Italian Butter Cookies

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Melt-in-your-mouth delicious and delicately sweet, Italian Butter Cookies are the perfect treat for any time of year, but especially during the holidays. These classic cookies are known for their rich buttery flavor, crumbly texture, and charming appearance, often decorated with chocolate and colorful sprinkles for that festive touch.

Their iconic shell-like shape and the dip of glossy chocolate make them not only incredibly tasty but also visually delightful on any dessert platter. Whether you’re baking a batch for a cookie exchange or preparing something sweet for your family, these cookies offer timeless charm and satisfaction in every bite.

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Why You’ll Love This Italian Butter Cookies Recipe

• Simple ingredients: You only need pantry staples like butter, sugar, and flour.
• Easy to make: No chilling time or fancy techniques involved.
• Perfect for holidays and gifting: These cookies hold their shape well and look beautiful in a cookie tin.
• Versatile: You can dip them in chocolate, add jam in the center, or serve them plain.

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What Kind of Butter Should I Use for Italian Butter Cookies?

For the richest flavor and best texture, always go with unsalted high-quality European-style butter. This kind of butter has a higher fat content and lower moisture, resulting in a more tender and flavorful cookie. Since butter is the star of the show in this recipe, the quality truly makes a difference.

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Ingredients for the Italian Butter Cookies

Each ingredient in these cookies plays a vital role in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth consistency and signature flavor:

• Unsalted Butter: The foundation of the cookie. It provides that rich, creamy texture and deep buttery taste.
• Powdered Sugar: Gives the cookies a delicate sweetness while helping achieve a tender crumb.
• Egg Yolks: Add richness and contribute to the cookies’ soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the cookies, helping them keep their shape.
• Cornstarch: Ensures a tender, light, and soft cookie texture.
• Dark Chocolate (for dipping): Adds a delightful contrast to the buttery base and makes them visually festive.
• Sprinkles or powdered sugar (optional): For decorating and adding a fun, colorful finish.

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How To Make the Italian Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is essential for incorporating air, giving the cookies their signature delicate texture.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla

Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. This adds richness and layers of flavor to the dough.

Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour and cornstarch to the butter mixture. Mix just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix – you want the dough soft but not sticky.

Step 4: Pipe the Cookies

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. Pipe the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper into shell or rosette shapes.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Let them cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Dip in Chocolate and Decorate

Once cooled, dip each cookie partially in melted dark chocolate and place them on parchment. Decorate with sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar, then let the chocolate set before serving.

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How to Serve and Store Italian Butter Cookies

These cookies are ideal for serving at room temperature, beautifully arranged on a platter or in a cookie tin for gifting. Their pretty piped shape and chocolate-dipped tops make them standout treats for dessert tables, tea time, or holiday parties.

This recipe makes about 30 cookies, depending on the size you pipe them. Perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping some for yourself and gifting the rest.

To store, place the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze undecorated cookies in layers separated by parchment for up to two months. Decorate after thawing for best results.

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What to Serve With Italian Butter Cookies?

Coffee or Espresso

The richness of Italian Butter Cookies is the perfect match for a strong shot of espresso or a warm latte.

Hot Tea

A classic black tea or a lightly flavored herbal blend complements the delicate buttery flavor.

Fresh Berries

Serve alongside a bowl of fresh raspberries or strawberries to add a burst of tartness and color.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Use these cookies as a garnish or scoop companion for a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Lemon Curd

Spread a bit of lemon curd on top or serve it as a dipping option for a tangy twist.

Cheese Board

Include them on a dessert cheese board with mascarpone or a mild ricotta for a sweet-savory pairing.

Dessert Wine

Pair with a glass of Vin Santo or Moscato for a light, festive finish to any meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance. Store it wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature slightly before piping, as it may be too firm straight from the fridge.

Why did my cookies spread too much?
Too much butter or not enough flour can cause spreading. Be sure to measure carefully and use a kitchen scale if possible. Also, piping onto warm baking sheets can affect the shape, so always start with cool sheets.

Can I skip the chocolate dip?
Absolutely. These cookies are delicious on their own. If you’re short on time or prefer them plain, simply dust them with powdered sugar instead.

What piping tip works best?
A large open star tip (like Wilton 8B or Ateco 828) gives the classic ridged look. Make sure your dough is soft enough to pipe easily without losing definition.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a special flavor or try white chocolate instead? Maybe used colorful sprinkles for a party?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other bake smarter.

Find more delightful baking ideas and daily inspiration on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

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Conclusion

Italian Butter Cookies are a timeless, buttery delight that adds elegance and charm to any dessert spread. Their simple ingredients, beautiful shape, and customizable decorations make them a go-to cookie for holidays and celebrations.

Whether dipped in chocolate or served plain, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. With easy steps and endless variations, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.

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