Description
Delicate italian butter cookies melt in your mouth with buttery richness from Naples. Crisp edges and delightful sweetness invite you to savor each delectable bite of this classic European treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup (85 grams) powdered sugar
Binding Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings and Decorations:
- ½ cup (90 grams) melted semi-sweet chocolate (for dipping)
- Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut (for decoration)
- Maraschino cherries or jam (for centers)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by positioning the rack in the center and warming it to 350F (175C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for delicate cookies.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale. Incorporate egg, vanilla, and almond extracts, blending until the mixture appears smooth and uniform.
- Gently fold flour and salt into the wet ingredients, mixing carefully until a cohesive dough forms. The consistency should be soft yet sturdy enough to maintain its shape when piped.
- Load the dough into a piping bag equipped with a large decorative star tip. Create elegant swirls, delicate rosettes, or linear designs on the prepared baking sheets, positioning each cookie approximately one inch apart.
- Place the cookie-laden sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for subtle golden edges as an indicator of perfect doneness.
- Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to rest on the baking sheets for five minutes, enabling them to firm up slightly. Carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to complete the cooling process.
- Once completely cooled, enhance the cookies by dipping ends or surfaces in melted chocolate. Embellish with sprinkles, crushed nuts, or coconut for added texture and visual appeal. Alternatively, create thumbprint-style variations by adding a small dollop of jam or a decorative cherry before the baking stage.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened at room temperature for smooth, creamy mixing without lumps.
- Use a sturdy piping bag with a large star tip for classic Italian cookie shapes and professional presentation.
- Swap almond extract with other flavors like orange zest or lemon extract for unique taste variations.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 132
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg