Italian Butter Cookies

Save this recipe on:

With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and charming chocolate-dipped tops, Italian Butter Cookies are the timeless treat that instantly elevates any dessert spread. Buttery and delicate, these cookies boast a slight crisp on the outside with a soft, tender center that crumbles just right. Often adorned with colorful sprinkles, they’re as festive as they are flavorful, making them perfect for holidays, gift boxes, or simply pairing with your favorite cup of coffee.

Whether you’re indulging during the winter holidays or baking for a special occasion, Italian Butter Cookies are a celebration of simplicity and tradition. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, these treats transform with a dip in silky dark chocolate and a dusting of sprinkles. It’s no wonder they’ve been a favorite across generations.

Do I Need a Piping Bag to Make Italian Butter Cookies?

Traditionally, yes! The dough is thick yet soft enough to pipe through a large star or ridged tip, which gives the cookies their signature scalloped appearance. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can also use a cookie press or shape them by hand, but the decorative edge adds charm to these classic treats.

Ingredients for the Italian Butter Cookies

Unsalted Butter: This is the backbone of the cookie, giving it that rich, melt-away texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming.

Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and keeps the cookie light and tender, rather than crunchy.

Egg: Binds the dough together and helps give the cookie structure.

Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic depth and warmth to balance the richness of the butter.

All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cookies their shape and structure.

Salt: A pinch enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.

Dark Chocolate (for dipping): Adds a luscious contrast to the buttery base.

Sprinkles: Optional, but festive! Perfect for holidays or themed celebrations.

---

How To Make the Italian Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step ensures a soft and tender cookie.

Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour and salt. Mix until just combined—do not overmix or the cookies may become tough.

Step 4: Pipe the Dough

Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe 2-inch lines onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Let them cool completely on the baking sheet.

Step 6: Dip and Decorate

Melt the dark chocolate and dip each cooled cookie halfway. Lay them on parchment paper and immediately top with sprinkles. Let the chocolate set before serving or storing.

---

Serving and Storing Italian Butter Cookies

These cookies are best enjoyed with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Once the chocolate has set, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. You can also freeze the undecorated cookies for up to 2 months—just dip and decorate after thawing for a freshly finished look.

What to Serve With Italian Butter Cookies?

Espresso or Cappuccino

Pair the richness of the cookies with the bold flavor of Italian coffee for a truly authentic experience.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A simple scoop alongside these buttery cookies makes a quick and elegant dessert.

Fruit Compote

Tart berries or citrus marmalade balance the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

Hot Chocolate

Perfect for winter, especially when the cookies are decorated with holiday sprinkles.

Limoncello

For an adult treat, serve these with a small glass of this bright Italian liqueur.

Cheese Board

Surprisingly, these cookies pair well with mild cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta as a sweet contrast.

Tiramisu

Double up on Italian desserts for a decadent dessert spread.

---

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Italian Butter Cookies, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Jimmy Carter’s Grandmother’s Peanut Butter Cookies for a nostalgic, nutty classic.
• Twix Cookie Cups if you adore shortbread and caramel in bite-sized form.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Cookies for a fruity and creamy mashup.
• Coffee Cookies Recipe when you want bold flavor in every bite.
• Pistachio Cookies Recipe for a nutty, green-tinted twist.

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 use dark chocolate or go with milk? Did you try shaping them differently?

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

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and comforting sweets on ChefAlchemy Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: