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
Scale
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.
