Buttery Italian Easter Cookies

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Difficulty: Medium

Introduction

Buttery Italian Easter Cookies (Biscotti di Pasqua) are a delightful treat enjoyed across Italy during the Easter season. These cookies are soft, slightly sweet, and packed with buttery goodness. Traditionally, they are shaped into fun, festive shapes, such as rings or twists, and often decorated with colorful sprinkles. With their delicate texture and rich flavor, they make the perfect addition to any Easter celebration.

This recipe captures the essence of Italian baking, which is simple yet deeply flavorful. The buttery dough is enhanced with a hint of citrus zest, typically orange or lemon, and often paired with an egg wash for a shiny, golden finish. Whether you’re serving them with a cup of coffee after Easter dinner or gifting them to family and friends, these cookies will certainly bring joy to your holiday table.

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (or lemon zest, if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of salt

For the Egg Wash (Optional):

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water (or milk)

For the Decoration (Optional):

• Colorful sprinkles (preferably nonpareils or sanding sugar)
• Colored sugar (for added visual appeal)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy removal of the cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed. If you’re using a stand mixer, the paddle attachment will work best.

2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest (or lemon zest) until combined. The zest will give the cookies a wonderful citrusy fragrance and a touch of freshness.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky but should hold together when pressed.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using your hands, roll small portions of dough into ropes that are about 6 inches (15 cm) long. You can also roll the dough into balls if you prefer a round shape.

2. To create the traditional shape, form the ropes into rings by pinching the ends together, forming a circle. You can also twist the dough into a spiral or braid it for a more intricate look.

3. Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading.

Step 4: Apply the Egg Wash

1. In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water (or milk) to create the egg wash. Using a pastry brush, gently brush the top of each cookie with the egg wash to give them a shiny, golden finish once baked.

2. If desired, you can sprinkle the cookies with colorful sprinkles or colored sugar to add a festive touch, especially for Easter.

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are lightly golden around the edges and firm to the touch. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on the size and shape of your cookies.

2. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Once cooled, your Buttery Italian Easter Cookies are ready to be enjoyed! They are perfect for serving with coffee, tea, or as a treat to share with family and friends during Easter celebrations.

Variations and Customizations

• Flavored Frosting: After the cookies cool, you can decorate them with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Add a few drops of food coloring to make them even more festive.
• Add-ins: For extra flavor, try adding a handful of mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, or chopped nuts to the dough before shaping the cookies. These additions will create a delightful texture and add more complexity to the flavor.
• Other Zests: Experiment with different citrus flavors, like lemon or lime, for a fresh twist on the traditional recipe.
• Nutty Flavor: Add some finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts to the dough for a slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the buttery texture of the cookies.

Tips for the Perfect Buttery Italian Easter Cookies

• Chill the Dough: If you find the dough to be too sticky to work with, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to shape the cookies and help them hold their shape during baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so mix until just combined to achieve a light and delicate texture.
• Watch the Baking Time: Since these cookies are small, they can bake quickly. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
• Fresh Zest: For the best flavor, use freshly grated citrus zest. The zest adds essential oils and a burst of natural flavor that really enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Decorating Ideas: If you’re not into sprinkles, you can also glaze the cookies with a simple powdered sugar icing or dust them with powdered sugar for a more elegant finish.

Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)

Here is an approximate breakdown of the nutrition information for one cookie (assuming 24 cookies per recipe):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Vitamin A: 8% DV
• Vitamin C: 0% DV
• Calcium: 1% DV
• Iron: 2% DV

These values may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

Buttery Italian Easter Cookies (Biscotti di Pasqua) are an easy and delightful way to celebrate Easter with a traditional Italian touch. These cookies are wonderfully soft, slightly sweet, and beautifully decorated with sprinkles or glaze, making them perfect for the holiday. Whether you’re sharing them with family, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them yourself, they’re sure to add a touch of sweetness to your Easter celebrations. Buona Pasqua!