Italian Bowknots(Easter Cookies)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: Italian

Delicious Italian Bowknots are sweet, tender cookies shaped into knots, with a subtle vanilla flavor and a light, crispy texture perfect for Easter celebrations or any special occasion.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 12 eggs
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 1/2 c. sugar
  • 8 c. flour
  • 10 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 c. cooking oil
  • 2 Tbsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Beat eggs until light and frothy.
  2. Add salt, sugar, cooking oil, and vanilla; beat until well combined.
  3. Gradually mix in flour and baking powder to form a sticky dough.
  4. Keep hands well floured to prevent sticking.
  5. Take about 1 tablespoon of dough and roll into a rope with your hands.
  6. Form the rope into a knot shape.
  7. Place the shaped cookies on a greased baking sheet.
  8. Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until light brown, about 15 minutes.
  9. Cool cookies on a wire rack and frost with confectioners' sugar icing if desired.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure your Italian Bowknots turn out perfectly, keep your hands well floured while shaping the dough to prevent sticking. If you find the dough too sticky, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to overdo it as this can make the cookies tough. For a twist, try adding lemon zest for a fresh flavor or substitute some of the flour with almond flour for a nuttier taste.

Serving Suggestions

These Italian Bowknots are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your serving by pairing them with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a lovely addition to an Easter dessert table alongside Tiramisu (Home Style) or Lemon-Almond Biscotti. For a festive touch, drizzle them with a simple icing made from confectioners' sugar and lemon juice.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Italian Bowknots(Easter Cookies) contains roughly 450 calories, with 7g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 525mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

450 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.1g 14% DV
Total Fat 7.4g 9% DV
Carbs 81.7g 30% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 1.9g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 524.8mg 23% DV
Potassium 526.7mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 206.4mg 69% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 50.4mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 9.4mg 10% DV
Calcium 194.8mg 15% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of oil in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cooking oil with melted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor. Just ensure that the butter is melted and cooled slightly before mixing to avoid cooking the eggs.

What can I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough is sticky, gradually add a little more flour until it reaches a manageable consistency. Remember to keep your hands floured while shaping the cookies to help prevent sticking.

Can I frost the cookies in advance?

While you can frost the cookies in advance, it's best to frost them just before serving to maintain the texture and freshness of the frosting. If you prefer, serve the icing on the side for guests to add as they like.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Italian recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →