Buttery Italian Easter Cookies – A Classic Holiday Treat
Italian Easter Cookies, or “Taralli Dolci”, are a beloved tradition in many Italian households. These soft, buttery cookies have a light vanilla flavor, a slightly cakey texture, and a sweet, glossy icing topped with festive sprinkles. They’re perfect for celebrating Easter, Christmas, or any special occasion.
Whether you grew up with these cookies or are trying them for the first time, you’ll love how simple and delicious they are. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and are perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love These Italian Easter Cookies
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Easy to make – No complicated techniques required!
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Perfect for celebrations – These cookies are a staple at Easter but can be enjoyed year-round.
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Kid-friendly – Little ones will love decorating them with colorful sprinkles.
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Soft and buttery – They have a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Customizable – You can add lemon zest, almond extract, or anise for extra flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and a soft texture.
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¾ cup granulated sugar – Provides sweetness.
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3 large eggs – Gives the cookies their structure.
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds flavor.
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3½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the dough.
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1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the cookies rise.
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½ teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors.
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¼ cup milk – Keeps the dough soft.
For the Icing
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2 cups powdered sugar – The base of the icing.
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3 tablespoons milk – Helps achieve the perfect consistency.
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½ teaspoon vanilla extract – For extra flavor.
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Sprinkles – Traditional for Easter but can be changed based on the occasion.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Mixing bowls – One for wet ingredients, one for dry.
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Hand or stand mixer – For creaming butter and sugar.
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Whisk – For blending dry ingredients.
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Baking sheets – To bake the cookies.
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Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
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Wire racks – For cooling the cookies.
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Small bowl – For mixing the icing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
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In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Cookies
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls.
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Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Slightly flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass.
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Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to turn golden.
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Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Icing
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In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the icing, letting the excess drip off.
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Place the cookies back on the wire rack and immediately top with sprinkles.
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Allow the icing to set before serving.
Tips & Variations
Flavor Variations
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Lemon or orange zest – Add 1 teaspoon for a fresh citrus flavor.
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Almond or anise extract – Substitute ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for a different taste.
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Cinnamon or nutmeg – Add ½ teaspoon to the dough for a warm spice flavor.
Make-Ahead & Storage
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Make ahead: You can make the cookie dough 1 day in advance and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.
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Storing: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
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Freezing: Freeze un-iced cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and ice them before serving.
Decorating Ideas
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Use pastel sprinkles for Easter, red and green for Christmas, or rainbow sprinkles for birthdays.
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Try drizzling melted white chocolate over the icing for an extra touch of sweetness.
What to Serve with Italian Easter Cookies
These cookies pair wonderfully with:
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Espresso or cappuccino – A classic Italian combination.
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Milk or hot chocolate – Perfect for kids.
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Dessert wine – Try a sweet Moscato or Vin Santo.
FAQ – Italian Easter Cookies
Can I make these cookies without a mixer?
Yes! You can mix the dough by hand using a wooden spoon or whisk, but it will take more effort.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour.
Why are my cookies dry?
This could be due to too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
Can I use a different icing?
Absolutely! A lemon glaze, almond glaze, or chocolate drizzle would work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
These Buttery Italian Easter Cookies are a must-bake for Easter celebrations and beyond. Their soft, delicate texture and sweet icing make them a treat that both kids and adults will love.
If you try this recipe, let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to share this recipe with family and friends, and subscribe to the blog for more delicious recipes. Happy baking
