Taralli Dolci di Pasqua

This is a great traditional cookie. This is loosely based on a recipe shared by Marie Ciampi.

Makes 16 cookies

Dough

5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder
6 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Icing

3 cups confectioners' sugar
4 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Multi-colored nonpareils, optional

3 cookie sheets or jelly roll pans lined with parchment paper

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and set racks in upper and lower thirds.
2. To make the dough, combine the flour and baking powder, stirring well to mix.
3. Whisk the eggs in a bowl, then add remaining ingredients to the eggs in order. Fold the egg mixture into the flour mixture.
4. Turn dough out on a floured surface and knead lightly to mix. Separate into 16 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an 8-inch rope, then form each rope into a circle. Place 5 or 6 cookies on each pan.
5. Bake the taralli until puffed and deep golden, about 20 to 25 minutes. Cool on racks.
6. To make the icing, combine all ingredients in a saucepan and heat gently until lukewarm. Brush over the tops of the cooled cookies. Sprinkle with multi-colored nonpareils, if using.