10 Traditional Italian Easter Cookie Recipes for Spring
Italian Easter cookies bring families together with time-honored recipes passed down through generations. These delightful treats capture the essence of spring celebrations with their bright flavors and festive appearances.
From almond-crusted delights to creamy cheesecake bites, each cookie tells a story of Italian tradition and culinary craftsmanship that makes Easter gatherings extra special.
01. Crispy Almond-Crusted Italian Cookies
Chewy centers meet crispy exteriors in these stunning almond-coated treats. The sliced almond coating creates an impressive presentation that tastes as amazing as it looks.
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 teaspoon almond extract, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 cups sliced almonds.
How To Make Crispy Almond-Crusted Italian Cookies
1. Cream softened butter with sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add almond extract, ensuring everything is well combined before moving to the next step.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms without overworking it.
3. Spread sliced almonds on a large plate. Roll dough into 1½-inch balls, then roll each ball thoroughly in almonds, pressing gently so they stick to the entire surface.
4. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until edges are golden brown and almonds are toasted. Cool completely on wire racks before serving.
02. Traditional Italian Butterball Cookies
Smooth and chewy cookies that melt in your mouth with every bite. These family recipe gems work perfectly as quick snacks or elegant desserts for any occasion.
Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), ¾ cup powdered sugar, 2 large egg yolks, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon salt, additional powdered sugar for rolling.
How To Make Traditional Italian Butterball Cookies
1. Beat softened butter with powdered sugar until creamy and light, about 4 minutes. Add egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until completely smooth and well incorporated throughout.
2. Combine flour and salt in a bowl, then gradually add to butter mixture. Mix just until dough comes together without overworking, as this keeps the cookies tender.
3. Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
4. Bake at 325°F for 15-18 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden but tops remain pale. Let cool for 5 minutes, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar twice for the best coating.
03. Grandmother’s Orange Italian Cookies
Bright orange flavor shines through these frosted cookies passed down through generations. The citrus punch makes these old-fashioned treats absolutely irresistible for spring celebrations.
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), 3 large eggs, 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, food coloring (optional).
How To Make Grandmother’s Orange Italian Cookies
1. Cream butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time. Add orange juice and zest, mixing until the citrus flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add to wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
3. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
4. Cool completely, then whisk powdered sugar, milk, and food coloring for frosting. Dip each cookie top in frosting, letting excess drip off before setting on wire racks.
04. Bakery-Style Italian Butter Cookies
Rich butter cookies that taste exactly like your favorite New York bakery treats. These traditional Italian-American favorites deliver authentic flavor and texture in every single bite.
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature), ⅔ cup granulated sugar, 2 large egg yolks, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon almond extract, ½ teaspoon salt.
How To Make Bakery-Style Italian Butter Cookies
1. Beat room temperature butter until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add sugar, beating until mixture is fluffy and pale yellow in color.
2. Mix in egg yolks, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth. The combination of extracts gives these cookies their distinctive bakery flavor that everyone loves.
3. Sift flour and salt together, then add to butter mixture. Mix on low speed just until dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
4. Pipe dough through a star tip onto parchment-lined baking sheets, creating traditional shapes. Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
5. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. Store in airtight containers to maintain that perfect tender texture.
05. Creamy Italian Cheesecake Cookies
Little bites of heaven featuring three types of cheese for ultimate richness. Sour cream, cream cheese, and ricotta create incredibly moist and creamy cookies that melt beautifully.
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 8 oz cream cheese (softened), ½ cup ricotta cheese, ¼ cup sour cream, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt.
How To Make Creamy Italian Cheesecake Cookies
1. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add ricotta cheese and sour cream, mixing until completely combined without any lumps remaining in the mixture.
2. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the cheese mixture. Beat until light and fluffy, ensuring all ingredients are perfectly incorporated for the smoothest texture.
3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold dry ingredients into cheese mixture just until combined, keeping the dough tender.
4. Drop rounded spoonfuls onto parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing them well apart. Bake at 350°F for 15-18 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft.
5. Cool completely on baking sheets before removing. These cookies are delicate when warm but firm up beautifully as they cool to room temperature.
06. Simple Gluten-Free Coconut Italian Cookies
Four simple ingredients create these irresistible coconut treats that everyone can enjoy. Naturally gluten-free and incredibly easy to make for any spring gathering or celebration.
Ingredients: 3 cups sweetened shredded coconut, ¾ cup granulated sugar, 3 large egg whites, ¼ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour.
How To Make Simple Gluten-Free Coconut Italian Cookies
1. Whisk egg whites in a large bowl until frothy but not stiff. The goal is to break them up completely while incorporating air for lighter cookies.
2. Stir in sugar until dissolved, then add shredded coconut and gluten-free flour. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated and holds together when pressed.
3. Using a small ice cream scoop or spoon, drop mounds of mixture onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Press each mound lightly to help them hold their shape during baking.
4. Bake at 325°F for 18-22 minutes until edges and tops are golden brown. The coconut should be toasted and fragrant when properly done.
5. Cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks. These cookies will crisp up as they cool completely.
07. Italian Cream Cake Cookies
All the beloved flavors of Italian cream cake transformed into bite-sized cookie perfection. These treats capture every delicious element of the classic cake in convenient snack form.
Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), ¾ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, ½ cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup chopped pecans, ½ cup sweetened flaked coconut.
How To Make Italian Cream Cake Cookies
1. Cream softened butter with sugar until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract and buttermilk until smooth.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until combined without overmixing the dough.
3. Fold in chopped pecans and coconut flakes, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for consistent flavor in every bite.
4. Drop rounded tablespoons onto greased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
5. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks. The cookies will continue to set as they cool to perfect texture.
08. Fresh Spring Biscotti
Crispy twice-baked cookies packed with orange zest, dried cranberries, and pistachios. White chocolate drizzle balances the sweet and fruity flavors for perfect spring enjoyment.
Ingredients: 2½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted), 2 tablespoons orange zest, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¾ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup shelled pistachios, 4 oz white chocolate (melted).
How To Make Fresh Spring Biscotti
1. Beat eggs and sugar until thick and pale, about 3 minutes. Add melted butter and orange zest, mixing until well combined and fragrant.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Add to egg mixture along with cranberries and pistachios, stirring until dough forms.
3. Divide dough in half and shape into two logs about 12 inches long on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Flatten slightly to about 3 inches wide.
4. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and firm. Cool for 15 minutes, then slice diagonally into ½-inch pieces using a sharp knife.
5. Place cut-side down on baking sheets and bake another 10-15 minutes until crisp. Cool completely, then drizzle with melted white chocolate before serving.
09. Classic Festive Easter Cookies
Traditional Italian cookies topped with colorful pastel sprinkles for Easter celebrations. These crowd-pleasing treats bring joy and festive flair to any spring gathering or holiday table.
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), 3 large eggs, ¼ cup milk, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, pastel sprinkles.
How To Make Classic Festive Easter Cookies
1. Cream butter and granulated sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time. Add milk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and well combined.
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together. Gradually add to wet ingredients, mixing just until soft dough forms without overworking.
3. Roll dough to ¼-inch thickness on floured surface. Cut with Easter-themed cookie cutters or simple round cutters for traditional shapes.
4. Place on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft and pale.
5. Cool completely, then whisk powdered sugar with milk for glaze. Dip each cookie in glaze and immediately top with pastel sprinkles while wet.
10. Authentic Italian Anisette Cookies
Old-fashioned cookies featuring distinctive anise extract for unique Italian flavor. These authentic treats deliver strong anisette taste that transports you straight to traditional Italian celebrations.
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), 3 large eggs, 2 teaspoons anise extract, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1½ cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, ½ teaspoon anise extract.
How To Make Authentic Italian Anisette Cookies
1. Cream butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add anise extract, ensuring the distinctive flavor is evenly distributed.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Add to butter mixture, mixing just until dough comes together without overworking for tender results.
3. Roll dough into 1½-inch balls and place on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden but tops remain pale.
4. Cool cookies completely on wire racks before glazing. This ensures the glaze sets properly and doesn’t melt off the warm cookies.
5. Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and remaining anise extract for glaze. Dip each cookie top in glaze, letting excess drip off before setting on racks to dry completely.
Final Thoughts
These traditional Italian Easter cookies bring authentic flavors and festive joy to your spring celebrations. Each recipe carries the warmth of Italian family traditions and time-tested techniques.
Whether you choose almond-crusted delights or creamy cheesecake bites, these cookies will create lasting memories and satisfy every sweet craving this Easter season.
