Description
Sweet Italian Easter cookies showcase delicate almond flavors passed down through generations of family traditions. Delightful lemony rounds with powdered sugar create a festive treat connecting generations around holiday tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 3 cups (360 grams) flour
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Icing and Decoration:
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons pastel nonpareil sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange three parchment-lined baking sheets, ensuring ample space between each sheet.
- In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the flour, baking powder, and salt using a whisk, creating a uniform dry mixture.
- Using your fingertips, massage lemon zest into granulated sugar until the mixture becomes aromatic and the oils are released.
- Incorporate softened butter into the zesty sugar mixture, using an electric hand mixer to whip until light and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold in eggs and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing carefully until a thick, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Using a cookie scoop, form uniform rounded dough balls, spacing them approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake cookies individually for 14-16 minutes, rotating the sheet midway, until edges turn a delicate golden brown.
- Transfer baked cookies to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and milk until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
- Once cookies are cool, delicately dip the tops into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off naturally.
- Immediately garnish with pastel-colored sprinkles while the icing remains wet.
- Allow glazed cookies to set for 10-12 minutes until the icing hardens completely.
Notes
- Zesty Citrus Infusion: Massaging lemon zest into sugar releases intense, aromatic flavors that elevate the entire cookie’s taste profile.
- Texture Matters: Creating smooth, uniform dough balls ensures even baking and a professional-looking final product.
- Baking Precision: Rotate cookie sheets midway through baking to guarantee uniform golden-brown bottoms without burning.
- Icing Technique: Dip cookies at a slight angle to achieve an elegant, even glaze that drips perfectly and looks bakery-professional.
- Decorative Finishing: Pastel sprinkles add a festive, springtime touch that makes these cookies visually appealing and celebration-ready.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, maintaining their delicate texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg