Name: Delicious Italian Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon milk (only if needed); 6 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped; Holiday or colorful sprinkles

Italian Butter Cookies are a timeless classic that bring warmth and comfort, especially during the festive season. Their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the delightful sweetness of vanilla makes them an irresistible choice for anyone craving a delicious treat. The beauty of these cookies lies not just in their flavor but also in their elegant presentation—each cookie can be piped into various shapes and adorned with colorful sprinkles for a festive touch. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, gifting to friends and family, or simply enjoying them with a cup of tea or coffee after a long day, these cookies are sure to impress.

What makes this Italian Butter Cookies recipe truly special is its simplicity and versatility. With just a handful of ingredients—real butter, sugar, and flour being the stars—you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies in no time. The addition of chocolate dipped on one side adds a rich contrast to the buttery base, while the sprinkles lend a playful aspect to the overall look. They’re perfect for those last-minute dessert needs or any time you want to indulge your sweet tooth without the fuss of a complicated recipe. Let’s dive into why you will love making these Italian Butter Cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Butter Cookies

Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, allowing you to make delicious cookies without spending all day in the kitchen.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration, birthday party, or a casual afternoon snack, these cookies are versatile enough for any event.
Simple Ingredients: With basic pantry staples, you can whip up a batch anytime, making them a great go-to treat.
Beautiful Presentation: Piped into elegant shapes and finished with chocolate and sprinkles, these cookies are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different extracts, toppings, or even fillings to suit your taste preferences!

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you get started on baking your Italian Butter Cookies, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen space and gather all necessary tools and ingredients. Begin by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized, which helps prevent any confusion during the baking process. You will need a mixing bowl for creaming butter and sugar, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. A piping bag fitted with a large star tip is crucial for achieving those beautiful cookie shapes, so make sure to have that ready to go.

Another must-have tool is a wire rack, which will be used for cooling the cookies once they come out of the oven. This allows air circulation around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy. Finally, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat before you start mixing your dough; this ensures that your cookies bake evenly and perfectly. With all these tools set in place, you’re now ready to start baking delicious Italian Butter Cookies!

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon milk (only if needed)
6 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
Holiday or colorful sprinkles

Instructions

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

Begin your cookie-making journey by creaming the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to mix the two ingredients until the mixture becomes light, pale, and fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar properly is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, which contributes to the light and tender texture of the cookies.

Step 2: Incorporate the Egg and Extracts

Once your butter and sugar are well creamed, it’s time to add in the large egg followed by the pure vanilla extract and optional almond extract. Mix on low speed until everything is fully integrated. The egg acts as a binder, helping to create a smooth and cohesive cookie dough. The extracts enhance the flavor profile, giving it that classic buttery cookie taste that everyone loves.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and salt. This helps eliminate any lumps and ensures an even distribution when mixed with the wet ingredients. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, using a spatula or mixer on low speed until just combined. It’s essential not to overmix at this point to maintain the cookies’ delicate texture.

Step 4: Adjust Dough Consistency

If you find your dough is too dry or crumbly and difficult to pipe, you can add 1 tablespoon of milk to soften it. This step is based on the consistency of your dough; if it holds together well, you may skip this step.

Step 5: Pipe Cookies

Now the fun part begins! Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip with the cookie dough. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, begin to pipe your cookies into decorative shapes—rosettes, stars, or simple circular shapes all work well. Ensure there’s enough space between each piped cookie as they will expand slightly during baking.

Step 6: Chill the Cookies

To help the cookies retain their shapes, place the piped baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. Chilling the cookie dough solidifies the butter, preventing spreading during baking and ensuring those beautiful shapes stay intact.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven beforehand to 350°F (175°C). Once the cookies have chilled, bake them for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’re looking for a light golden color around the edges—this is an indication they are ready to come out of the oven. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfect to overbaked quickly!

Step 8: Cool the Cookies

Once baked, transfer the cookies onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is vital as it allows them to firm up, making them easier to handle before dipping in chocolate.

Step 9: Dip in Chocolate

While your cookies cool, melt the chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate until smooth. You can do this using a microwave or a double boiler. Dip one half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. This not only adds a rich flavor but also creates a beautiful finish.

Step 10: Decorate with Sprinkles

While the chocolate is still warm and melty, generously sprinkle with colorful decorations. Allow the chocolate to set completely before serving your cookies or storing them for later enjoyment.

Variations

Protein: Add in some ground nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.
Vegetables: Incorporate some finely grated lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus twist.
Spices: Experiment with spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that enhances the buttery richness.

Cooking Notes

Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing results.
For even baking, rotate your baking sheet halfway through the baking time to ensure uniform heat distribution.
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a delightful treat.
Pack them in festive tins or boxes to give as gifts during the holidays or special occasions.

Tips

Don’t skip the chilling step; it’s essential for keeping the cookies’ shapes intact while baking.
Use quality chocolate for dipping, as the flavor will significantly enhance the overall taste of the cookies.
Try using different sprinkles for various occasions; holiday-themed sprinkles can make these cookies truly festive.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 135 per cookie
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 60mg

FAQs

How should I store these cookies?

To keep your Italian Butter Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While butter gives the best flavor and texture, margarine can be used in a pinch; however, the cookies may not taste as rich.

How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, you could substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil. Make sure to check that the chocolate you use is also dairy-free.

Can I add different flavors to the cookies?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts or even spices to create your unique flavor profile. Just keep the ratios similar to maintain the dough consistency.

Conclusion

Italian Butter Cookies are not just any cookies; they are a delightful experience full of rich flavor and beautiful presentation. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a taste of pure joy that is perfect for sharing with loved ones or indulging in during quiet moments. This easy recipe is a must-try for anyone—whether a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice looking to impress. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and decorations to make these cookies truly your own. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your creations; they are guaranteed to bring smiles and sweet moments to every occasion!