Description
These Italian butter cookies are a delightful treat that are perfect for any occasion. They are rich, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With a hint of vanilla and almond flavors, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them plain, or dress them up with sprinkles, cherries, or a dip in chocolate!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- sprinkles or maraschino cherries for decorating (optional)
- melted chocolate for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream the butter, powdered sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- Mix in dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough comes together.
- Pipe the dough: Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe strips or rosettes onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Decorate and bake: Decorate with sprinkles or cherries if desired. Bake for 10–12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Cool and serve: Cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Optionally, dip in melted chocolate and let set before serving.
Notes
- Use a sturdy piping bag and large star tip for best results.
- These cookies freeze well and are great for holiday trays.
- For a twist, try sandwiching two cookies with jam or chocolate.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
