4 days until Easter Countdown: Bring a new treat to the table this year with Italian Easter Cookies that come with hand rolled dough in a basket shape with an egg in the center – they are delicious and very adorable! Although my family is Ukrainian, my aunt comes from an italian family and it was always a treat to have these at the table come Easter time.
What You’ll Need:
- 6¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 packages rapid rise yeast (4½ teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups lukewarm water
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 egg with water
- 12 eggs, hard-boiled and colored
- rainbow sprinkles
How to Make:
Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees and in a large mixing bowl, add flour, salt, and sugar, Using a mixer attach the paddle or by hand on medium speed. In a medium bowl, add the water and the envelopes of yeast, let sit for a few minutes. Add the yeast/water mixture to the flour and continue mixing on medium speed. When thoroughly combined change attachment to the dough hook, then add the olive oil.
Continue mixing for about 10 minutes, occasionally scraping down sides. Cover and let rise in a warm area until dough has doubled in size (about 1 hour). On a floured surface, punch down dough and divide into 36 uniform pieces. Roll each piece into a 1″ rope about 12″ long.
Use 3 ropes for each bread braid and form into a ring. Place rings on a Silpat or a parchment paper lined cookie sheet.When all are complete, cover and let rise one more time, for an hour. Wash each bread ring with the egg and water wash, add colored egg to the center of the ring.
Add sprinkles. Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.