If you’re craving a treat that’s buttery, delicate, and utterly addictive, then you’ve got to try this Italian Butter Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between crisp edges and melt-in-your-mouth centers, all wrapped up in a simple homemade flavor that’s both timeless and comforting. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just craving a cozy snack with your afternoon coffee, this recipe delivers that classic Italian charm in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, this Italian Butter Cookies Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully to create an irresistible cookie. Each ingredient plays a vital role: the butter brings richness and softness, the sugar adds gentle sweetness while aiding texture, and the flour gives structure. Together, they form a simple yet enchanting flavor that’s hard to beat.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Softened butter is key for achieving that light and tender cookie texture.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps the cookies brown nicely.
- 2 large egg yolks: Give richness and tender crumb without making the dough too wet.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides warm, aromatic depth to the flavor profile.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Properly weighed for consistency, this is the backbone of the cookie.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a delicate crumb.
- Optional powdered sugar for dusting: Adds a pretty finish and an extra touch of sweet elegance.
How to Make Italian Butter Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies slip off effortlessly once baked.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy — this usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, contributing to the cookie’s tender texture.
Step 3: Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Next, add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition so they fully incorporate. Then pour in the vanilla extract and blend until everything is smooth and combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed for consistent results.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — you want a soft dough that holds its shape but is not tough.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
You can pipe the dough using a cookie press for pretty shapes, scoop into small balls, or roll out the dough and cut it into your favorite cookie shapes. Place each piece carefully on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges are just turning a light golden brown. Watch them closely here — taking them out at the right time ensures they’re crisp on the edges but tender inside.
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, give a gentle dusting of powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch.
How to Serve Italian Butter Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and a delicate snowy look, perfect for celebrations or gifting. You can also dip half the cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
Italian Butter Cookies are wonderful alongside a cup of espresso, cappuccino, or tea — their buttery crunch complements the warm beverage perfectly. They also pair nicely with fresh fruit or a light mascarpone cream for a delightful dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing these cookies with friends, stack them up tied with a pretty ribbon for a homemade gift. Or arrange on a festive platter with seasonal berries and edible flowers to impress at your next gathering. Their simple elegance makes them versatile for every occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Italian Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for about a week while maintaining their freshness and tender crispness. Keeping them sealed prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before baking, by forming the dough balls and flash freezing them on a tray, or freeze baked cookies. When frozen pre-baked, bake straight from the freezer adding a minute or two extra to baking time.
Reheating
If the cookies lose a bit of their freshly baked magic, warm them gently in the oven for a few minutes to soften the butter and revive that irresistible buttery aroma. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
It’s best to stick to unsalted butter so you can control the salt level precisely, but if you only have salted butter, reduce or skip adding extra salt in the recipe.
Is it necessary to use egg yolks only?
The egg yolks enrich the dough and produce a tender crumb, but if you prefer, you can experiment with whole eggs, though the texture might be slightly different.
Can I add flavors other than vanilla?
Absolutely! Try almond extract, lemon zest, or even orange extract for subtle variations that add a personal twist to this classic recipe.
Why is it important to not overmix the dough?
Overmixing develops gluten, which can make cookies tough instead of tender and flaky, so mix just until ingredients come together for the perfect texture.
Can I use this dough for shaped cookies with cutters?
Yes, the dough can be rolled out and cut into shapes easily — just chill the dough beforehand if it feels too soft for cutting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly heartwarming about homemade Italian Butter Cookies that makes baking them feel like an act of love. This Italian Butter Cookies Recipe is a winner every time because it’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and results in cookies that are buttery, tender, and utterly unforgettable. Grab your mixing bowl and give it a try — I promise these cookies will become one of your favorite go-to treats!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Italian Butter Cookies are a classic treat known for their tender, buttery texture and delicate sweetness. Perfectly crisp on the edges and soft inside, they make an elegant snack or dessert. The recipe is simple, requiring basic pantry ingredients and a short baking time, ideal for cookie presses, scooping, or rolling and cutting into shapes. Finished with an optional dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies bring a touch of traditional Italian charm to your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes; this aerates the mixture and helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition to build structure, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined to infuse flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt throughout the flour.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to maintain cookie tenderness.
- Shape Cookies: Pipe the dough using a cookie press, scoop into small balls, or roll out the dough and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Dusting: Just before serving, dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
Notes
- Use softened butter to achieve the best cookie texture; it creams better with sugar.
- Weigh the flour for accuracy to ensure consistent results.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to maintain a tender crumb.
- Cookies can be shaped in multiple ways: piping, scooping, or cutting shapes.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Powdered sugar dusting is optional but recommended for extra sweetness and presentation.
