There’s something magical about homemade cookies, and Easter Knot Cookies are no exception. These little bites of joy are soft, slightly sweet, and beautifully twisted into delicate knots. They’re a holiday tradition in many Italian households, and once you try them, you’ll understand why. With a tender crumb and a hint of citrus, they melt in your mouth and leave you craving just one more. Whether you’re making them for Easter brunch, a family gathering, or just because, trust me—this one’s a game-changer.
Why You’ll Love Easter Knot Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re baking with loved ones, gifting a batch to friends, or treating yourself to a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
Versatile
They’re great for Easter, but honestly, they work year-round. Swap the pastel sprinkles for holiday colors, and you’ve got Christmas cookies. No occasion? No problem. These are perfect for any sweet craving.
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple pantry staples, these cookies don’t require any fancy or expensive ingredients, making them an affordable yet delightful treat.
Quick and Easy
No complicated steps, no special equipment—just mix, shape, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
Customizable
Want a different flavor? Add almond extract, a touch of anise, or even a little lemon zest. Prefer a glaze with extra sweetness? Go for it!
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single recipe can satisfy everyone at the table. These cookies strike the perfect balance of flavor and nostalgia, making them a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Easter Knot Cookies
Here’s what makes these cookies so irresistible. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of softness and flavor.
Eggs: The foundation of the dough, giving the cookies their tender texture and richness.
Butter: Adds that melt-in-your-mouth goodness and a touch of indulgence.
Sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to make these cookies light and flavorful.
Vanilla Extract: A classic ingredient that enhances the overall taste.
Baking Powder: The secret to the cookies’ soft and airy texture.
Flour: The structure of the cookies, keeping everything perfectly balanced.
Milk: Helps bind the dough and keep the cookies moist.
Lemon Zest: Adds a refreshing citrusy brightness that complements the sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: Used for the glaze, giving the cookies a sweet and glossy finish.
Sprinkles: The festive touch that makes these cookies perfect for Easter.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Stir until well combined and slightly frothy.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a dough forms.
Shape the Dough
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into thin ropes. Twist each rope into a knot and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
Prepare the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and a little milk until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
Glaze and Decorate
Dip each cooled cookie into the glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place them back on the rack and immediately sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before the glaze sets.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the glaze fully set before serving. Enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of coffee, tea, or just as they are!
Notes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 120 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Easter Knot Cookies
These cookies are perfect as a light dessert, a snack with tea or coffee, or even as a fun addition to your Easter brunch spread. Arrange them on a festive platter, gift them in a decorative tin, or simply enjoy them fresh out of the oven.
Additional Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding a dash of almond extract or anise.
- If the dough feels too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 15 minutes before shaping.
- Let the cookies cool completely before glazing to avoid melting.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week to keep them fresh.
- If you want a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add more milk.
FAQs
Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes! They stay fresh for several days in an airtight container, making them great for prepping in advance.
Can I freeze the dough? Absolutely. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Can I use different citrus zest? Yes! Lemon zest is traditional, but orange or lime zest also works beautifully.
Can I skip the glaze? Of course! They’re still delicious without it, but the glaze adds a little extra sweetness and charm.
How do I keep the cookies soft? Store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread—the moisture from the bread will keep them from drying out.
Can I make them gluten-free? Yes, just substitute with a good quality gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Butter is best for flavor, but margarine can work in a pinch.
What if I don’t have a piping bag for the glaze? No worries! Just drizzle it with a spoon or dip the cookies directly into the glaze.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, just be sure to bake in batches to avoid overcrowding the oven.
Why do my cookies spread too much? Make sure your dough isn’t too warm. Chilling it before shaping helps maintain the perfect knot shape.
Conclusion
Easter Knot Cookies are a delightful, nostalgic treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a special gathering, or just a cozy day at home, they’re sure to be a hit. Soft, sweet, and bursting with citrusy goodness—trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Happy baking!
Print
Easter Knot Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Cookies / Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American (with a festive twist)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Light, buttery cookies twisted into charming knots that celebrate the joy of Easter. These festive treats have a crisp exterior with a tender crumb and can be decorated with colorful icing or sprinkles for an extra touch of holiday fun.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: Food coloring, icing, and sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each portion into a long rope and form into a knot shape, pinching the ends to secure.
- Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once completely cooled, decorate with colored icing and sprinkles if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping.
- Experiment with different colors or add a hint of lemon zest for a twist on the traditional flavor.
- Ensure the butter is soft (but not melted) for the best texture in your dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg