If you are looking for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the joy of the season, the Easter Knot Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These charming, soft cookies tied into cute little knots bring both sweetness and a touch of whimsy to any Easter celebration. With a bright hint of lemon or vanilla and a glossy, sugary glaze topped with colorful sprinkles, these cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re baking with family or surprising friends, this recipe will quickly become a beloved tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this simple yet flavorful recipe is the first step toward delightful Easter treats. Each component has a purpose, whether it’s creating soft dough, adding a zesty kick, or delivering that irresistible glaze and crunch from the sprinkles.
- 300g plain flour: The foundation of your cookie’s tender crumb and structure.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a light texture without puffing too much.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors perfectly.
- 3 large eggs: Adds richness and helps bind everything together.
- 100g sugar: Sweetens the dough and promotes a golden finish when baked.
- 80g unsalted butter (melted): Brings a silky texture and buttery taste.
- 1 tsp lemon zest or vanilla extract: Introduces a fresh or warm aroma that makes these cookies extra special.
- 60ml milk: Brings moisture for a smooth, workable dough.
- 150g icing sugar: Creates the shiny, flavorful glaze coating the cookies.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or milk for milder flavor): Adds tangy brightness or subtle creaminess to the glaze.
- Colourful sprinkles (optional): Gives that festive pop of color, perfect for Easter celebrations.
How to Make Easter Knot Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Begin by whisking together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl—this ensures even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until you achieve a light, fluffy texture that brings air into the mixture. Stir in melted butter, lemon zest (or vanilla), and milk to add richness and flavor. Finally, fold the dry ingredients into the wet slowly, forming a soft, pliable dough that’s ready to be shaped.
Step 2: Shape the Knots
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). To shape the cookies, take small portions of dough and roll each into ropes roughly 15cm long. Tie each rope into a loose knot—the imperfect charm of these shapes is part of their appeal. Place the knots spaced out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake your knot cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, keeping a close eye as they turn lightly golden on the edges. This stage locks in the soft texture with a hint of crispness on the outside. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing, so the glaze adheres beautifully.
Step 4: Glaze and Decorate
Mix the icing sugar with lemon juice (or milk) until you have a smooth, pourable glaze. Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off. Right after glazing, sprinkle your colorful decorations generously on top—this final touch makes the cookies festive and inviting.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Let the glaze set for a few minutes until it forms a lovely shiny coat. These Easter Knot Cookies are absolutely perfect served alongside a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee, offering a tender, sweet bite with a citrusy zing or vanilla warmth that complements any gathering.
How to Serve Easter Knot Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of colorful sugar beads or pastel-colored nonpareils instantly captures the spirit of Easter. Fresh edible flowers like violets or marigold petals can elevate the look for a brunch or afternoon tea, adding a natural charm that’s both beautiful and edible.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with light refreshments such as a citrusy herbal tea, creamy hot chocolate, or fresh fruit salad. The soft sweetness and subtle lemon notes in the cookies balance well with tangy berries or velvety dairy-based drinks, making your entire Easter spread shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Easter Knot Cookies in the shape of a wreath on a festive plate, or fill a pastel-colored basket lined with a pretty napkin for a lovely gift idea. You can also thread a few knotted cookies onto pastel ribbons to create a charming edible garland for a party table display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Easter Knot Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The glaze may soften slightly over time but will still hold onto that wonderful flavor and tender texture.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies ahead of time, freeze the baked and cooled knots in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to one month, maintaining their delightful texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies after freezing, simply thaw them at room temperature and warm them briefly in a low oven (about 150°C) for 5 minutes. This refreshes the texture and enhances the glaze’s shine, making them taste freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I substitute lemon zest for vanilla extract?
Absolutely! Both options work beautifully in the Easter Knot Cookies Recipe. Lemon zest brightens the flavor with a citrusy punch, while vanilla adds warm, comforting notes. Choose based on your preference or mix both for a unique twist.
Are these cookies suitable for kids to make?
Yes, this recipe is fantastic for baking with kids. Shaping the dough into knots is a fun, hands-on activity that little ones love, and decorating with sprinkles allows for creativity. Just be sure to supervise during baking and handling of hot trays.
Can I use gluten-free flour?
You can try substituting plain flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. The texture may vary slightly, but with a good blend that includes xanthan gum or similar binders, you should still get lovely, soft Easter Knot Cookies.
How do I avoid the glaze running off the cookies?
Make sure your cookies are completely cool before dipping them into the glaze. Also, the glaze consistency should be thick enough to coat but not too runny. Allowing the glaze to set on a wire rack helps prevent pooling underneath.
Can I add other flavors to the dough?
Definitely! While the classic lemon or vanilla flavor works wonderfully, you can experiment with almond extract, orange zest, or even a hint of cinnamon for a cozy variation. Just adjust quantities so the flavors balance nicely without overpowering.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly heartwarming about bringing out a batch of these delightful Easter Knot Cookies, sharing smiles around the table, and savoring their sweet, tender taste. I hope you give this Easter Knot Cookies Recipe a try to make your celebrations extra special. Baking these charming cookies is more than just making dessert; it’s about creating joyful moments and tasty memories you’ll treasure year after year.
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Easter Knot Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easter Knot Cookies are delightful, soft baked cookies shaped into charming knots, glazed with a tangy lemon icing and decorated with colorful sprinkles. Easy to prepare and perfect for festive occasions or tea time, these cookies combine subtle citrus notes with a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 300g plain flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 100g sugar
- 80g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp lemon zest (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- 60ml milk
Glaze and Decoration
- 150g icing sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or milk for a milder flavor)
- Colourful sprinkles (optional for decoration)
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a bowl, whisk together the plain flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the melted butter, lemon zest (or vanilla extract), and milk. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and combine until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the knots: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Take small pieces of dough and roll each into approximately 15cm long ropes. Tie each rope into a loose knot and place the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Once baked, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze and decorate: In a small bowl, mix the icing sugar with lemon juice until you achieve a smooth glaze. Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Optionally, sprinkle colorful decorations on top while the glaze is still wet.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set completely before serving. These cookies are perfect to enjoy with your favorite tea or coffee.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder glaze, substitute lemon juice with milk.
- To enhance flavor, you can experiment with vanilla extract instead of lemon zest.
- Ensure the dough is not too sticky; if needed, chill it briefly before shaping.
- Use a wire rack for cooling to maintain crispness of the glaze.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
