Italian Easter Cookies : Easy Uncinetti Recipe

Every spring, I pull out my mixing bowl and make Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti while the scent of lemon zest fills the kitchen. The dough comes together quickly, and soon little knots rest on the baking sheet. In that moment, Easter feels close, warm, and wonderfully simple.

What Are Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti?

Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti are traditional knotted cookies that families bake during Holy Week. They have a mildly sweet flavor, a soft biscuit like texture, and a bright lemon aroma. Because they are not overly sweet, they pair perfectly with coffee or tea.
Moreover, Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti bake in about 15 minutes. So, you can prepare them even on a busy afternoon. The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, and you can finish them with a light lemon glaze or just a dusting of powdered sugar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients

First, you likely have everything you need already. Flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, egg, butter, and milk come together easily. As a result, Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti feel approachable for any home cook.

Quick prep and bake time

Next, prep takes about 10 minutes. Then, baking takes around 15 to 18 minutes. Therefore, you can enjoy fresh Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti in about 25 minutes total.

Traditional Easter symbolism and shape

Meanwhile, the knotted shape carries meaning. Families shape Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti into loops or knots that symbolize continuity and faith. Because of that, shaping them feels like part of the Easter ritual.

Customizable glaze and decorations

Finally, you can flavor the glaze with lemon or almond. You can also add colorful sprinkles. So, each batch of Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti can look festive while staying traditional.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the dough

You need 1½ cups plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour, about 200 grams. Also add 3¼ tablespoons granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Include a pinch of salt, or ¼ teaspoon if you use unsalted butter.
Then, add the zest of one lemon for that fresh aroma. Crack in 1 large egg. Pour in ¼ cup melted and cooled butter and 4 tablespoons milk. However, you can replace butter with light olive oil if you prefer.

For the glaze

For the glaze, measure 1½ to 2 cups powdered sugar. Then, stir in about 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon milk. You can also add a drop of almond extract. Finally, top with sprinkles for a festive Easter touch.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Italian Easter Cookies

Mix the dry ingredients

First, heat your oven to 300°F or 150°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest in a bowl. Stir well so everything mixes evenly.

Add the wet ingredients and form the dough

Next, add the egg, melted butter, and milk. Use a fork to mix at first. Then, knead with your hands until the dough feels smooth. If it sticks, add a little flour.

Shape the cookies

Now, divide the dough into small pieces. Roll each piece into a thin rope about 5 to 6 inches long. Then, shape into knots or circles in the traditional Uncinetti style. Place them on the baking sheet.

Bake to perfection

Bake Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti for 15 to 18 minutes at 300°F. They should look lightly golden. However, you can bake them at 350°F for about 13 minutes if you prefer a slightly quicker bake. Watch closely so they do not overbake.

Glaze and finish

Let the cookies cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk until smooth. Then, drizzle the glaze over the cookies. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

What Does “Uncinetti” Mean?

The word Uncinetti relates to crochet. In fact, it describes the looped and knotted look of the cookies. Because Italian Easter Cookies Uncinetti twist into small knots, they resemble delicate crochet work passed down through tradition.

Origin and Easter Tradition of Uncinetti

Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti come from Calabria, especially the Province of Vibo Valentia. Families prepare them around Palm Sunday and Easter.
Moreover, each family keeps its own shaping style. Some prefer tight knots, while others make simple rings. Over time, these small differences turn into treasured family customs.

What Do Italian Easter Knot Cookies Taste Like?

Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti taste lightly sweet with a gentle lemon note. Their texture feels firm yet tender, similar to sweet taralli.
Then, the glaze adds brightness and a touch more sweetness. As a result, the cookies feel balanced and pleasant, not heavy.

Tips for Perfect Uncinetti Every Time

Adjusting baking time for your oven

Because ovens vary, check the cookies at 15 minutes. If they look pale, bake a few minutes longer. However, avoid overbaking to keep them from drying out.

Achieving smooth, soft dough

If the dough feels dry, add a small splash of milk. On the other hand, if it feels sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour. Knead gently until smooth.

Adding flavor variations

You can increase the lemon zest for stronger flavor. Also, try almond extract or even a hint of anise. Therefore, Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti can reflect your family’s taste.

Decorating for Easter

After glazing, add pastel sprinkles for a festive look. Or, keep them simple with powdered sugar. Either way, they look beautiful on an Easter table.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Instructions

Store Italian Easter Cookies / Uncinetti in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They stay fresh and lightly firm.
You can also freeze the dough for up to three months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator, then shape and bake as usual. This recipe makes about 15 cookies, so it works well for small gatherings or as part of a larger Easter desserts recipes spread.
Each cookie contains about 76 calories. It has roughly 9 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams protein, 4 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 23 mg cholesterol, 38 mg sodium, and 1 gram fiber.

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Conclusion

Italian Easter Cookies Uncinetti remind us that tradition often lives in simple recipes. They use basic ingredients, yet they carry history and meaning in every knot. So, gather your family, shape the dough together, and enjoy these lightly sweet cookies with coffee, conversation, and a little Easter joy.

For more seasonal baking inspiration, you can also follow along on Pinterest and join our community on Facebook.

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