Description
Delightfully soft and chewy Italian Easter cookies, flavored with lemon and anise, topped with colorful sprinkles, perfect for spring celebrations and sharing during Easter.
Ingredients
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon anise extract (or 1 teaspoon ground anise seeds)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
Colored sprinkles or nonpareils for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the anise extract, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, stirring until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms.
- Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls, placing them about 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
- Gently flatten each ball with your fingers and sprinkle the tops with colorful sprinkles.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden but centers remain soft.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
You can substitute anise extract with almond extract or omit it entirely.
Using ground anise seeds offers a more natural anise flavor.
Finely chopped almonds or pistachios can be added for a nutty twist.
Orange zest can replace lemon zest for a sweeter citrus aroma.
Dipping cooled cookies in melted white chocolate adds indulgence.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Microwaving for 10 seconds refreshes softness without drying out cookies.
Cookies do not freeze well due to texture changes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: Amount not specified
- Sodium: Amount not specified
- Fat: Amount not specified
- Saturated Fat: Amount not specified
- Unsaturated Fat: Amount not specified
- Trans Fat: Amount not specified
- Carbohydrates: Amount not specified
- Fiber: Amount not specified
- Protein: Amount not specified
- Cholesterol: Amount not specified
