Easter Knot Cookies Recipe

The Sweetest Easter Knot Cookies Recipe for Spring Baking Fun

Weaving delightful memories into every Easter knot cookies creates a nostalgic connection to childhood traditions.

Sweet aromas fill the kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Delicate dough twists become golden treasures that spark joy.

Generations have shared this cherished treat during springtime celebrations.

Light and buttery, these cookies represent more than just a simple dessert.

Each carefully braided knot tells a story of love and family gatherings.

Let’s unravel the magic together and bring these delectable treats to life!

Why Easter Knot Cookies Are So Charming

  • Craft Easter Magic: These charming knot cookies transform simple ingredients into delightful holiday treats that spark joy and create memorable family moments.
  • Quick and Simple Baking: Beginner bakers can easily master this recipe with basic kitchen skills, requiring minimal technical expertise and standard pantry ingredients.
  • Perfect Party Pleaser: Beautifully shaped cookies serve as gorgeous table decorations and delicious desserts that will impress guests at Easter gatherings or springtime celebrations.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking: Children can help shape the dough into fun knots and enjoy decorating with colorful icing, making this a fantastic interactive baking experience for all ages.

Essential Ingredients for Easter Knot Cookies

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: The primary dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the Easter knot cookies.
  • Butter: A rich, creamy ingredient that adds flavor and helps create a tender cookie.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and contributes to the golden-brown color of the cookies.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cookie dough.
Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise and creates a light, soft texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies and balances the sweetness.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor that complements the sweet cookie base.
Decorative Ingredients:
  • Colored Icing, Sprinkles: Optional toppings that add festive color and extra sweetness to the Easter knot cookies.

How to Bake Easter Knot Cookies Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal and clean-up.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes light, airy, and fluffy. This process creates a smooth foundation for your cookies.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

Add eggs and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are perfectly combined and create a uniform texture.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft, pliable dough forms.

Step 5: Shape Elegant Knots

Divide the dough into small portions. Roll each piece into a long, slender rope.

Twist each rope into a charming knot shape, carefully pinching the ends to secure the design.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange the knotted cookies on the prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges turn a delicate golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Decorate

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, embellish with colorful icing and sprinkles for a festive Easter touch.

Tips for Perfect Easter Knot Cookies

  • Handle the dough softly to prevent tough cookies, ensuring a tender and delicate texture.
  • Roll dough into even, uniform ropes for consistent cookie shapes and professional-looking results.
  • Keep butter at room temperature for smoother mixing and better dough consistency.
  • Let cookies cool completely before adding icing to prevent melting and ensure clean, crisp decorations.
  • Add colorful sprinkles immediately after icing for maximum adhesion and festive appearance.

Creative Twists on Easter Knot Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Easter Knots: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version, maintaining the same soft texture and delicate shape.
  • Lemon Zest Variation: Add fresh lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the sweet base of the cookie.
  • Chocolate Drizzled Knots: After cooling, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the cookies for an elegant and indulgent finish.
  • Nutty Easter Knots: Incorporate finely chopped almonds or pecans into the dough for added crunch and nutty undertones.

Pairings for Easter Knot Cookies

Brew a refreshing glass of Southern-style sweet tea that complements the delicate sweetness of the Easter Knot Cookies, creating a perfect spring afternoon treat.

Craft a light, floral lavender lemonade that enhances the cookie’s subtle vanilla notes and provides a crisp, refreshing contrast.

Whip up a smooth cream cheese frosting as a dipping sauce, offering a tangy richness that elevates the cookie’s delicate texture.

Pour a cold glass of almond milk to highlight the cookie’s buttery flavor and provide a smooth, nutty backdrop for the Easter treat.

How to Store Easter Knot Cookies

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers for up to 5 days, keeping their soft texture and preventing crumbling.
  • Wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Warm cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring they remain soft and don't become crispy or dry.
  • Preheat oven to 275F, place cookies on baking sheet, and warm for 3-5 minutes to restore original freshly-baked texture and warmth.

FAQs

  • What gives these Easter Knot Cookies their unique shape?

The distinctive knot shape is created by rolling the dough into a long rope and then carefully twisting and looping it into a knot, then pinching the ends to secure the shape.

  • Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before shaping and baking. This makes party prep easier and allows the flavors to develop.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these cookies?

No special equipment is required. Just use basic baking tools like a mixing bowl, baking sheet, and wire rack. A simple rolling technique is all you need to create the knot shape.

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Easter Knot Cookies Recipe

Easter Knot Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Sweet Easter knot cookies blend Italian tradition with delicate pastry charm. Festive powdered sugar dusting and delightful braided shape invite you to savor a delicious holiday treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Decorative Ingredients:

  • Food coloring (optional)
  • Icing (optional)
  • Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for even baking.
  2. Thoroughly blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the ingredients are fully integrated and the batter appears uniform.
  4. In a separate container, combine flour, baking powder, and salt, ensuring an even distribution of dry ingredients.
  5. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, gently stirring until a cohesive, soft dough develops.
  6. Portion the dough into small segments, then carefully roll each piece into elongated ropes.
  7. Transform each rope into a delicate knot shape, pinching the ends firmly to maintain the intricate design.
  8. Arrange the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight spacing between each piece.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for a subtle golden hue along the cookie edges, indicating perfect doneness.
  10. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a brief moment to stabilize their structure.
  11. Transfer to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature completely.
  12. Optional: Embellish with vibrant icing and festive sprinkles for a decorative Easter touch.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing that prevents lumpy dough.
  • Knead dough gently to avoid tough cookies; overworking develops gluten and creates dense texture.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free blend, adding xanthan gum for better binding.
  • Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes before shaping to make rolling and knotting easier, preventing sticky hands and maintaining precise cookie shapes.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 114 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 58 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 31 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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