Classic Italian Butter Cookies Recipe

Name: Classic Italian Butter Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)

When it comes to nostalgia in baking, few treats evoke the warmth of childhood quite like classic Italian butter cookies. These delightful confections blend the richness of creamy butter with just the right amount of sweetness, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking a delightful snack for your afternoon tea or a memorable dessert for a family gathering, these cookies promise to create moments of joy and connection.

Why Make This Recipe

They’re incredibly simple, making them accessible even for novice bakers.
Each bite delivers that unmistakable buttery goodness that melts in your mouth.

Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, this recipe shines in its simplicity and taste, earning a special place in your collection of beloved treats.

Simple Way to Prepare Classic Italian Butter Cookies

Creating these classic butter cookies at home is not only a delightful process; it fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma that speaks of love and tradition. Let’s break down the steps.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to gather before diving into the kitchen:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Colored sugar or sprinkles for decoration (optional)

Directions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and attain that perfect golden color.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fluffy and light.
Add the vanilla and almond extracts to the butter mixture, continuing to mix until everything is well combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, blending just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
Now it’s time to shape your cookies. You can use a cookie press for beautifully shaped designs or simply use your hands to form small balls. Arrange them on a lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
If you wish to add a touch of color, sprinkle some colored sugar or sprinkles on top of each ball before baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want to take them out while they’re still soft in the middle.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Best Way to Store Classic Italian Butter Cookies

To ensure your delicious Italian butter cookies stay fresh and flavorful, here’s how to store them properly:

Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Refrigerate: For longer storage, they can stay in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature or briefly in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions for Classic Italian Butter Cookies

Presenting your classic Italian butter cookies can be just as delightful as making them. Here are a few ways to serve and enjoy these sweet bites:

With Coffee or Tea: Pair your cookies with a rich espresso or your favorite herbal tea. The buttery flavor complements the beverage beautifully.
Cookie Platters: Create an eye-catching dessert platter with a selection of cookies, including classic Italian butter cookies, biscotti, and almond cookies for variety.
Gift Boxes: Assemble cookies in decorative boxes or bags lined with colored tissue paper for a sweet homemade gift. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because.

Try serving these cookies alongside fresh fruit or a scoop of gelato for a delightful dessert combo.

Tips to Make Classic Italian Butter Cookies

Here are some simple tips for creating the best classic Italian butter cookies:

Use Room Temp Ingredients: Ensure that your butter is softened to room temperature for smooth blending.
Chill the Dough: If time allows, let the dough chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and make them easier to shape.
Don’t Overbake: Cookies may seem soft when you take them out of the oven, but they’ll firm up as they cool. Remove them once they just start to turn golden at the edges.

Variations or Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your classic Italian butter cookies. Here are a couple of ideas:

Chocolate Chip Twist: Add 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious variation that combines buttery goodness with chocolaty indulgence.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of one lemon or orange into the mixture for a refreshing citrusy flavor that brightens the classic recipe.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the cookies a few days in advance, or prepare the dough and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Q: What can I substitute for almond extract?
A: If you’re not keen on almond flavor, you can simply omit it or substitute with additional vanilla extract.

Q: How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Use a store-bought gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Ensure that any additional ingredients like baking soda are also certified gluten-free.

Q: How do I make them softer or crunchier?

For a softer cookie, ensure you do not overbake them, keeping them lightly golden.
For a crunchier texture, extend the baking time by a couple of minutes.

Nutritional Info for Classic Italian Butter Cookies

Understanding the nutritional profile of your cookies can be enlightening, especially for those who are calorie-conscious. While specifics can vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes, here is a general view:

Calories: Approximately 100 calories per cookie
Fat: 6g per cookie (mostly from butter)
Carbohydrates: 12g per cookie
Protein: 1g per cookie
Sugar: 5g per cookie

Note: For a more accurate breakdown, this can be adjusted based on your specific ingredient choices.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Classic Italian Butter Cookies

Simply following a recipe might not always guarantee success. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Precision in measuring flour and sugar is essential to achieving the perfect cookie texture.
Not Preheating the Oven: Ensure your oven is adequately preheated to avoid uneven baking.
Ignoring Ingredients Temperature: Always use softened butter at room temperature to facilitate better mixing and a fluffier cookie.

Final Thoughts

Classic Italian butter cookies are not just a treat; they are a celebration of family, tradition, and the joy of baking. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and lovely buttery flavor, these cookies hold the potential to become a cherished part of your baking repertoire. Whether you enjoy them on cozy evenings at home or share them with friends and family, they are sure to create sweet memories.

Take a moment to try out this recipe, and you might just find yourself falling in love with the wonderful world of baking all over again. So gather your ingredients, plan a little time in the kitchen, and let the magic unfold. Happy baking!