Description
These Italian Butter Cookies are classic, buttery treats perfect for holidays and special occasions. Crisp on the edges and tender inside, they are piped into elegant shapes, chilled to retain form, baked until lightly golden, then dipped in rich melted chocolate and adorned with festive sprinkles for a colorful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 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)
Decoration
- 6 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- Holiday or colorful sprinkles
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, pale, and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour and salt, then gradually mix them into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Adjust Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too stiff or dry for piping, add 1 tablespoon of milk to soften it slightly, ensuring it is pipeable.
- Pipe Cookies: Fit a piping bag with a large star tip, fill it with the dough, and pipe shapes onto parchment-lined baking sheets spaced evenly apart.
- Chill Dough: Refrigerate the piped cookies for 20 to 30 minutes to firm them, helping them hold their shape during baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are just lightly golden.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt the chopped semi-sweet or dark chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave until smooth.
- Decorate: Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, then immediately decorate with holiday or colorful sprinkles. Allow the chocolate to set before serving or storing.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and a smoother dough.
- Chilling the dough after piping helps maintain cookie shapes and prevents spreading.
- Use good quality chocolate for dipping to enhance flavor and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Almond extract is optional but adds a traditional nutty flavor; omit if allergic or undesired.
