Italian Easter Cookies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Traditional Italian Treat: A classic Easter cookie enjoyed for generations.
• Light and Not Too Sweet: A subtle, delicate flavor with a zesty lemon glaze.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and a quick prep time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies

• 1 ½ cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (200g)
• 3 ¼ tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch salt (or ¼ teaspoon if using unsalted butter)
• Zest of one lemon
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup butter (melted and cooled)
• 4 tablespoons milk (2% recommended)

For the Lemon Glaze

• 1 ½ – 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adjust as needed)
• 1 tablespoon milk (adjust as needed)

Directions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
3. Make a well in the center and add the egg, melted butter, and milk.
4. Mix with a fork until almost combined, then transfer to a flat surface and gently knead until smooth.

2. Shape the Cookies

1. Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into thin 5-6 inch ropes.
2. Form knots or shape them into circles.
3. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
2. Let cool completely before glazing.

4. Prepare the Lemon Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth.
2. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed.

5. Glaze and Serve

1. Dip each cooled cookie into the glaze or drizzle it on top.
2. Let the glaze set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 15 cookies
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Almond Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a nutty twist.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of lemon glaze, drizzle with melted chocolate.
• Olive Oil Option: Substitute butter with light olive oil for a different texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! They store well and can be made a few days in advance.

Can I use orange zest instead of lemon?

Yes, orange zest works well for a different citrus flavor.

Can I make these cookies softer?

These cookies have a firm texture, but adding an extra tablespoon of milk will make them slightly softer.

Can I bake at a higher temperature?

Some readers have baked them at 350°F for 13 minutes with good results.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Italian Easter Cookies (Uncinetti) are a simple yet delicious treat perfect for Easter or any time of year. With their subtle sweetness and bright lemon glaze, they pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. Try this easy recipe and bring a taste of Italy to your home!

Italian Easter Cookies

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 15 cookies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Italian Easter Cookies (Uncinetti) are a traditional Southern Italian treat, featuring a light lemon flavor and a delicate, soft texture. Perfectly sweetened and topped with a simple lemon glaze, these cookies are ideal for Easter celebrations or enjoying with coffee or tea. Try this easy homemade Italian cookie recipe today!

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Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (200g)
• 3 ¼ tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch salt (or ¼ teaspoon if using unsalted butter)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup butter (melted and cooled)
• 4 tablespoons milk (2% recommended)

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 ½ – 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (adjust as needed)
• 1 tablespoon milk (adjust as needed)

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Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Dough

• Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
• Make a well in the center and add the egg, melted butter, and milk.
• Mix with a fork until almost combined, then transfer to a flat surface and gently knead until smooth.

2️⃣ Shape the Cookies

• Divide the dough into small portions and roll each into thin 5-6 inch ropes.
• Form knots or shape them into circles.
• Place on the prepared baking sheet.

3️⃣ Bake the Cookies

• Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
• Let cool completely before glazing.

4️⃣ Prepare the Lemon Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth.
• Adjust consistency by adding more milk if needed.

5️⃣ Glaze and Serve

• Dip each cooled cookie into the glaze or drizzle it on top.
• Let the glaze set before serving.

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Notes

✅ Almond Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a nutty twist.
✅ Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of lemon glaze, drizzle with melted chocolate.
✅ Olive Oil Option: Substitute butter with light olive oil for a different texture.
✅ Vanilla Twist: Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for a subtle sweetness.