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If you’re looking for a cheerful, delightful treat that perfectly blends a tender crumb with a bright citrus glaze, this Easter Knot Cookies Recipe is just what your kitchen needs. These charming little knotted cookies are not only a feast for the eyes but also bring a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy flavors that can brighten up any spring gathering or simply make an ordinary day feel special. With their playful shapes and glossy lemon glaze, these cookies are bound to become a fast favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easter Knot Cookies Recipe comes together with a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, each chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the soft flour base to the zesty lemon notes, every ingredient plays a key role in making these cookies irresistible.
- 300g plain flour: The foundation of your dough, giving structure and softness to each knot.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become delightfully light.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- 3 large eggs: Provide richness and help bind everything together smoothly.
- 100g sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the lemon notes.
- 80g unsalted butter (melted): Adds a buttery depth and tender crumb to the cookies.
- 1 tsp lemon zest (or vanilla extract): Delivers a fresh citrus fragrance or a warm vanilla aroma.
- 60ml milk: Keeps the dough soft and helps everything combine seamlessly.
- 150g icing sugar: Essential for the luscious glaze that gives these cookies their signature shine.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or milk for a milder flavor): Balances the glaze with refreshing tang or sweet creaminess.
- Colourful sprinkles (optional): Add a fun, festive pop of color to brighten up your presentation.
How to Make Easter Knot Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by whisking together the plain flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl so the dry ingredients are evenly mixed. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—that’s the secret to a tender crumb. Slowly stir in the melted butter, fresh lemon zest, and milk, which adds moisture and a subtle creaminess. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients to form a soft dough that’s easy to handle but not sticky.
Step 2: Shape the Knots
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan). Now the fun part: pinch off small pieces of dough and roll each into a 15cm rope. Tie each rope into a loose knot—don’t worry about perfection; a little rustic charm is part of their appeal. Carefully place each knotted dough piece onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they aren’t too close so they can bake evenly.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the knots turn a delicate golden shade. The smell of freshly baked citrus cookies will fill your kitchen and might tempt you to sample one immediately! Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before moving on to glazing.
Step 4: Glaze and Decorate
Whisk together the icing sugar and lemon juice to create a smooth, shiny glaze. For a softer taste, you can substitute lemon juice with milk, but the citrus spark is what makes this cookie extra special. Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off, then instantly sprinkle with colourful sprinkles if you want to add a festive touch. Let the glaze set to a glossy finish for the perfect bite.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the glaze is set, your Easter Knot Cookies Recipe is ready to be enjoyed! Serve them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee to highlight the cookie’s bright lemon flavor. These treats are perfect for sharing at springtime celebrations or simply lifting your afternoon snack routine.
How to Serve Easter Knot Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Simple sprinkles add whimsy and color, but you can also dust these cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a soft, snowy effect. Edible flower petals or finely chopped candied citrus peel make elegant garnishes that elevate the cookies for special occasions.
Side Dishes
While these knot cookies shine on their own, pairing them with a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of whipped cream can balance the tang and sweetness wonderfully. A cup of lightly brewed herbal tea or freshly squeezed lemonade complements their lemony glaze beautifully, making your snack time a refreshing delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming display, arrange the knots in a circular pattern on a decorative platter or stack them in a clear jar tied with a pastel ribbon—perfect for gifting. You could even thread a few onto a food-safe skewer for a playful “cookie bouquet” that’s as adorable as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Easter Knot Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain soft and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends and family.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, you can freeze them after baking and glazing. Just wrap them individually or layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature and enjoy their fresh-from-the-oven appeal.
Reheating
To bring a bit of that fresh-baked warmth back, gently reheat the cookies in a low oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can melt the glaze and make the cookies overly soft. This way, you get a perfect balance of crisp edges and soft centers every time.
FAQs
Can I make Easter Knot Cookies Recipe without lemon?
Absolutely! You can substitute lemon zest and juice with vanilla extract and milk in the glaze for a more classic, mellow flavor that still tastes delicious. The visual appeal and texture remain just as delightful.
Are these cookies suitable for kids to help make?
Yes! Shaping the dough into loops and tying knots is a fun, hands-on activity that kids will love. Just keep an eye on the oven timing to make sure the cookies bake to golden perfection without overcooking.
Can I use gluten-free flour instead of plain flour?
Yes, but results may vary slightly depending on the gluten-free blend. The cookies might be a bit more delicate in texture, so handle with a little extra care when shaping the knots.
How long does the glaze need to set before serving?
The glaze sets quite quickly, usually within 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature. For a firm finish, you can also chill the cookies in the fridge briefly before serving.
What’s the best way to store colorful sprinkles on glazed cookies?
Sprinkle them immediately after dipping the cookies in glaze so they stick well while the icing is still wet. This ensures they stay in place and look vibrant long after the glaze has hardened.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Easter Knot Cookies Recipe that brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking for the holiday or just craving a bright, tasty treat, these cookies are sure to impress with their beautiful shape, soft texture, and tangy glaze. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make these charming knots part of your baking tradition!
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Easter Knot Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easter Knot Cookies are delightful, soft, and slightly tangy treats perfect for celebrating the holiday. These charming knot-shaped cookies are baked to a light golden perfection, then coated with a lemon glaze and colorful sprinkles for a festive finish. Easy to make and fun to share, they pair wonderfully with tea or coffee.
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 another 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, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape the knots: Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Divide the dough into small portions, roll each into approximately 15cm ropes, and tie them into loose knot shapes. Place the knots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them adequately.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn lightly golden on the edges. Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze and decorate: Combine the icing sugar and lemon juice (or milk) in a bowl to create a smooth glaze. Dip the cooled cookies into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, then decorate with colorful sprinkles if desired. Let the glaze set for a few minutes.
- Serve: Once the glaze is set, serve the Easter Knot Cookies fresh. They are perfect accompaniments to a cup of tea or coffee during festive gatherings.
Notes
- For a milder glaze flavor, substitute lemon juice with milk.
- You can replace lemon zest with vanilla extract for a different aroma.
- Ensure the cookies cool completely before glazing to prevent melting.
- Sprinkles add a festive touch but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
