Italian Easter Cookies (Uncinetti)

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Delights.

These traditional Italian Easter Cookies, known as Uncinetti, bring a touch of Italian heritage to your holiday celebrations. Made with a straightforward dough that combines the bright flavors of lemon zest with simple ingredients, these cookies are shaped into delicate knots or circles before baking. What makes them special is their versatility - while traditionally served at Easter, their light, not-too-sweet nature and elegant lemon glaze make them perfect for any occasion. The recipe stays true to Italian baking traditions while being accessible to home bakers, creating cookies that are both rustic and refined. Whether enjoyed with morning coffee or as an after-dinner treat, these cookies offer a taste of authentic Italian holiday baking.
Home Delicious Recipes
Updated on Sun, 23 Feb 2025 16:05:33 GMT
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Italian Easter Cookies, known as Uncinetti, embody the essence of traditional Southern Italian baking with their delicate simplicity and subtle sweetness. These elegant knot-shaped cookies feature a tender dough infused with bright lemon zest, finished with a light glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness. Originally from Calabria's Vibo Valentia province, these cookies carry the warmth of Italian family gatherings and Easter celebrations.

During my first trip to Southern Italy, I discovered these cookies in a small bakery. The owner shared that her grandmother's recipe had been passed down for generations, each family adding their own subtle touches.

Essential Elements

  • All-purpose flour: Creates perfect tender texture
  • Fresh lemon zest: Provides authentic citrus notes
  • Quality butter: Must be melted and cooled properly
  • Fresh egg: Binds ingredients perfectly
  • Baking powder: Ensures proper rise
  • Powdered sugar: Creates silky smooth glaze
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Creating Perfect Cookies

Dough Development:
Mix ingredients gently until just combined. Overworking leads to tough cookies.
Shaping Technique:
Roll dough ropes evenly for consistent thickness. Form knots with care for traditional appearance.
Baking Precision:
Watch carefully for light golden color. Each oven varies slightly.
Glaze Application:
Apply glaze when cookies are completely cool for best finish.

My Italian grandmother always said these cookies should be "tender enough to yield but firm enough to dunk." Her wisdom guides every batch I make.

Perfect Pairings

Serve these traditional cookies alongside espresso or cappuccino for breakfast, or pair with afternoon tea. They're particularly lovely with limoncello for special occasions.

Creative Variations

While maintaining respect for tradition, try orange zest instead of lemon, or add anise seeds for classic Italian flavor. Some families add a touch of vanilla to the glaze.

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Storage Success

Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually improve slightly after a day as flavors meld. Freeze unglazed cookies for up to three months.

After years of making these cookies, especially during Easter season, I've found that their beauty lies in their simplicity. The way the light glaze sets on the delicate knots, how the subtle lemon brightens each bite - these cookies represent the heart of Italian baking: simple ingredients transformed through tradition and care into something truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, they keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. The dough can also be frozen for up to three months.
→ Can I substitute the butter?
Yes, you can use light olive oil instead of butter for a more traditional Italian version.
→ Why are my cookies too hard?
Be careful not to overbake. They should be just lightly golden. Also, don't overmix the dough when kneading.
→ Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Yes, adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or more milk to thin it out.
→ Do these need to be refrigerated?
No, these cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week.

Italian Easter Cookies (Uncinetti)

Traditional Italian Easter Cookies (Uncinetti) featuring a simple lemon-scented dough and sweet glaze, perfect for holiday celebrations.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Desserts & Baking

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 15 Servings (15 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Cookies

01 1 1/2 cups + 2 tablespoons all purpose flour (200 grams total)
02 3 1/4 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 1 pinch salt (1/4 teaspoon if using unsalted butter)
05 zest of one lemon
06 1 large egg
07 1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
08 4 tablespoons milk (2%)

→ For the Lemon Glaze

09 1 1/2 - 2 cups powdered sugar
10 1 tablespoon lemon juice
11 1 tablespoon milk

Instructions

Step 01

Pre-heat oven to 300F (150C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a large bowl whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and lemon zest. Make a well in the middle and add the egg, butter and milk. With a fork combine until mixture is almost combined.

Step 03

Move mixture to a flat surface and gently knead to form a smooth dough.

Step 04

Remove pieces of dough to form 5-6 inches (13-16 cm) ropes, make sure the ropes are quite thin then form to make a knot, or join them together to form circles if preferred.

Step 05

Place on prepared cookie sheet and bake for approximately 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden.

Step 06

In a small bowl add the sifted powdered sugar, lemon juice and milk, combine to desired thickness, adding more milk as needed.

Step 07

Let cookies cool then cover with lemon glaze or dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

  1. Baking time may vary, keep an eye on cookies
  2. Can be baked at 350F for 13 minutes as an alternative
  3. Light olive oil can be substituted for butter
  4. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week
  5. Dough can be frozen for up to three months

Tools You'll Need

  • Large cookie sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Small bowl for glaze

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Wheat

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 76
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 2 g