Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti – Soft, Sweet & Traditional

Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti are soft, lightly sweet knot cookies topped with a simple lemon glaze and festive sprinkles. They taste bright, tender, and perfect for Easter dessert tables. Best of all, you can make them easily with pantry staples.

What Are Italian Easter Cookies (Uncinetti)?

Italian Easter Cookies, also known as Uncinetti, are traditional knot shaped cookies that families bake during the Easter season. They have a soft, cake like texture and a mild lemon flavor. Then, after baking, you dip them in a simple glaze and add colorful sprinkles.

Unlike crispy cookies, these stay tender and light. Because of that, they feel simple and comforting. In fact, many Italian grandmothers prepare big batches to share with neighbors and family.

Although recipes vary by region, most versions use flour, sugar, eggs, butter, and lemon zest. As a result, the flavor stays clean and delicate. Meanwhile, the bright glaze gives them that classic Easter look.

I remember seeing trays of Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti lined up in my aunt’s kitchen every spring. The smell of lemon always meant Easter was close. And honestly, nothing feels more festive than biting into one with coffee after Sunday dinner.

What Does “Uncinetti” Mean?

The word Uncinetti comes from the Italian word for crochet hook. That makes sense because the dough gets shaped into little knots that look like loops or hooks.

So, when you roll the dough into ropes and twist them, you create that signature shape. Although simple, the knot design makes Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti instantly recognizable on any dessert table.

The Origin and Easter Tradition Behind These Cookies

Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti have deep roots in Southern Italy. Families traditionally baked them to celebrate renewal and spring.

Because Easter symbolizes new beginnings, these sweet knots became part of holiday gatherings. Over time, each region added small twists, yet the lemon glaze and pastel sprinkles stayed classic.

Today, many families continue the tradition. As a result, baking these cookies often becomes a yearly ritual that brings generations together.

Why You’ll Love These Traditional Italian Easter Cookies

Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti feel simple, yet they taste special. They are not too sweet, so everyone enjoys them. Plus, you can make them ahead of time, which makes holiday prep easier.

Soft Texture with a Light Lemon Flavor

First, the texture stays soft and tender. Then, the lemon zest adds a fresh brightness without overpowering the cookie.

Because of that balance, the cookies taste light instead of heavy.

Perfect for Easter Dessert Tables and Gifting

These cookies look beautiful with pastel sprinkles. So, they fit perfectly next to treats like Easter Brownies Amazing Fudgy Holiday Dessert or Easter Blossom Cookies Amazing Festive Treat.

You can also wrap them in clear bags for sweet homemade gifts.

Easy, Beginner-Friendly Recipe

Even if you rarely bake, you can make Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti without stress. The dough comes together quickly. Then, shaping the knots becomes fun and simple.

Ingredients for Italian Easter Cookies

Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti use basic pantry ingredients. That makes them budget friendly and easy to plan.

Dry Ingredients

You need all purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In addition, fresh lemon zest gives the cookies their signature flavor.

Wet Ingredients

Use one egg, softened butter, and milk. First, the butter adds richness. Then, the egg binds everything together. Meanwhile, the milk keeps the dough soft.

Lemon Glaze Ingredients

For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice. Stir until smooth. As a result, you get a glossy finish that hardens slightly.

Optional Decorations

Pastel sprinkles add a festive Easter touch. Although optional, they truly complete the look of Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti.

How to Make Italian Easter Cookies Step by Step

Making Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti feels simple when you break it into steps.

Prepare the Dough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest in a bowl.

Next, add softened butter, egg, and milk. Mix until a soft dough forms. However, do not overmix. Once combined, the dough should feel smooth but not sticky.

Shape the Traditional Knot (Uncinetti Shape)

Lightly flour your surface. Then, pinch off small pieces of dough.

Roll each piece into a rope about five inches long. Next, gently tie it into a loose knot. Place each knot on a lined baking sheet.

Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, watch the bottoms carefully.

The tops should stay pale, yet the bottoms turn lightly golden. As soon as they set, remove them and let them cool.

Prepare and Apply the Lemon Glaze

While the cookies cool, whisk powdered sugar with milk or lemon juice.

Once the cookies cool completely, dip the tops into the glaze. Then, let excess drip off.

Add Sprinkles and Let Set

Immediately add sprinkles while the glaze stays wet. After that, allow the glaze to dry fully.

This step helps Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti hold their shine and texture.

What Do Italian Easter Cookies Taste Like?

Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti taste light and mildly sweet. They are not overly sugary, which makes them easy to enjoy.

Mildly Sweet and Light

Because the dough contains little sugar, the flavor stays gentle. Meanwhile, the glaze adds just enough sweetness.

Similar to Sweet Taralli

They resemble soft sweet taralli. However, they feel more cake like and tender.

Perfect with Coffee or Tea

Pair Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti with espresso or tea. As a result, the lemon flavor shines even more.

Tips for Perfect Uncinetti Every Time

Small details make a big difference when baking Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti.

Don’t Overwork the Dough

Once the dough comes together, stop mixing. Otherwise, the cookies may turn dense.

Keep the Knots Uniform in Size

Try to keep ropes equal in length. That way, they bake evenly.

Let Cookies Cool Before Glazing

Always cool completely before glazing. Otherwise, the glaze will melt.

Adjust Glaze Thickness for Best Results

If glaze feels too thick, add a few drops of liquid. However, if it feels thin, add more powdered sugar.

How to Store Italian Easter Cookies

Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti store well, which makes them perfect for holiday prep.

Storing at Room Temperature

Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to one week.

Freezing the Dough or Baked Cookies

You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in layers with parchment paper.

Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations and Flavor Ideas

Although traditional Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti use lemon, you can change flavors easily.

Add Vanilla or Almond Extract

A splash of vanilla makes them warmer. Meanwhile, almond extract adds a classic Italian twist.

Orange Zest Instead of Lemon

Swap lemon zest for orange zest for a sweeter citrus note.

Colored Glaze for a Festive Look

Add a drop of food coloring to the glaze. Then, create soft pastel shades.

Sprinkle-Free Classic Version

Skip sprinkles for a simple white glazed look.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Easter Cookies

Other Recipes You May Enjoy

• Easter Dirt Cups Amazing Easy Festive Treat
• Vegan Lemon Blueberry Cake Amazing Easter Treat
• Banana Pudding Easter Truffles Amazing Easy Easter Treat
• Easter Egg Cheesecake Recipe That Will Make You Smile

For more holiday inspiration, you can also follow along on Pinterest at pinterest where I share seasonal baking ideas and festive treats.

Conclusion

Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti bring simple joy to any Easter celebration. They are soft, lightly sweet, and beautifully festive. Because they use basic ingredients, you can bake them without stress. So, gather your family, shape those little knots, and start a sweet tradition this Easter.