Sunny Italian Lemon-Glazed Easter Cookies Recipe: A Sweet Joy

Easter celebrations buzz with sweet memories, and these traditional italian lemon-glazed cookies bring pure joy to the table.

Soft and delicate, they whisper stories of family gatherings and cherished traditions.

Bright citrus notes dance through each tender bite, creating an irresistible treat.

Nonna’s secret recipe sparkles with simple ingredients that anyone can master.

Fragrant lemons infuse these delightful morsels with sunshine and warmth.

Light and crisp, these cookies promise a moment of pure bliss that you’ll want to savor slowly.

Prepare to connect with Italian culinary heritage in one delectable bite.

Why Traditional Italian Lemon Easter Cookies Are So Zingy

• Celebrate Family Heritage: Dive into a traditional Italian recipe that connects generations, bringing cherished memories and cultural richness to your kitchen.
• Master Simple Baking Skills: Perfect for bakers of all levels, these cookies require minimal ingredients and basic techniques, making them an ideal starting point for novice bakers.
• Burst with Bright Flavors: Zesty lemon adds a refreshing twist to classic sweet cookies, creating a delightful treat that tantalizes taste buds and provides a light, citrusy experience.
• Versatile Easter Delight: Ideal for holiday gatherings, brunch celebrations, or as a sweet afternoon snack that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.

What You’ll Need For Lemon-Glazed Italian Easter Cookies

• Flour: The main structure and body of the traditional Italian Easter cookies.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie texture.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the cookie dough.

• Milk: Helps create a smooth dough consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Adds bright, citrusy flavor characteristic of these Easter cookies.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Lemon Juice: Creates a smooth, tangy glaze that adds sweetness and shine to the cookies.

Let’s Bake Italian Lemon Easter Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 300°F. Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and grated lemon zest. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Create Dough Base

• Egg
• Melted butter
• Milk

Step 4: Form Smooth Dough

Use a fork to blend ingredients partially.

Transfer mixture to a clean surface and knead gently until the dough becomes uniform and silky.

Step 5: Shape Cookie Ropes

Take small portions of dough and roll them into slender ropes about 5-6 inches long.

Step 6: Design Cookie Shapes

Transform the ropes into delightful knots or circular shapes. Arrange these on the prepared baking sheet with slight spacing between them.

Step 7: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes until cookies develop a light golden color.

Step 8: Cool Down Cookies

Remove cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 9: Whip Up Lemon Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Milk

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Adjust thickness by adding more liquid or sugar as needed.

Step 10: Glaze And Serve

Dip each cookie into the glaze or drizzle the mixture over the top.

Allow the glaze to set before serving these delectable treats.

Tips To Nail Lemon-Glazed Easter Cookies

• Swap flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Adjust lemon intensity by adding more zest for stronger citrus flavor or reducing for subtle notes.
• Ensure dough is not overworked to maintain a tender, delicate cookie texture.
• Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant, authentic citrus taste in the glaze.

Ideas To Tweak Italian Easter Lemon Cookies

• Almond Citrus Cookies: Replace lemon zest with orange zest and add finely chopped almonds to the dough for a nutty crunch and vibrant citrus flavor.
• Lavender Honey Cookies: Incorporate dried lavender flowers into the dough and swap lemon glaze with a honey-based glaze for a floral, sweet profile.
• Rosemary Lemon Cookies: Mix finely chopped fresh rosemary into the dough and keep the original lemon glaze for an herbaceous Mediterranean touch.
• Olive Oil Citrus Cookies: Substitute melted butter with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and use blood orange zest for a Mediterranean-inspired variation with rich, fruity notes.

Good Matches For Italian Lemon Easter Cookies

• Pair with Citrusy White Wine: Select a crisp Pinot Grigio or Vermentino that matches the lemon's bright zesty profile, enhancing the cookie's delicate flavor and providing a refreshing counterpoint.
• Complement with Fresh Mascarpone: Serve alongside a small dollop of creamy mascarpone cheese to balance the cookie's sweetness and add a luxurious Italian-style touch to the dessert experience.
• Match with Herbal Tea: Brew a light chamomile or lavender tea that softens the lemon's tanginess and provides a soothing backdrop to the delicate Easter cookie's texture and taste.
• Enhance with Limoncello: Offer a small shot of traditional Italian limoncello as a traditional digestif that amplifies the lemon notes and creates an authentic Mediterranean dessert moment.

Smart Storage For Lemon-Glazed Easter Cookies

• Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap unglazed cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing at room temperature before glazing.
• Countertop Storage: Keep glazed cookies in a sealed container at room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Revive Texture: Briefly warm cookies in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes to restore their original softness and enhance their flavor before serving.

All About Italian Easter Lemon Cookie FAQs

• Are these cookies authentically Italian?

Yes, these Easter cookies (called “Biscotti di Pasqua”) are a traditional Southern Italian recipe, especially popular in regions like Sicily and Calabria during Easter celebrations.

• Can I make these cookies without lemon?

While lemon is traditional, you can substitute with orange zest or use vanilla extract for a different flavor profile that still maintains the cookie’s delicate texture.

• Is the dough difficult to work with?

The dough is relatively easy to handle. Just ensure your surface is lightly floured and knead gently to prevent the cookies from becoming tough. Work with small portions to make rolling and shaping easier.

• Do I need special baking skills to make these cookies?

No, these cookies are beginner-friendly. The recipe requires basic mixing and shaping skills, and the process is straightforward enough for home bakers with minimal experience.

Traditional Italian Lemon-Glazed Easter Cookies Recipe

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• Total Time: 35-38 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet Italian easter cookies bring zesty lemon memories from family kitchens across Italy. Delicate pastries glazed with bright citrus shine, offering a delightful celebration of spring’s warmth and festive cheer you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (200g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
• 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) milk

Flavoring and Leavening Ingredients:

• 3 1/4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 pinch salt
• Zest of 1 lemon

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 – 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon milk

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Instructions

1. Combine dry ingredients including flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and vibrant lemon zest in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Create a central cavity in the dry mixture and introduce the egg, melted butter, and milk.
3. Gently integrate ingredients using a fork until nearly incorporated, then transfer to a clean work surface.
4. Knead the dough delicately until achieving a uniform, smooth texture.
5. Divide the dough into manageable portions and roll each section into slender 5-6 inch elongated ropes.
6. Shape the ropes into elegant knots or circular forms, positioning them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
7. Position the baking sheet in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 15-18 minutes, monitoring until edges turn a delicate golden hue.
8. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely at room temperature.
9. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice and milk until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
10. Artfully dip each cookie into the glaze or gracefully drizzle the mixture across the surface.
11. Let the glazed cookies rest until the coating sets and hardens, creating a beautiful, glossy finish.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is melted but not hot when mixing to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
• Use fresh lemon zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor and aromatic punch.
• Knead the dough gently to avoid tough cookies; stop mixing once the dough looks smooth and cohesive.
• Experiment with different glaze consistencies by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or more lemon juice for a thinner drizzle.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg