Italian Butter Cookie Recipe is a slightly sweet, buttery cookie with a soft and chewy texture. Ideal for the winter months, this Italian Butter Cookie Recipe is sure to be your new favorite cookie!
In Italy, butter cookies are known as “biscotti di pasta ” or “shortbread.” They are often served after dessert as a palate cleanser and can also be dipped into tea or coffee, like some people might dip cookies in milk.
Benefits of the Italian Butter Cookie Recipe
- Butter Cookie Recipe is made with wholesome ingredients. Flour, sugar, butter, and eggs are basic ingredients in many cookie recipes. Nothing fancy here but the best of the basics.
- These butter cookies are naturally gluten-free! Although they’re a little bit crumbly than regular cookies because of the lack of wheat flour, they fulfill your craving for a delicious butter cookie.
- You don’t need a mixer or a food processor to make this Italian Butter Cookie Recipe. This recipe can be whipped up in less than 5 minutes with a fork.
- The butter shortbread cookie is the Italian version of the German Stollen, and they’re the same wonderful sweetie buttery bread made with eggs, butter, sugar, and flour!
- The egg wash gives the Italian Butter Cookie Recipe that trademark shine and makes it look extra pretty.
- The Italian Butter Cookie Recipe gets its’ name because of its sweetness level. They’re incredibly sweet but not too sweet when you need a glass of milk or something to wash it down.
How To Make Italian Butter Cookie Recipe?
Necessary Ingredients:
- 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons butter, at room temperature and cubed
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 3 and 1/4 cups flour
Necessary Equipment
- 1 medium-sized mixing bowl
- 1 fork
Preparation Instructions
Step 1.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a fork, beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Make sure no clumps of butter are still left, and the sugar has been evenly spread throughout the butter.
Step 2.
Add the eggs and beat for about 1 minute. Combine 3/4 of the flour with the butter mixture and mix until combined. Repeat this process with the rest of the flour, mixing in between each addition. If the dough is too wet, add more flour (1 to 2 Tablespoons at this time).
Step 3.
Chill dough for 30 minutes before rolling it out on a board or tray (if you want to freeze it, you can). Â Dust your board or tray with flour and roll the dough using your hands into thin sheets (1/4-inch thick or 1/8-inch thick). Â
The thinner you roll it, the butter cookie will be, but if you want them thicker or have a lot of dough, keep rolling until it’s the desired consistency. Â I rolled my dough until 1/4-inch thick for this recipe and cut them into 12 large rectangles.
Step 4.
Brush the dough with a lightly beaten egg (1 egg should do it). Bake for 20 minutes and let cool completely before serving.
Tips:
The smaller you make these cookies, the better. Suppose you want them to be even more crumbly and crispy. In that case, I recommend cutting the butter shortbread cookies into even smaller rectangles and baking in a preheated 325-340 degree oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition Facts Of Italian Butter Cookie Recipe
Amount per serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 5g |
| Saturated fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 116mg |
| Carbohydrate | 11g |
| Dietary fiber | 0.8g |
| Sugars | 7g |
| Protein | 2.5g |
10 Outstanding serving ideas for the Italian Butter Cookie Recipe
1. Add some ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice to your Italian Butter Cookie Recipe to make it a sweeter and seasonal treat. You can add some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for an extra crunchy, sweet treat!
2. These shortbread cookies would go perfectly with a glass of milk or any milk substitute. Add some chocolate syrup on top for an added sweetness!
3. Italian Butter Cookie Recipe is an ideal snack for children. They are a sweet treat with lots of healthy nutrients and vitamins!
4. Italian Butter Cookie Recipe would go great as a gift for your friends, neighbors, or family members. Make cute packaging with colorful paper and ribbon to make it look even more attractive!
5. These butter cookies can also be used as cupcake toppers! Use a straw, chopstick, fork, or something similar to poke holes on the shortbread cookie and place it on top of the cupcakes!
7. These shortbread cookies are delicious but also perfect for dunking! Serve them with your favorite tea or coffee as a palate cleanser and sweet treat!
8. Try dunking them in some chocolate sauce or melted chocolate fudge!
9. Mix some Italian Butter Cookie Recipes with granola to make a healthy, crunchy, sweet snack idea!
10. Italian Butter Cookie Recipe is a great flourless cookie recipe if you’re trying to follow a gluten-free diet.
What is the most popular cookie in Italy?
The most popular cookie in Italy is the Amaretti, an Italian macaroon-style treat made with egg whites and almond flour. Â It’s a very popular cookie in Italy to have at home because it’s very easy to make and not too sweet.
There are many variations of the Amaretti; some stores even sell them ready-made. They are often served at the end of every meal for dessert, placed on top of ice cream, or thrown in your favorite coffee or tea.
Why do Italian cookies taste different?
The main difference between Italian cookies and other countries is the ingredients. Â A typical Italian cookie uses mainly almond flour, eggs, and sugar.
Italian desserts are also sweeter than those made in other countries for various reasons, such as adding more sugar or larger cookies (because Italians prefer their food sweeter).
What is the difference between a butter cookie and a shortbread cookie?
A butter cookie is usually made from shortbread. Â Shortbread is a delicately flavored, richly-textured cookie. Â
Shortbreads are moist and crumbly, in contrast to the crisp texture of a biscuit or cracker. The traditional shortbread we use in this recipe contains no butter, and the texture is due to adding finely ground almonds to the flour.
How Long Will It Take To Prepare?
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Rest time:30 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Servings: 12
Is It Safe For Pregnant And Nursing Women?
Yes, This recipe is safe for pregnant and nursing women. Although there is a small risk of small particles of almonds being transferred to the food, there is no danger to the mother or baby as long as the cookies are stored in a sealed container. This recipe is safe to serve at room temperature between 35-40 degrees F.
Can You Freeze Italian Butter Cookie Recipe?
Yes, do not forget you can freeze the Italian Butter Cookie Recipe in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Bottom Line
Italian Butter Cookie Recipe is a delicious and easy butter cookie recipe you can make at home using simple ingredients. It’s much healthier than store-bought cookies, which are ready in minutes! This shortbread cookie recipe is sure to keep you happy and satisfied. Try it today!