Classic Italian Butter Cookies, also known as “Biscotti di Burro,” are a simple yet elegant treat that has been cherished for generations in Italy. These cookies are known for their rich, buttery flavor, delicate texture, and subtly sweet taste. Often enjoyed with a cup of espresso or tea, they make the perfect accompaniment to a cozy afternoon or a festive gathering. Their melt-in-your-mouth quality comes from the perfect balance of butter, sugar, and just a hint of vanilla. Unlike many other cookies that use a lot of complex ingredients, these Italian butter cookies highlight the beauty of simplicity. With their tender crumb and delicate crunch, they’re ideal for both special occasions and everyday indulgence. Whether you’re serving them as part of a dessert platter, gifting them in a charming tin, or simply enjoying them with a loved one, these cookies are bound to leave a lasting impression. Their versatility also allows for a variety of flavor tweaks—adding citrus zest, nuts, or even a touch of chocolate can easily transform them into a personalized treat.
Ingredients
To make Classic Italian Butter Cookies, you will need the following ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 egg, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. The all-purpose flour provides the base for the dough, offering structure and texture. Butter is the star of this recipe, providing the rich, creamy flavor that defines these cookies. Sugar sweetens the dough while giving the cookies a light, crisp texture. Vanilla extract adds a fragrant warmth to the cookies, enhancing their sweetness. The egg binds the ingredients together, while the salt brings out the flavors and balances the sweetness. Baking powder gives the cookies a slightly light and airy texture, ensuring they don’t become too dense. If desired, you can also add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon zest for an extra layer of flavor.
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure they bake evenly. Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are well-combined and helps to prevent clumps in the dough. Step 3: In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together using an electric mixer or hand whisk on medium speed. Beat for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process incorporates air into the butter, creating a tender and soft texture in the cookies. Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and continue beating until smooth and fully combined. The egg helps to bind the ingredients together, and the vanilla adds a sweet, aromatic flavor. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, salt, and baking powder) to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this could result in tough cookies. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. Step 6: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for even spreading. If you want to shape the cookies, gently press each dough ball into a round disc or flatten them slightly with a fork. Step 7: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. If you prefer a slightly crispier texture, bake them a few extra minutes. Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variations
While Classic Italian Butter Cookies are wonderful on their own, there are plenty of ways to customize them to suit your taste. You can add zest from an orange or lemon to the dough for a bright citrus flavor that complements the buttery richness. For a nutty twist, incorporate finely chopped almonds or hazelnuts into the dough, or sprinkle them on top before baking. Another variation is to dip the cookies in melted dark or white chocolate after baking for an extra touch of indulgence. You can also roll the dough in colored sugar or sprinkles before baking to give the cookies a festive look, perfect for special occasions like Christmas or Easter.
Cooking Notes
Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before starting. If the butter is too hard, it will be difficult to cream with the sugar, and if it’s too melted, the cookies may spread too much during baking. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, you can chill it for about 30 minutes in the refrigerator to make it easier to handle. If you want your cookies to have a slightly thicker texture, you can chill the dough before baking to prevent excessive spreading. If using a fork to flatten the dough, lightly grease the tines or dip them in flour to avoid sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Classic Italian Butter Cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also make a lovely addition to a dessert platter, paired with other cookies or bite-sized sweets like chocolate truffles, fruit tarts, or mini pastries. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, like a birthday or holiday, these cookies can be decorated with sprinkles or drizzled with chocolate to match the theme. You can also pack them into a decorative tin for a charming homemade gift that’s perfect for giving during the holiday season or as a thoughtful gesture for friends and family.
Tips
For a more flavorful cookie, consider experimenting with different extracts. A drop of almond extract can add a lovely, nutty fragrance, while lemon zest or orange zest can give the cookies a refreshing citrus twist. If you prefer a more golden color on the cookies, brush the tops with a bit of beaten egg before baking to achieve a subtle shine. When baking multiple batches, always allow the baking sheets to cool completely between batches to prevent the dough from spreading too much.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Nutritional Information (per cookie, assuming 24 cookies)
Calories: 150
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 50mg
FAQs
- Can I use salted butter for this recipe? It’s best to use unsalted butter for better control over the amount of salt in the cookies. If you use salted butter, omit the added salt in the recipe.
- How can I store the cookies? Store your Classic Italian Butter Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To maintain their freshness, you can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free, and adjust the baking time if necessary.
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough in cookie dough balls and bake them when needed.
- Can I add chocolate to these cookies? Absolutely! You can add chocolate chips, or dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
Conclusion
Classic Italian Butter Cookies are a timeless treat that embodies the elegance and simplicity of Italian baking. Their rich, buttery flavor and tender texture make them an ideal choice for any occasion, from casual tea time to festive celebrations. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a twist of citrus or chocolate, these cookies are sure to bring a touch of sweetness and charm to your table. Their versatility allows for endless customization, and they can easily be tailored to suit your personal taste. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make these delightful cookies and share the joy of Italian baking with your family and friends. Happy baking!