Description
Easter Knot Cookies are delightful, soft, and subtly flavored Italian-American treats traditionally enjoyed during the Easter season. These knotted cookies are coated with a sweet vanilla glaze and colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for spring celebrations or any festive occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup milk
Decoration
- Colored sprinkles for decorating
Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3–4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time ensuring each egg is fully incorporated. Then add the vanilla extract, almond extract if using, and milk, blending thoroughly to create a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Shape the Cookies: Lightly flour your hands. Take approximately one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a rope about 6 inches long. Carefully tie each rope into a loose knot and place the knots on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired consistency.
- Glaze and Decorate: Dip the top of each cooled cookie into the glaze and immediately sprinkle with colored sprinkles for a festive look. Let the glaze set fully before serving or storing.
Notes
- These cookies are traditionally served during Easter but are great for any spring celebration or festive occasion.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- If almond extract is not preferred, it can be omitted without affecting the overall flavor significantly.
- For best results, use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and proper texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
