Italian Butter Cookie Recipe
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 100
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 35mg
Why Make This Italian Butter Cookie Recipe
If you love cookies that melt in your mouth, then these Italian Butter Cookies are perfect for you! With their rich buttery flavor, crispy edges, and tender centers, they are an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a gathering, or just a simple treat for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be adorned with colorful sprinkles or drizzled with chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Make Italian Butter Cookie Recipe
Let’s dive into the process of creating these delightful Italian Butter Cookies. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious batch ready in no time!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon whole milk (only if needed to create soft dough)
- Nonpareil decorating sprinkles
- 1/2 cup melting chocolate
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies won’t stick and even helps with easy clean-up.
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Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a nice texture in your cookies.
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Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well to fully incorporate. Gradually add the flour mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, mix in the tablespoon of whole milk to achieve the desired consistency.
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Step 4: Shaping and Cooking
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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Step 5: Finishing
Once the cookies have cooled, melt the chocolate according to package instructions. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the cookies and immediately sprinkle with nonpareil sprinkles for that beautiful finishing touch. Allow the chocolate to harden before enjoying!
How to Serve Italian Butter Cookie Recipe
These Italian Butter Cookies look delightful on a platter at a party or gathering. Serve them with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a lovely afternoon snack. They’re also a great base for a dessert table, especially during the holidays.
How to Store Italian Butter Cookie Recipe
Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Expert Tips for Perfect Italian Butter Cookie Recipe
- Always use room-temperature butter for the best texture and incorporation of ingredients.
- Don’t overmix the dough after adding the flour; this can lead to tough cookies.
- For a fun twist, try adding lemon zest or almond extract in place of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
- Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake since oven temperatures can vary; every minute counts for perfect results.
Delicious Variations
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
- Citrus Twist: Incorporate the zest of one lemon or orange to give these cookies a fresh twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid overly salty cookies. -
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. -
Can I use whole eggs instead of egg yolks?
Using whole eggs will change the texture slightly, but you can use them in a pinch. -
What should I do if my dough is too dry?
Mix in a tablespoon of whole milk or until the desired soft dough consistency is achieved. -
Can I leave the sprinkles off?
Absolutely! The cookies are delicious on their own, or you can dip them in melted chocolate for a richer treat.
Conclusion
The Italian Butter Cookie Recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity and delightful taste. They’re buttery, light, and beautifully versatile, making them an ideal treat for any occasion. Once you try making these decadent cookies, you’ll find them hard to resist! Bake some today and savor the wonderful flavors that come with each bite. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Print
Italian Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Italian Butter Cookies that melt in your mouth with a rich buttery flavor and crispy edges.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon whole milk (only if needed to create soft dough)
- Nonpareil decorating sprinkles
- 1/2 cup melting chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. In another bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing well. Gradually add the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms. If too dry, mix in whole milk to achieve desired consistency.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool before transferring to a wire rack.
- Once cooled, melt chocolate and drizzle over cookies. Sprinkle with nonpareil sprinkles before the chocolate hardens.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
