color. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer on the highest setting.
  • No need to let the dough rest once you have mixed in the dry ingredients. You may chill the dough for a couple of minutes if you find it easier to work with.
  • Pour the dough on to a floured surface. The dough will be stickier and you can add some flour to make it more manageable, however be careful not to add too much flour or the dough will become crumbly.
  • This recipe will make 24 taralli cookies. Divide the dough into 24 even sections and shape parts into rings by pinching together the dough rope. They don’t need to look perfect!
  • Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet completely before icing.
  • Change up the color the frosting by adding a dot of food coloring to the mixture. Sprinkle on whatever festive sprinkles you have or leave them off altogether.
  • Love lemon? Use a teaspoon of lemon juice in the batter along with ½ teaspoon of zest. Swap the vanilla in the icing for lemon juice.
Italian cookies on a white countertop.

FAQs

Are Taralli a sweet or savory cookie?

Traditional taralli are a savory treat similar to a cracker or crispy breadstick. They are most commonly served in a ring shape and can be flavored with fennel seeds and white wine. However, Taralli Dolci are a sweet cookie version made with eggs, butter, and sugar, and topped with icing and sprinkles.

How to make lemon Taralli Dolci?

There are many variations of Taralli Dolci, including some that are flavored with lemon. If you want to use lemon in your sweet taralli, simply add a teaspoon of lemon juice and ½ teaspoon of zest to the batter. For the icing, add a teaspoon of lemon juice and decorate as usual.

How to store Taralli Dolci?

Taralli are a great make-ahead cookie. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator two weeks, or freeze for two months.

If you love Italian cookies, be sure to check out these fan-favorite cookie recipes:

Cannoli Cookies

Pumpkin Biscotti

Pignoli Cookies

Italian Almond Chocolate Cookies

Almond Ricotta Cookies

Amaretti Cookies

Italian Thumbprint Cookies

Taralli Dolci on a white countertop.

I hope you love this recipe! Be sure to comment below if you try it. Enjoy!

Taralli Dolci on a white countertop with sprinkles on them.

Taralli Dolci

Taralli Dolci are delicious ring-shaped Italian cookies that are commonly served at Easter. These sweet and crunchy cookies are topped with a simple frosting and sprinkles, and are so easy to make!
4.95 from 19 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Easter, Italian Cookies
Prep Time: 22 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 155kcal
Cost: 6-8

Equipment

  • baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (one stick)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting (430 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Icing

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 3 tablespoons milk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla
  • sprinkles for decorating

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment or baking mats; set aside.
  • In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer to beat the eggs until light and fluffy. Add in the sugar and beat until mixture is pale in color; about 2-3 minutes. Mix in the melted butter and vanilla until smooth.
  • Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt and mix on low until the mixture comes together and forms a dough.
  • Dust your work surface with a bit of flour and pour out dough. Lightly knead the dough together into a large ball. Cut the dough into 4 equal pieces. Cut those pieces in half to make 8 equal dough balls.
  • Take the dough ball and use fingers to gently roll into a 12-inch rope shape, using a bit more flour if the dough is sticky. Cut each rope into three equal pieces and pinch ends together to make rings. Place on prepared baking sheets about two inches apart (you should be able to fit a dozen cookies per baking sheet).
  • Bake the cookies for about 18 minutes, or until the tops are light golden brown. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet to cool while you prepare the icing.

Icing

  • To make the icing, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Flip over the cooled cookies and dip the tops into the icing letting the excess drip off. Place on parchment paper and top with sprinkles. Let dry completely before storing.

Video

Notes

  • Don’t rush mixing together the eggs and sugar. This should take about 2-3 minutes using a hand mixer on the high setting. 
  • No need to let the dough rest once you have mixed in the dry ingredients. You may chill the dough for a couple of minutes if you find it easier to work with.
  • Pour the dough on to a floured surface. The dough will be slightly sticky. You can add some flour to make it more manageable, however be careful not to add too much flour or the dough will become crumbly.
  • This recipe will make 24 taralli cookies. Divide the dough into 24 even sections and shape parts into rings by pinching together the dough rope. They don’t need to look perfect!
  • After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet completely before frosting.
  • Change up the color of the frosting by adding a dot of food coloring to the mixture. Sprinkle on whatever festive sprinkles you have or leave them off altogether.
  • Love lemon? Use a teaspoon of lemon juice in the batter along with ½ teaspoon of zest. Swap the vanilla in the icing for lemon juice.
  • Store in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze these cookies or refrigerate for freshness. 

Nutrition

Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 30mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 155IU | Calcium: 39mg | Iron: 1mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Please leave a comment below or pin it to your Pinterest account!
4.95 from 19 votes (11 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




24 Comments

  1. 4 stars
    I made these cookies for easter for the first time. my grandson loves to cook with me. he had a great time rolling and forming the cookies. not alot of flavor but still very good i might add almond extract next time . thanks HAPPY EASTER

  2. I am a follower of your delicious recipes.
    I live in the Uk and would really appreciate if
    You would be able to include metric ingredients
    please. My husband is from the Lazio region of Italy and would really enjoy these cookies. Many many thanks.
    Bernice

    1. Thanks Bernice! All of my new recipes include weight measurements to help. On older ones like these, I think there are various online conversion sites that can assist. Thanks for being a fan!! 🙂

  3. 5 stars
    Delicious!! My husbands family made these each year at Easter…brings back great memories for him. Thank you.

  4. My mother and I make these every year at Christmas, but we have always called them “Wedding Rings”. My grandmother just wrapped them around her finger to get the ring shape but the cookies came out smaller than what you show. We still wrap them around our finger when we make them and it makes the perfect bite sized cookie.

  5. 5 stars
    Thank you so much for this recipe! My husband is from the south of Italy and he loves these – both with coffee in the morning and as an after dinner sweet. They are so easy to make, use very few ingredients and turn out delicious every time!

  6. My mother, who was from a small town in the Avellino region of Italy, made a sweet taralli that was boiled before being baked. A recipe similar to this one but with both orange and lemon juice and rind. G

    1. I make a savory taralli with fennel seed that I boil and then bake, similar to how you would cook a bagel.

  7. 5 stars
    Just made this recipe. Best sweet taralli I have ever made. Follow this to a T and you will not be disappointed.

  8. My family grew up with what we called my Nonna’s (from Bari, Italy) “taralle,” but it was one large cookie using similar proportions of ingredients with oil instead of butter and also anise seeds instead of vanilla. This recipe looks very nice and I will try it soon. Thank you.