Description
These Italian Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for holidays, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Made with real butter, vanilla, and a tender shortbread-like base, they’re piped into elegant shapes, dipped in rich chocolate, and topped with colorful sprinkles. This easy recipe is perfect for those looking for quick dessert ideas, festive holiday baking, or a classic butter cookie to add to their collection. Whether you’re searching for a quick breakfast snack, party food ideas, or an easy recipe that impresses guests, these cookies are always a hit.
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
1. Cream the butter and powdered sugar until light, pale, and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
2. Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until fully incorporated.
3. Sift and mix the flour and salt together. Slowly mix into the wet ingredients.
4. If needed, add 1 tablespoon of milk to soften the dough for piping.
5. Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Chill the piped cookies for 20–30 minutes to help retain their shape.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until just lightly golden on the edges.
8. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
9. Melt the chocolate and dip half of each cookie into it.
10. Decorate with sprinkles and let the chocolate set before serving or storing.
Notes
For a softer texture, slightly reduce baking time and avoid overbaking.
Chill the piped cookies before baking to maintain clean shapes.
Use high-quality butter and chocolate for best flavor and appearance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 25
- Fat: 7
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 0.3
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 20
Keywords: Italian butter cookies, easy cookie recipe, holiday cookies, chocolate dipped cookies, Christmas baking