Introduction
Easter is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. And what better way to celebrate than with Italian Easter Doll Cookies? These festive treats are a staple in many Italian households and are sure to impress your guests. In this blog post, we will share two different recipes for Italian Easter Doll Cookies that are sure to delight your taste buds.
Recipe 1: Classic Italian Easter Doll Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- Colored sprinkles
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into small balls and shape them into doll shapes, making a small indentation for the head.
- Add colored sprinkles for decoration.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter
- Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions:
- These cookies are perfect for an Easter dessert table or as a sweet treat for your guests.
Variations:
- You can add lemon zest or orange zest to the dough for a citrusy flavor.
- Try using different colored sprinkles to match your Easter theme.
Substitutions:
- You can use margarine instead of butter if you prefer.
- If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute it with more vanilla extract.
Storage:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened before mixing it with the sugar.
- To make the indentation for the head, use the back of a small spoon or your finger.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the origin of Italian Easter Doll Cookies?
- Italian Easter Doll Cookies, also known as Pupa Cu L’ova, originated in Sicily and are traditionally made to celebrate Easter.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Recipe 2: Chocolate Italian Easter Doll Cookies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- Colored sprinkles
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into small balls and shape them into doll shapes, making a small indentation for the head.
- Add colored sprinkles for decoration.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes and enjoy!
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 70mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 2g
Cooking Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter
- Baking sheet
Serving Suggestions:
- These cookies are perfect for an Easter dessert table or as a sweet treat for your guests.
Variations:
- You can add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture.
- Try using different colored sprinkles to match your Easter theme.
Substitutions:
- You can use margarine instead of butter if you prefer.
- If you don’t have almond extract, you can substitute it with more vanilla extract.
Storage:
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened before mixing it with the sugar.
- To make the indentation for the head, use the back of a small spoon or your finger.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the origin of Italian Easter Doll Cookies?
- Italian Easter Doll Cookies, also known as Pupa Cu L’ova, originated in Sicily and are traditionally made to celebrate Easter.
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes, you can make the dough a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
Personal Thoughts
Italian Easter Doll Cookies are a fun and festive treat that are perfect for Easter celebrations. Both the classic and chocolate versions are delicious and easy to make. I love the addition of colored sprinkles, which add a pop of color and make the cookies even more festive. These cookies are sure to impress your guests and become a family favorite. In summary, Italian Easter Doll Cookies are a must-try for anyone looking for a