Do Share Recipe

I have to tell you, making this Italian Easter Cookies Recipe—also known as Uncinetti—was such a fun and rewarding experience. The aroma of lemon and fresh-baked dough filled my kitchen and instantly made me feel festive.

These cookies are charmingly simple, lightly sweet, and perfect for pairing with coffee or tea. I loved how easy the dough was to handle, and decorating them with a lemon glaze added that extra touch of joy.

If you’re looking to bring a little Italian tradition to your Easter celebrations, I can’t recommend these enough. You can also enjoy similar treats like Cucumber and Heirloom Tomato Salad with Red Onions Recipe alongside your cookies for a refreshing contrast.

Ingredients for Italian Easter Cookies

I like to use fresh, high-quality ingredients whenever possible to get the best flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1½ cups + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (200 grams) – I find that sifting the flour first keeps the dough light and smooth.
3¼ tablespoons granulated sugar – balances the citrus glaze beautifully.
1 teaspoon baking powder – ensures the cookies have a delicate rise without being cakey.
1 pinch of salt – enhances all the flavors, especially if using unsalted butter.
Zest of one lemon – gives the cookies that bright, springtime flavor.
1 large egg – acts as the glue for the dough and gives richness.
¼ cup butter, melted and cooled – I recommend using real butter, as it adds the perfect flavor; unsalted works fine if you add a touch more salt.
4 tablespoons milk (2% or whole) – keeps the dough moist and easy to shape.

Note: several servings

Lemon Glaze

1½–2 cups powdered sugar – use sifted sugar for a smooth glaze.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – freshly squeezed adds the best zing.
1 tablespoon milk – adjust for thickness.

Variations

I love experimenting with different flavors and dietary options. Here are some ideas:

Dairy-free: Swap butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.
Sugar-free: Use a granulated sugar substitute or erythritol for the dough and glaze.
Flavor-enhancing add-ins: Try almond extract, orange zest, or finely chopped candied fruit for a unique twist. You might also enjoy a sweet treat like Brown Butter Matcha Cookies Recipe for an extra indulgence alongside your Easter spread.

Cooking Time

Here’s the timeline for making these delicious cookies:

Prep Time: 10 minutes – easy and quick to mix the dough.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes – bake until lightly golden.
Total Time: 25 minutes – from start to finish, including glazing.

Equipment You Need

These tools make the process smooth and stress-free:

Large mixing bowl – for combining all your ingredients.
Whisk or fork – to mix the dry ingredients and then incorporate wet ingredients.
Baking sheet – for even baking of cookies.
Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Small bowl – for mixing the lemon glaze.

How to Make Italian Easter Cookies Recipe

I love how straightforward this recipe is. The step-by-step process makes it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Preparing the Dough

In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest. Then I make a small well in the center and add the egg, melted butter, and milk. Mixing with a fork until it’s almost combined, I transfer the dough to a flat surface and gently knead until smooth.

Shaping the Cookies

I divide the dough into small portions and roll them into thin ropes about 5–6 inches long. For the traditional look, I tie each rope into a knot. If the ropes are small, I sometimes join two ends to form little circles—it makes them look extra festive.

Baking the Cookies

I place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15–18 minutes or until lightly golden. The smell alone is enough to make you excited for the glaze!

Making the Lemon Glaze

While the cookies cool, I mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk in a small bowl. I adjust the milk until I reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzling it over the cooled cookies gives them a shiny, sweet finish.

Adding Final Touches

Once glazed, I let the cookies set for a few minutes. For extra charm, I sometimes sprinkle pastel-colored decorations on top, perfect for celebrating Easter.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Here are some tips I’ve learned after making these cookies several times:

I always zest the lemon directly over the flour so the oils infuse the dough.
Rolling the dough ropes evenly ensures cookies bake at the same rate.
If the dough feels sticky, I chill it for 10–15 minutes—it’s much easier to handle.
For a lighter flavor, I occasionally replace half the butter with light olive oil.
I let the cookies cool completely before glazing; otherwise, the icing melts too much.

How to Serve Italian Easter Cookies

Serving these cookies is part of the fun! I like to:

Arrange them on a pastel-colored platter for a festive look.
Drizzle extra glaze for visual appeal and sweetness.
Pair with coffee, tea, or even a chilled glass of milk for a complete experience.
Add edible flowers or small sprinkles for a springtime touch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per cookie, which I find helpful for portion planning:

Calories: 76 kcal – a light, not-too-sweet treat.
Protein: 2 g – a small amount to complement your morning coffee.
Carbohydrates: 9 g – just enough to satisfy a sweet tooth.
Fat: 3 g – from butter, providing richness and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

These cookies are convenient to prepare in advance.

Storage

I store them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing

The dough freezes well in a sealed bag or container for up to three months. I simply thaw before shaping and baking.

Reheating

If I want a warm cookie, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. The glaze stays intact and the cookies taste freshly baked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I think you’ll fall for these Italian Easter Cookies for several reasons:

Simple to Make: The dough comes together quickly, even for a beginner baker.
Delightfully Light Flavor: The lemon glaze is sweet but not overpowering.
Versatile: You can adjust flavors, shapes, and toppings to suit any occasion.
Tradition and Charm: Bringing a little Italian Easter custom to your table makes it special.
Perfect Pairing: Enjoy with coffee, tea, or as part of a festive brunch spread.

These cookies aren’t just delicious—they’re a conversation starter and a piece of Italian heritage that I’ve come to love baking every Easter. I guarantee they’ll make your holiday table look and taste amazing.

Ben Carraoli