Name: Delicious Italian Butter Cookies for Every Occasion
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

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Italian Butter Cookies are the ultimate treat for holidays, gifting, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. These delightful cookies are rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. 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. Whether you’re preparing for festive holiday baking or looking for a classic cookie recipe to impress your guests, these cookies are always a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Italian Butter Cookies

There are countless reasons to adore these Italian Butter Cookies. First, they are incredibly easy to make, making them a fantastic choice for beginners. Second, their buttery flavor pairs perfectly with coffee or tea, making them an excellent snack at any time. Third, they are perfect for holiday occasions as they can be decorated with festive sprinkles. Fourth, the versatility of these cookies allows for various flavor options, such as almond or chocolate. Fifth, they can be beautifully packaged for gifts. Lastly, they are vegetarian-friendly, making them suitable for a wide audience.

Ingredients for Italian Butter Cookies

Gather these items:

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

How to Make Italian Butter Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cream the butter and powdered sugar until light, pale, and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).

Step 2: Beat in the egg, vanilla, and almond extract until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Sift and mix the flour and salt together. Slowly mix into the wet ingredients.
Step 4: If needed, add 1 tablespoon of milk to soften the dough for piping.

Step 5: Fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip and pipe cookies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Chill the piped cookies for 20–30 minutes to help retain their shape.
Step 7: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until just lightly golden on the edges.

Step 8: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 9: Melt the chocolate and dip half of each cookie into it.
Step 10: Decorate with sprinkles and let the chocolate set before serving or storing.

Pro Tips for the Best Italian Butter Cookies

Keep these in mind:

This recipe is perfect for holiday baking or gifting.
Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness.
For a richer taste, use high-quality butter and chocolate.
Experiment with flavors by adding lemon zest or almond flavoring for a twist on the traditional Italian cookie recipe.

Best Ways to Serve Italian Butter Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but here are some great serving ideas:

Serve with a side of espresso or cappuccino for a delightful dessert experience.

Pair with fresh fruit or a warm dessert sauce for an elegant touch.
Arrange cookies on a festive platter for holiday gatherings or parties.

How to Store and Reheat Italian Butter Cookies

Once your cookies are completely cooled, store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. They can last for up to a week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just make sure to place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Butter Cookies

What’s the secret to perfect Italian Butter Cookies?

The secret lies in the quality of your ingredients. Use high-quality butter and chocolate, and be sure not to overmix the dough to maintain that soft texture that makes these cookies so delightful.

Can I make Italian Butter Cookies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These cookies can be made a few days in advance. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. You can also freeze the dough and bake them fresh when needed.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Italian Butter Cookies?

One common mistake is overbaking. Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; they should be lightly golden on the edges but still soft in the center. Also, ensure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing.

Variations of Italian Butter Cookies You Can Try

There are endless variations to explore with these cookies:

For a delightful twist, try adding almond flavoring for Italian butter cookies with almond flavor.
Incorporate lemon zest and a light glaze for a citrusy version.
Use different types of chocolate for dipping or drizzle for added flair.

Experiment with various sprinkles for different occasions, especially for Italian Christmas cookies.

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For a delightful pairing, consider serving these cookies with a creamy garlic butter chicken for a complete meal experience.

Additionally, you can explore our cheesy garlic butter chicken recipe for a delicious dinner option.

Lastly, don’t forget to check out our creamy spinach mushroom shrimp for a delightful seafood twist.