Italian Butter Cookies

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Delicate, buttery, and irresistibly crumbly, Italian Butter Cookies are a beloved treat that embody the charm of traditional baking. These classic cookies are often found in Italian bakeries during the holidays, beautifully piped into elegant shapes and sometimes sandwiched with jam or dipped in chocolate. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, buttery flavor make them a go-to choice for celebrations and cozy afternoons alike.

There’s something nostalgic about Italian Butter Cookies. Maybe it’s the light crunch followed by the creamy softness, or the way they look like they came straight from a bakery window in Little Italy. Either way, these cookies are simple to make, yet special enough to impress your guests or bring a little joy to your afternoon coffee break.

Why You’ll Love This Italian Butter Cookies Recipe

This recipe is all about simplicity with elegance. You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make these bakery-style cookies at home, and they come together in under an hour. The dough is rich and smooth, perfect for piping into any shape you love. Once baked, the cookies have a golden edge and a soft bite that makes them truly addictive.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday cookie tray, a bridal shower, or just because it’s Tuesday, these cookies never disappoint. You can dip them in chocolate, add sprinkles, or make sandwich cookies with raspberry jam for a festive twist.

What Type of Butter Should I Use for Italian Butter Cookies?

For the best flavor, use unsalted European-style butter. This kind of butter has a higher fat content and a lower moisture level than standard butter, which means your cookies will turn out richer and more flavorful. If you only have regular unsalted butter on hand, that will still work beautifully—just avoid salted butter, as it will throw off the delicate flavor balance.

Ingredients for the Italian Butter Cookies

To make perfect Italian Butter Cookies, you only need a few pantry staples, each playing a key role in taste and texture.

Unsalted Butter – The star of the recipe. It adds richness and gives the cookies their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness while keeping the dough smooth and soft.

Egg Yolks – These help bind the dough and add richness.

Vanilla Extract – A must for warm, cozy flavor.

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure. Make sure to spoon and level to avoid over-packing.

Milk – Just a splash helps loosen the dough for piping.

Optional: Chocolate, Sprinkles, or Jam – For dipping, decorating, or filling.

How To Make the Italian Butter Cookies

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Start by beating the unsalted butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This can take about 3 to 5 minutes using a hand or stand mixer. It’s an important step that gives the cookies their airy texture.

Step 2: Add the Yolks and Vanilla

Add in the egg yolks and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and silky smooth.

Step 3: Mix in the Flour

Gradually add the flour, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 4: Add a Touch of Milk

If the dough feels too stiff to pipe, mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk. The dough should be soft but not runny.

Step 5: Pipe the Cookies

Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe onto a parchment-lined baking sheet in circles, S-shapes, or lines.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden. Cool completely before decorating.

Step 7: Decorate or Fill

Once cool, dip half the cookies in melted chocolate and add sprinkles, or sandwich with a spoonful of jam.

How to Serve and Store Italian Butter Cookies

These cookies are perfect for serving with afternoon tea or a cup of coffee. Their elegant look makes them a lovely addition to any dessert table, especially during the holidays. This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on how large you pipe them.

To store, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy. If dipped in chocolate or filled with jam, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

What to Serve With Italian Butter Cookies?

Classic Espresso

A rich, bold shot of espresso highlights the buttery flavor of the cookies.

Hot Chocolate

The sweetness of hot cocoa pairs beautifully with a dipped cookie.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Use the cookies as a crunchy, buttery garnish for a bowl of vanilla ice cream.

Raspberry Coulis

Drizzle a little raspberry sauce on the plate for a sweet and tangy contrast.

Lemon Curd

For a citrus twist, serve alongside lemon curd for a refreshing balance.

Mascarpone Cream

A dollop of mascarpone whipped with a hint of sugar and vanilla is a dreamy companion.

Prosecco

Make it festive! A glass of bubbly Prosecco turns these cookies into a celebration.

Want More Cookie Ideas with a Twist?

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

• Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies for a nostalgic and gooey bite.
• Lemon Truffles Recipe with bright citrus and creamy sweetness.
• Classic French Butter Cookies if you want to explore a more refined, delicate crumb.
• Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for something wildly indulgent.
• Baby Lemon Impossible Pies if you want a cookie-pie hybrid.

Save This Recipe 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 dip them in chocolate or go for the jam-filled version? Did you shape them into S’s or hearts?

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 feel-good treats on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to favorites!

Conclusion

Italian Butter Cookies are a simple yet refined treat that bring a little European charm to your kitchen. Whether you keep them plain or dress them up, they’re always a delight to make and share. This recipe is easy enough for beginners but produces results worthy of a bakery box. So grab that piping bag, preheat your oven, and bring some buttery joy to your cookie jar.

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