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Italian Easter Cookies

Italian Easter Cookies
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Italian Easter Cookies are a traditional, festive treat combining simple pantry ingredients with authentic flavors like anise and vanilla. These soft, slightly chewy cookies are perfect for celebrating Easter, offering customizable options and a vibrant appearance with colorful sprinkles.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon anise extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Colored sprinkles, for decorating

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure a smooth baking process.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, anise extract, and vanilla extract until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder, ensuring there are no lumps. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently to form a soft, pliable dough.
  4. Shape the Cookies: Using your hands, roll small portions of dough into 1-inch balls and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them adequately to allow for slight spreading.
  5. Add the Festive Touch: Press colored sprinkles lightly onto the top of each cookie to create a joyful burst of color perfect for Easter celebrations.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are set but still soft to the touch. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh anise extract and baking powder for the best flavor and rise.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep cookies tender and prevent toughness.
  • Consistent Cookie Size: Roll dough balls of equal size for even baking.
  • Sprinkle Application: Press sprinkles gently so they stick during baking.
  • Rest the Dough: Chill dough for 30 minutes if time allows to help cookies hold their shape better.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian Easter Cookies, anise cookies, festive cookies, traditional Italian dessert, Easter baking, gluten-free Easter cookies

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/italian-easter-cookies/