Classic Italian Butter Cookies 🇮🇹 are one of those timeless recipes that bring simple ingredients to life in the most elegant way. Buttery, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth, these cookies are perfect for any occasion—holidays, family gatherings, or even a quiet afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee. I like to think of them as the kind of cookies that make you feel a little fancy without much effort.

 

What makes them even better? They’re a blank canvas for decorations—dipped in chocolate, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with sprinkles. These beauties look straight out of an Italian bakery window, but they’re surprisingly easy to make right at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt

 

Optional Decorations:

• Melted dark or milk chocolate
• Sprinkles or chopped nuts
• Powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed. Cream until light, fluffy, and pale in color—about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add Egg Yolks and Vanilla:

Mix in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until fully combined. The yolks add richness, giving these cookies their signature tender crumb.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients:

Sift the all-purpose flour and salt into a bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed. Stop once the dough comes together—it should be soft and pliable but not sticky.

5. Pipe the Dough:

• Transfer the dough to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (like Wilton 1M or 4B).
• Pipe the dough onto the prepared baking sheets into shapes like swirls, rosettes, or straight lines—whatever makes you happy! Space the cookies about 1 inch apart since they won’t spread much.

6. Bake:

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Don’t overbake—these cookies are meant to stay tender.

7. Cool and Decorate:

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

 

Now for the fun part!

• Dip in Chocolate: Melt dark or milk chocolate and dip one end of the cookies, then add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or leave them plain for a sleek finish.
• Powdered Sugar: Dust the cookies lightly with powdered sugar for a classic touch.

Serving Suggestions

• These cookies pair beautifully with espresso, cappuccino, or a steaming cup of tea—pure Italian café vibes at home.
• They also make the perfect edible gift during the holidays. Package them up in a cute tin or box for a thoughtful treat.

Tips for Perfect Italian Butter Cookies

• Butter Consistency: The butter should be softened but not too warm. If it’s too soft, the cookies may lose their shape while baking.
• Piping Dough: If the dough feels too firm to pipe, let it rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
• Flavor Variations: Add a hint of almond extract for a subtle twist, or zest in a bit of lemon or orange for brightness.

Storage

• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• To freeze, store unadorned cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and decorate as desired.

These Classic Italian Butter Cookies are all about simple ingredients, delicate flavors, and that buttery magic that makes them irresistible. Whether dipped in chocolate, dusted with sugar, or simply served as-is, they’re a treat that brings a little slice of Italy to your table.

Bake a batch, share with family and friends, or keep them all for yourself (I won’t judge). Either way, these cookies are guaranteed to become a treasured favorite. Buon Appetito! 🇮🇹✨