The Best Italian Easter Cookies – Classic Uncinetti Recipe

Italian Easter Cookies, also known as Uncinetti, are a beloved holiday treat in many Italian families. These soft, lightly sweet cookies are shaped into simple knots and topped with a delicate lemon glaze and colorful sprinkles. They’re easy to make with pantry staples and are perfect for Easter dessert trays or sharing with family and friends.

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Italian Easter Cookies (Uncinetti)

Ingredients

Cookie Dough
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Glaze
• 2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
• 4 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Gel food coloring (optional)
• Sprinkles of your choice

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Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients. In a bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
3. Mix wet ingredients. In a stand mixer, combine the sugar, butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
4. Form the dough. Gradually mix the flour mixture into the wet ingredients until a soft dough forms.
5. Shape the cookies. Turn the dough onto a clean work surface. Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll it into a 5-inch rope or log shape. Gently tie it into a knot shape (watch the video for a demo).
6. Bake. Place the knots onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–14 minutes. Mine took about 17 minutes, but baking time will depend on the size of your cookies and your oven.
7. Cool. Remove from the oven and let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Make the Glaze
1. Stir the milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract into the sifted confectioner’s sugar until smooth.
2. Divide the glaze into small bowls if you want different colors. Add a drop or two of gel food coloring to each bowl and mix.
3. Dip the tops of the cooled cookies into the glaze.
4. Immediately sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles.
5. Allow the glaze to set and dry before serving.

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Timestamps

00:00 Intro
00:32 Ingredients
00:46 Making the Dough
02:10 Forming the Cookies
03:56 Making the Glaze
06:10 Glazing and Decorating
07:48 Taste Test & Outro