Italian Easter Cookies Citrus Glazed (Print)
Soft citrus-infused cookies with vanilla glaze and festive sprinkles, perfect for spring celebrations.
# Ingredient List:
→ For the Cookies
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
09 - Zest of 1 lemon
10 - Zest of 1 orange
11 - 2 tablespoons milk
→ For the Glaze
12 - 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 2-3 tablespoons milk
14 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
15 - Colored sprinkles
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly blended.
03 - In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
04 - Beat in eggs one at a time, incorporating fully before adding the next. Mix in vanilla extract, almond extract if using, and lemon and orange zests.
05 - Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Add milk and mix until dough is soft and pliable but not sticky.
06 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls or ropes. Form into rings, knots, or traditional shapes as desired.
07 - Place shaped cookies on prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
08 - Bake for 10-12 minutes until bottoms are just lightly golden. Cookies should remain pale on top. Cool completely on wire racks.
09 - Whisk together powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency with additional milk if needed.
10 - Dip tops of cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off. Immediately sprinkle with colored sprinkles. Let glaze set completely before serving or storing.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The citrus glaze makes these cookies impossibly tender inside with just the right amount of sweetness
- They are simple enough for everyday baking but special enough for holiday gatherings
- The recipe doubles beautifully when you need to feed a crowd
02 -
- Overbaking these cookies makes them dry, so pull them out when they just start to color on the bottom
- The glaze consistency matters. Too thick and it looks clunky, too thin and it runs right off
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent the dough from seizing up and becoming difficult to work with
- Freshly zested citrus releases more aromatic oils, so zest right before mixing the dough