Italian Butter Cookies

Delicate, buttery, and perfectly sweet—Italian Butter Cookies are a timeless classic that instantly evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are known for their rich, tender texture and beautiful piped shapes, often dipped in chocolate and dressed with festive sprinkles, making them just as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Whether you’re making them for a holiday tray, an afternoon tea, or simply to treat yourself, these cookies offer a charming balance of simplicity and elegance.

With their distinct vanilla flavor and soft crumb, Italian Butter Cookies are crafted using a straightforward blend of pantry staples. Yet their beauty lies in the details—the neat ridges from the piping bag, the glossy dip in semi-sweet chocolate, and the joyful touch of sprinkles. They’re the kind of cookie that feels special with every bite, making them a staple in Italian bakeries and home kitchens alike.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Butter Cookies Recipe

• Perfectly buttery with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth
• Beautifully decorative for holidays, parties, or gift boxes
• Simple ingredients with impressive results
• Customizable with sprinkles, jam, or chocolate
• Ideal for make-ahead baking and freezes well

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Italian Butter Cookies, having the right tools on hand will streamline the process and ensure beautifully shaped, bakery-style cookies:

• Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer: Essential for creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy—this sets the base for the cookies’ tender texture.
• Piping Bag with Large Star Tip: Used to pipe the dough into uniform shapes. The star tip creates the iconic ridged pattern seen in classic Italian cookies.
• Baking Sheets and Parchment Paper: Ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
• Cooling Rack: Helps cookies cool quickly and evenly after baking.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl or Double Boiler: Needed for melting chocolate for dipping.

These tools not only aid in efficiency but also contribute to the visual and textural success of the final product.

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Preparation Tips

Start with room temperature butter for easy creaming and a smoother dough consistency. Be patient during the creaming stage—whipping the butter and sugar until pale and fluffy adds air, which helps create the light texture of the cookies. When piping, hold the bag vertically and apply even pressure for consistent shapes. If the dough is too stiff to pipe, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes or add a touch of milk. After baking, allow cookies to cool fully before dipping them in melted chocolate to prevent smearing or melting. Lastly, use high-quality chocolate for the best finish and taste.

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Ingredients for this Italian Butter Cookies Recipe

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for traditional flavor)
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon milk (only if needed for piping consistency)
• 6 oz (170g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped (for dipping)
• Holiday or colorful sprinkles (for decorating)

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Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar on medium speed for 3–5 minutes, or until the mixture becomes pale, creamy, and fluffy. This step is crucial for developing the tender texture that makes these cookies so beloved.

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Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts

Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the creamed mixture. Beat until everything is well incorporated, and the mixture looks silky. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

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Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until a soft but pipeable dough forms. If the dough feels too stiff for piping, add a tablespoon of milk to loosen it slightly.

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Step 4: Pipe the Cookies

Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip (such as Wilton 1M or Ateco 827). Pipe cookies onto parchment-lined baking sheets into 2.5 to 3-inch logs or other decorative shapes. Leave about 1 inch of space between each cookie.

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Step 5: Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended)

To help the cookies maintain their shape during baking, refrigerate the piped cookies for 20–30 minutes. This is especially helpful if your kitchen is warm or your dough has softened.

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Step 6: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies in the center of the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the cookies tender and light in color.

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Step 7: Cool Completely

Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. They should be firm enough to handle but still delicate inside.

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Step 8: Dip in Chocolate and Decorate

Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals or use a double boiler until smooth. Dip half of each cooled cookie into the chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Place them on parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with your choice of festive or colorful sprinkles. Let the chocolate set completely before storing or serving.

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Notes

Italian Butter Cookies are a delicate treat that shine with quality ingredients and careful technique. If you’d like a softer finish, reduce the baking time slightly. For crispier edges, bake until golden brown around the edges. You can also sandwich two cookies with jam for a classic variation or even pipe different shapes like rosettes or shells. The chocolate dip is optional but adds a decadent touch, especially with festive sprinkles. Don’t hesitate to double the batch—they disappear fast!

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using cold butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly, resulting in a dense dough.
• Overmixing after flour is added: This can develop gluten and make the cookies tough.
• Skipping the piping bag: Piping is key to achieving that iconic look and even baking.
• Baking too long: These cookies should be pale with just a hint of golden brown. Overbaking can dry them out.
• Not allowing the cookies to cool before dipping: Dipping warm cookies in chocolate can lead to a melted mess.

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Storage Instructions

Store Italian Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them crisp, place parchment between layers and avoid humid environments. They also freeze well—place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. If they’re dipped in chocolate, freeze them after the chocolate has fully set. Cookies will keep well frozen for up to 2 months.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Cookie)

• Calories: 110 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 25mg
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 0.3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Serving Size: 1 cookie

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and let it sit at room temperature until it’s pipeable.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?

You can use a plastic zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, but the texture may not be as defined as with a star piping tip.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

It’s not recommended. Butter gives the cookies their rich flavor and texture, which margarine can’t replicate well.

Can I flavor these cookies with lemon or orange?

Absolutely! Add a teaspoon of citrus zest for a bright, aromatic twist.

What chocolate is best for dipping?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works best. Avoid chocolate chips as they don’t melt as smoothly.

Do these cookies hold their shape while baking?

Yes, especially if you chill the piped cookies before baking. That helps them retain sharp lines and patterns.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you could try a gluten-free flour blend. Results may vary slightly in texture.

Can I freeze the baked cookies?

Yes! They freeze beautifully, especially before dipping in chocolate. Be sure to use airtight containers.

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Conclusion

Italian Butter Cookies are a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. With their tender bite, rich buttery flavor, and charming decoration, they make a beautiful addition to holiday trays, dessert tables, or even just your afternoon coffee break. Their ease of preparation and long shelf-life make them a reliable favorite for every baker—from beginner to seasoned pro. Enjoy the process, get creative with decorations, and don’t be surprised when your cookie plate is the first to empty.

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