Easter Knot Cookies Recipe

Get ready to bake a batch of absolute joy with these Easter Knot Cookies! These soft, melt-in-your-mouth treats are a celebration of everything we love about springtime baking: bright sprinkles, a tender crumb, and a heavenly glaze that’s just sweet enough. They’re as pretty as they are delicious, making them the perfect centerpiece for your holiday dessert table, or just a sweet snack with coffee any day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying these for the first time, you’ll fall in love with the tradition, flavor, and fun that come with every bite of Easter Knot Cookies!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

To bring these Easter Knot Cookies to life, you only need a handful of kitchen staples and a colorful flourish of sprinkles. Each ingredient plays its part, contributing to the cookies’ pillowy texture, subtle almond-vanilla flavor, and irresistible festive charm.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the dough, giving these cookies structure while keeping them soft.
• Baking powder: For the perfect lift, making the knots puff up beautifully in the oven.
• Salt: Enhances every flavor in the cookie, balancing out the sweetness.
• Large eggs (room temperature): Creating a rich, tender dough and helping the cookies hold their shape.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness for both kids and adults to love.
• Unsalted butter (melted & cooled): Gives a subtle richness and that signature soft texture.
• Vanilla extract: For warm, nostalgic notes in every bite—there’s no skipping this classic!
• Almond extract: The secret ingredient behind their traditional flavor; a little drop goes a long way.
• Milk: Just enough to keep the dough supple and easy to work with.
• Powdered sugar (for glaze): Whips up into a smooth, shiny glaze that sets perfectly atop each knot.
• Additional milk (for glaze): To get that pretty, pourable consistency for dipping the cookies.
• Vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a touch of flavor that ties everything together.
• Colorful sprinkles for topping: Because what’s an Easter Knot Cookie without a cheerful, festive finish?

How to Make Easter Knot Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for action. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the cookies from sticking. A little early prep goes a long way in happy baking!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This simple step ensures everything gets evenly distributed—no surprise pockets of salt or baking powder to worry about in your soft cookies.

Step 3: Create the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This not only dissolves the sugar but also introduces a bit of air, which helps keep the Easter Knot Cookies light and tender.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

Stir in the melted and cooled butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk into your egg mixture. These bring a silky richness and layer the cookie dough with those irresistible flavors that set these cookies apart.

Step 5: Combine Everything Into Dough

Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overwork it—just mix until you don’t see streaks of flour. If the dough feels too sticky, add a tablespoon more flour until manageable.

Step 6: Shape the Knots

With floured hands, divide the dough into tablespoon-sized pieces. Roll each piece into a rope about 6 inches long, then gently form a knot and place it on the prepared baking sheets. This part is fun for kids and adults alike—you’ll be amazed at how quickly you get the hang of it!

Step 7: Bake

Slide the trays into your preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms just start turning a soft golden color. Keep an eye on them; you want them light and fluffy, not browned. Let the cookies cool on a wire rack before glazing.

Step 8: Glaze and Decorate

While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Dip the top of each cooled knot into the glaze, then immediately shower on your favorite colorful sprinkles. Set aside to allow the glaze to firm up before digging in or serving!

How to Serve Easter Knot Cookies

Garnishes

Let your creativity shine by finishing your Easter Knot Cookies with a rainbow of sprinkles, pearl sugars, or even edible glitter for extra sparkle. Each garnish adds not just a pop of color but a playful crunch and even more festive personality to every cookie.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies with a pot of freshly brewed coffee, a mug of hot chocolate, or a cold glass of milk for an irresistible treat. They also pair beautifully with a bowl of fresh berries or a scoop of fruity sorbet for a light, spring-inspired dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile Easter Knot Cookies high on a tiered cake stand for visual drama, or arrange them in pretty paper cupcake liners and tuck them in a gift box for the most charming homemade present. You can even string them on a ribbon as edible garlands for an Easter brunch centerpiece!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easter Knot Cookies keep very well at room temperature. Simply store them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper so the glaze stays smooth. They’ll stay perfectly soft for up to four days—if they last that long!

Freezing

If you want cookies on hand for whenever a craving strikes, freeze the ungrazed knots after cooling completely. Pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they’ll keep for up to one month. Just be sure to glaze and decorate once they’re thawed for best freshness and color.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked taste, let frozen Easter Knot Cookies come to room temperature on the counter before glazing. If desired, you can briefly warm unglazed cookies in a low oven for a few minutes—just enough to freshen them up without melting the glaze or sprinkles.

FAQs

Can I use a different extract if I’m out of almond extract?

Absolutely! While almond gives Easter Knot Cookies their traditional flavor, you can swap in lemon, orange, or even a touch more vanilla extract for a delightful twist. Just keep in mind each substitution will slightly change the cookie’s character.

How do I keep the glaze from getting too runny or thick?

Start with 2 tablespoons of milk, mix, and add more a few drops at a time until you reach that perfect, pourable consistency. If it ever turns out too runny, simply whisk in a bit more powdered sugar—easy fix!

Is it possible to make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Mix and shape your dough into knots, place them on a tray, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as usual for fresh, flavorful cookies on your schedule.

What’s the best way to get even knot shapes every time?

For perfectly uniform cookies, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to divide the dough. Rolling into consistent ropes and being gentle when knotting helps them bake evenly and look gorgeous on your platter.

Are Easter Knot Cookies just for Easter?

Not at all! While they’re a classic for Easter celebrations, their festive look and crowd-pleasing taste make them ideal for any special event—from wedding showers to birthday parties, or just because you crave a little sweetness.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the tradition and taste packed into every batch of Easter Knot Cookies. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of tea, you’re going to adore each soft, festive, and lovely bite. Give these cookies a try and let them become your new springtime favorite!

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