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Lemon Glaze Treats

Featured in Sweet bites of pure joy.

Soft Italian Easter cookies (Uncinetti) with hints of lemon are baked into knots or circles. They're quick to prepare, need basic ingredients like butter, sugar, and lemon zest, and are glazed with a tangy icing. Sweet but balanced with citrus flavor, these bake in under 25 minutes and freeze well for later. Switch up the butter with olive oil, or skip the glaze for powdered sugar instead.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Sat, 12 Apr 2025 19:52:53 GMT
Italian cookies sprinkled with colorful toppings. Pin it
Italian cookies sprinkled with colorful toppings. | tasteofsavor.com

Easter chocolate nests bring springtime joy in every bite. This fun treat mixes crunchy cereal with silky melted chocolate, creating adorable edible homes for bright Easter candy. I've tweaked this recipe over many seasons to get just the right crunch - firm but easy to bite into.

Things might get a little messy in your kitchen, but watching everyone's faces light up as they decorate their own chocolate nests makes the cleanup worth it.

Main Components

  • Cereal Base: Go for shredded wheat for the most nest-like look, or try the classic cornflakes option
  • Chocolate Selection: Mix milk and dark chocolate together for the best taste balance
  • Unsalted Butter: You can't skip this if you want the right texture
  • Golden Syrup: This helps everything stick together and adds a lovely sweet touch
A tray of cookies with sprinkles on it. Pin it
A tray of cookies with sprinkles on it. | tasteofsavor.com

Making Your Nests

Getting The Chocolate Ready
Slowly melt your chocolate with butter and syrup over low heat. Keep stirring now and then until it's totally smooth with a nice shine.
Fixing Up The Cereal
Crush your cereal into different sizes, keeping some bigger pieces for a nice texture. Don't crush it too much.
Putting It All Together
Mix your melted chocolate stuff with the cereal until everything's covered. Shape them into little nests on a paper-lined tray, making dents in the middle for your candy.

This sweet treat carries on a family tradition that brings everyone together during Easter time.

Chocolate Know-How

Melt everything slowly to keep the chocolate smooth. Watch the heat carefully so it doesn't get too hot.

Forming Your Nests

Using spoons to shape gives you rustic-looking nests with natural texture differences.

Make Ahead Ideas

Keep your finished nests in sealed containers for up to 5 days. Add the decorations right before you serve them.

Topping Swaps

Try different Easter candies, fun sprinkles, or even pastel chocolate chips on top.

These chocolate nests mix old-school Easter baking with your own creative touch, making them a classic treat families love year after year.

A tray of cookies with sprinkles on it. Pin it
A tray of cookies with sprinkles on it. | tasteofsavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How early can I bake these?
These stay good for about a week in a sealed container. You can freeze the dough for up to three months, too.
→ Can I swap out butter?
Yes! Substituting mild olive oil works perfectly for a more traditional flavor.
→ What’s the easiest way to shape them?
Roll pieces into thin strips around 5-6 inches long. Tie them into simple knots or join the ends for circles.
→ Do I have to add the glaze?
Nope! Though classic, you can go without and dust the cookies with powdered sugar instead.
→ What temp is best for baking?
Bake at 300°F for 15-18 minutes. Or try 350°F for about 13 minutes if you prefer.

Lemon Glaze Treats

Light and citrusy Italian sweets with a sugary lemon glaze, shaped into cute knots or rings. Great for Easter celebrations.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 15 Servings (15 cookies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Cookie Dough

01 1 teaspoon baking powder
02 3 1/4 tablespoons granulated sugar
03 1 large egg
04 200 grams (about 1 1/2 cups and 2 tablespoons) all-purpose flour
05 A pinch of salt (or 1/4 teaspoon for unsalted butter)
06 Grated zest of 1 lemon
07 1/4 cup butter, melted and cooled
08 4 tablespoons whole milk or 2%

→ Lemon Glaze

09 1 tablespoon milk
10 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
11 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Step 01

Heat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

In a big bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and zest. Make a small well, and pour in the egg, milk, and butter. Use a fork to gently mix until combined, then knead on a flat surface until smooth.

Step 03

Form the dough into slim ropes about 5-6 inches long, then twist them into loops or knots. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 04

Bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, just until the edges turn lightly golden. Wait until they’re fully cool before adding glaze.

Step 05

Sift the powdered sugar first, then mix it with lemon juice and milk until smooth and the desired thickness. Drizzle over cooled cookies, or sprinkle with sugar if preferred.

Notes

  1. Swap the butter with light olive oil if preferred.
  2. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
  3. Freeze the dough for up to 3 months if making ahead.
  4. To bake faster, raise the oven temp to 350°F and cook for 13 minutes.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large baking tray
  • Parchment for lining the tray
  • Big mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (butter and milk)
  • Egg is included
  • Has gluten, since flour is used

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 76
  • Total Fat: 4 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 2 g