Italian butter cookies are a classic, elegant treat known for their tender, buttery texture and delightful flavors. Often found in Italian bakeries, these cookies are easy to make at home and perfect for special occasions, gifting, or enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Buttery and tender with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Simple to prepare with basic pantry ingredients.
- Versatile for decorating and flavor variations.
- Perfect for holiday cookie trays or everyday indulgence.
- A bakery-style treat made right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract (optional)
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Egg yolks
Directions
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and egg yolks until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a soft, smooth dough forms.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip.
- Pipe small rosettes or lines onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Decoration:
- Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped nuts or sprinkles.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Swirl: Mix a small amount of cocoa powder into half the dough and pipe chocolate and vanilla swirls.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Nutty Butter Cookies: Substitute almond flour for part of the all-purpose flour for a nutty twist.
- Sandwich Cookies: Spread jam or Nutella between two cookies for a decadent sandwich treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking or serving.
- Reheating: Serve cookies at room temperature; no reheating required.
FAQs
1. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to avoid over-salting.
2. What if I don’t have a piping bag?
You can use a resealable plastic bag with the tip cut off or shape the cookies by hand.
3. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly before piping or shaping.
4. Why is my dough too stiff to pipe?
If the dough is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes or add a small amount of milk to soften it.
5. How do I make the cookies more decorative?
Dip the cookies in chocolate, add sprinkles, or use colored sugar for festive designs.
6. Can I skip the almond extract?
Yes, the almond extract adds depth but is optional. Vanilla extract alone works beautifully.
7. How do I ensure the cookies don’t spread?
Use softened but not melted butter, and chill the piped cookies for 10-15 minutes before baking.
8. Can I add food coloring to the dough?
Yes, add a few drops of food coloring for themed or festive cookies.
9. What type of chocolate works best for dipping?
Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the best flavor and finish.
10. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Package them in decorative tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Conclusion
Italian butter cookies are a timeless and versatile dessert that adds a touch of elegance to any occasion. With their buttery flavor and customizable designs, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Bake a batch today and enjoy the charm of this classic treat, right from your own kitchen!
Print
Italian Butter Cookies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Italian Butter Cookies are delicate, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Perfectly piped and often dipped in chocolate or topped with sprinkles, these cookies are a bakery favorite you can now make at home!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup (85g) powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup (90g) melted semi-sweet chocolate (for dipping)
- Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut (for decoration)
- Maraschino cherries or jam (for centers)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. - Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), mixing until smooth.
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough is soft but holds its shape. - Pipe the Cookies:
Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 2-inch swirls, rosettes, or lines onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1 inch apart. If the dough is too stiff to pipe, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. - Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. - Decorate:
Once the cookies are cooled, dip the ends or one side in melted chocolate and add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or coconut as desired. For thumbprint-style cookies, add a small dollop of jam or a cherry to the center before baking.
Notes
- These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- For even more variety, use food coloring to tint the dough or pipe different shapes.