Recipe: Italian Easter Cookies – Bright, Buttery & Festive Rings

There are few things more joyful than baking a cookie that looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale. That’s exactly how I feel every time I make Italian Easter Cookies, or Ciambelle di Pasqua—those colorful, buttery ring cookies that bring a little sparkle to spring.

But these cookies aren’t just about the vibrant swirls or the sprinkles that make kids’ eyes light up. They’re about tradition, family, and the unmistakable feeling of celebration that comes with Easter in an Italian household.

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A Cookie Full of Memories

Growing up, I looked forward to Easter for many reasons—coloring eggs, wearing my “fancy” Sunday dress, and of course, the endless trays of Italian cookies. But these rainbow-ring cookies? They were the stars of the dessert table.

I remember my Nonna rolling out the dough, separating it into bowls, and carefully tinting each one with food coloring. Her hands moved so surely, even though she wasn’t following a recipe. She didn’t need one. These cookies were second nature—baked year after year, passed down from her mother and grandmother before her.

Now that she’s gone, making these cookies has become my way of keeping her close. Each time I pipe the dough through a star-tip and form it into those delicate rings, I feel like I’m connecting with her all over again.

What Makes These Cookies So Special?

These Italian Easter cookies aren’t overly sweet. They have a mild, buttery flavor, with a hint of vanilla or citrus, depending on what extract you use. The texture is soft but slightly crumbly, and they practically melt in your mouth.

But let’s be honest—the real fun is in their appearance. With their rainbow swirls, round wreath-like shape, and cheerful sprinkles, they’re a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. They look fancy, but trust me—they’re easier to make than you’d think.

They’re perfect for gifting, great for Easter brunch, and they make adorable additions to dessert platters. Plus, they store beautifully, making them ideal for baking ahead.

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Ingredients: What You’ll Need

The base dough for these cookies is simple, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.

For the Cookie Dough:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or almond or lemon, your choice)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 cups (310g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Decoration:

• Food coloring (gel preferred for vibrant color) – 4 to 5 colors
• Sprinkles – rainbow nonpareils or pastel confetti
• Piping bags and a large open star tip (Wilton 6B or similar)

Note: If you don’t have piping bags, you can use a plastic zip-top bag with the corner snipped, but the defined ridges really add charm!

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Extract

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in your chosen extract. I love vanilla for a classic taste, but almond or lemon give a festive spring twist.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.

Tip: If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it firms up slightly. It should be pipeable but not loose.

Step 4: Divide and Color

Divide the dough into 4–5 equal portions and tint each with a different food coloring. Knead the color in gently until even. I recommend gel food coloring because it gives brighter hues without thinning the dough.

Step 5: Prepare to Pipe

Roll small logs of each colored dough and place them side by side. Wrap them in plastic wrap and roll gently to fuse them together. Load into a large piping bag fitted with a star tip.

Alternative method: Use multiple piping bags, each with a single color, and feed them all into a larger bag for a true rainbow swirl!

Step 6: Pipe the Cookies

Pipe 2-inch rings onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. To make a perfect ring, start at one point and swirl around, connecting the ends cleanly.

Sprinkle generously with rainbow nonpareils or sugar confetti.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

Place the trays in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden.

Let cool completely on wire racks.

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Baking Tips for Success

These cookies are pretty forgiving, but here are a few tips to help make your batch extra amazing:

• Use softened butter, not melted. This helps the cookies hold their shape.
• Chill the dough rings before baking. It prevents them from spreading too much and losing that ridged, piped look.
• Don’t overbake! These cookies should be just golden on the bottom, not browned. Overbaking will make them dry.
• Experiment with flavors. Try lemon zest in the dough, or even a dash of anise extract for a traditional Italian flavor.

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Customize Your Cookies

You can have so much fun with this dough. Want to keep it simple? Stick with one pastel color and sprinkles. Feeling extra creative? Try piping hearts, stars, or even initials.

If you’re baking with kids, let them decorate with edible glitter, shaped sprinkles, or even dip cooled cookies into white chocolate for a glossy finish.

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Why They Belong on Every Easter Table

These cookies aren’t just beautiful—they symbolize celebration and the coming of spring. Their circular shape represents eternity and renewal, making them especially meaningful for Easter. In many Italian families, they’re also tied with ribbon and placed in Easter baskets alongside chocolate eggs and other goodies.

In our house, these cookies are the first sign that spring has officially arrived. They sit in big glass jars on the counter and somehow disappear before Easter Sunday even rolls around.

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