Italian Easter Cookies (Uncinetti)

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Italian Easter is a time filled with rich traditions, family gatherings, and of course, delicious baked goods. Among the many festive treats enjoyed during this holiday, Italian Easter Cookies (Uncinetti) hold a special place. These soft, slightly sweet cookies are flavored with hints of lemon and topped with a simple glaze, making them the perfect addition to any Easter celebration.

If you’ve never made Italian Easter Cookies before, you’re in for a treat! These cookies are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only a handful of pantry staples. They’re light, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweet, making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-afternoon snack with coffee or tea.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the traditional recipe for Italian Easter Cookies, provide tips for achieving the perfect texture, and explore fun variations to make them your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: These cookies come together in just 25 minutes.
• Soft & Light: A delicate, pillowy texture makes them irresistible.
• Lemon-Infused Flavor: A fresh, citrusy kick balances the sweetness.
• Perfect for Easter: A great addition to holiday dessert tables or Easter baskets.
• Great for Gifting: Wrap them up beautifully and share them with family and friends.

Ingredients for Italian Easter Cookies

For the Cookies:

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

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 ½ – 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon milk (adjust for thickness)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Italian Easter Cookies

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Baking Sheet

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
2. Make a well in the center and add the egg, melted butter, and milk.
3. Using a fork, mix until the dough starts to come together.
4. Transfer to a lightly floured surface and gently knead until smooth.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

1. Divide the dough into small pieces.
2. Roll each piece into thin ropes (5-6 inches long).
3. Form the ropes into knots or circles.
4. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.

Step 4: Bake the Cookies

1. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden.
2. Remove from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Lemon Glaze

1. In a small bowl, sift the powdered sugar.
2. Add lemon juice and milk, stirring until smooth.
3. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

Step 6: Glaze the Cookies

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

Tips for Perfect Italian Easter Cookies

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Knead just enough to bring it together; over-kneading can make the cookies dense.
• Use Fresh Lemon Zest: It enhances the citrus flavor in the cookies.
• Let the Cookies Cool Before Glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting off.
• Experiment with Shapes: Try braiding, twisting, or rolling them into rings for variety.
• Store Properly: Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Italian Easter Cookie Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious variations:

Vanilla Almond Easter Cookies

• Replace the lemon zest with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for a nutty flavor.

Chocolate Drizzle Cookies

• Melt dark or white chocolate and drizzle over the glazed cookies.

Colored Easter Cookies

• Add a few drops of food coloring to the dough for a festive look.

Anise-Flavored Cookies

• Add ½ teaspoon anise extract for a traditional Italian flavor.

How to Store & Freeze Italian Easter Cookies

At Room Temperature:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

In the Refrigerator:

• Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Freezing Instructions:

• Freeze unglazed cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature, then glaze before serving.

What to Serve with Italian Easter Cookies

These cookies pair perfectly with:

• Italian espresso or cappuccino ☕
• A glass of milk 🥛
• A scoop of vanilla gelato 🍨
• A fruit platter for a fresh contrast 🍓🍊

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Olive Oil Instead of Butter?

Yes! Use light olive oil as a substitute for butter.

Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! You can bake them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container.

Can I Use Almond Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?

Not in a 1:1 ratio. You may need a mix of almond flour and all-purpose flour to maintain the right texture.

Can I Bake These at 350°F Instead?

Yes! Some bakers prefer 350°F for 13-15 minutes for slightly crispier edges.

Final Thoughts

These Italian Easter Cookies are a delightful and traditional treat that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday. With their soft, citrus-infused dough and delicate lemon glaze, they’re sure to be a favorite among family and friends.

Whether you make them for Easter brunch, as a gift, or just to enjoy with coffee, these cookies bring the warmth and flavor of Italian baking to your home.

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