Easy Italian Butter Cookies Recipe: Melt-in-Your-Mouth Perfection

Italian butter cookies, also known as “Biscotti al Burro,” are a classic treat that brings warmth and joy to any home. With their soft texture and rich buttery flavor, these cookies are a hit at any occasion. Whether you are making them for a family gathering or enjoying them with tea or coffee, Italian butter cookies never disappoint.

This article will show you how to make these cookies step-by-step, making it easy for you to prepare them at home. You’ll soon be able to serve delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cookies to your friends and family.

Ingredients for Italian Butter Cookies

To make these delicious cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a subtle nutty flavor)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• A pinch of salt
• Sprinkles or colored sugar (optional, for decoration)

These ingredients are easy to find and are the key to creating buttery and tasty cookies. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Recipe for Italian Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you begin baking, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This helps the butter and sugar mix together smoothly and results in the right dough texture.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer for this. This step will usually take around 2-3 minutes. The fluffier the mixture, the better the texture of the cookies!

Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts

Now, add one large egg to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until it is well combined. Next, add the vanilla extract for that classic flavor. If you want a little extra nutty taste, you can also add almond extract at this stage.

Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Once combined, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. The dough should become soft and easy to handle. If the dough feels sticky, you can add a little more flour until it is just right.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Now, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Take small portions of dough and roll them into balls. You can also use a cookie press or piping bag to create fun shapes like stars, crescents, or any other shape you like. If you want to make them even more fun, roll the dough balls in sprinkles or colored sugar before baking.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Place the shaped cookie dough onto the baking sheet. Be sure to leave space between each cookie. Bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown. Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once the cookies are done, take them out of the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool down. This helps them become firm. Once they’re completely cool, you can serve them with a cup of tea, coffee, or enjoy them as a delicious snack.

Tips for Perfect Italian Butter Cookies

• Use unsalted butter: It’s important to use unsalted butter for this recipe so that you can control the amount of salt in your cookies.
• Chill the dough: If the dough feels too soft to handle, place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to shape the cookies.
• Experiment with flavors: You can add lemon zest, orange zest, or even a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
• Storage: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, so you can enjoy them for several days!

Why You’ll Love Italian Butter Cookies

Italian butter cookies are loved by everyone because of their delicate, light texture. Their subtle sweetness and rich buttery flavor make them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a special holiday, or simply an afternoon snack. They’re simple to make, yet they taste so luxurious.

Conclusion

Making Italian butter cookies is a fun and easy way to share a bit of Italian tradition with your friends and family. With just a few basic ingredients and steps, you can create a batch of delicious cookies that everyone will enjoy. These cookies have the perfect texture and flavor, making them the ideal treat for any occasion. Try this simple recipe today and enjoy the rich, buttery goodness of authentic Italian butter cookies!

Purple Basil LLC

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