Description
These Italian Butter Cookies are delicate, buttery treats that melt in your mouth. Featuring a tender crumb and a subtle vanilla flavor, they are perfectly crisp on the edges and soft inside. Ideal for festive occasions or everyday indulgence, these cookies can be enjoyed plain or dipped in melted chocolate for an extra touch of decadence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup confectioners sugar, sifted
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup melted chocolate (for dipping)
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or shortening (to thin melted chocolate, optional)
- Sprinkles (for decoration)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the softened unsalted butter until it becomes light and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted confectioners sugar while continuing to mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Incorporate the egg yolks one at a time into the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to distribute flavor evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt to ensure a uniform mixture without lumps.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough and keeping the cookies tender.
- Pipe the Dough: Transfer the cookie dough to a piping bag fitted with a large open star tip. Pipe 2-inch sections of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 13 to 15 minutes or until they are lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Decoration: Once cooled, if desired, dip the cookies in melted chocolate (thinned with coconut oil or shortening if necessary) and decorate with sprinkles. Let the chocolate harden before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best texture.
- Sifting the sugar and flour ingredients improves the smoothness of the dough and the final cookie texture.
- Piping the dough with a star tip creates a decorative edge and ensures even portions.
- For chocolate coating, use good quality chocolate and add a small amount of coconut oil or shortening to achieve a smooth dip.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
