Get my classic Italian Butter Cookie Recipe! Made in a cookie gun, this simple and buttery recipe is the perfect Christmas treat.

Italian Butter Cookies are a traditional Italian cookie that is great for any time of year, but especially at Christmas. 

It’s an old family favorite that has been passed down for generations. With this recipe for Italian Butter Cookies, it’s possible to maintain these comforting traditions without all of the hassle.

If you’re looking for a nostalgic cookie that is easy to make and perfect for all types of special occasions, Italian Butter Cookies are the recipe for you. No need to head to an Italian bakery when you can make this easy recipe right at home.

Made with basic ingredients, these easy and buttery cookies are made using a cookie gun. Italian butter cookies are made with a simple dough that is soft and easy to work with.  

These simple butter cookies are buttery, crisp around the edges and soft in the middle and can be made into lots of fun shapes with a cookie gun. They really are my favorite kind of cookies!

How to this Make this Italian Butter Cookie Recipe

Ingredients 

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment

Stand Mixer with the paddle attachment or a handheld mixer
Mixing bowl
Baking trays
Cookie gun

Instructions 

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Prepare 2 large baking sheets with a sheet of parchment paper.

Note: Use the empty butter wrappers to grease the pans first so the parchment stays flat.

In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugar until fluffy.

Mix in egg yolks and vanilla and almond extract into the sugar mixture.

Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Slowly add in the remaining dry ingredients and mix until incorporated and a dough forms.

Put some of your cookie dough into your cookie press. I like to use a little bit of cookie batter at a time so that you can change your decorative discs.

Hold your cookie press perpendicular to the cookie sheet and press the cookies onto your prepared baking sheet.

Add your sprinkles.

Your cookies will need a baking time of about 10 minutes or until they are a light golden brown.

Cool your cookies on a wire rack.

How to use a cookie press 

Put some of your dough into your cookie press. I like to use a little bit of dough at a time so that you can change your decorative discs.

You could even change the color of the dough with some red or green food coloring. Just pinch off some dough and in a separate bowl mix in the coloring.

Hold your cookie press perpendicular to the baking sheet and press the cookies onto your baking sheet.

How to Decorate Italian Butter Cookies

They can be decorated with various toppings such as nuts, chocolate ganache, candy, and sprinkles.

Spreading melted chocolate or a teaspoon of preserves onto the flat side of the cookies and and sandwiching them together – blackberry jam, raspberry jam or strawberry jam all work well.

Add sprinkles before baking.

maraschino cherries are delicious in the center of each cookie.

Dip your Italian cookies into dark chocolate, white chocolate or milk chocolate.

How to Store Cookies 

Place cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If you decide to use 

The cookies can also be frozen for up to three months if needed – just wrap them in parchment paper or wax paper before freezing.

How to Make Butter Cookies Without A Cookie Press

If you do not want to purchase a cookie press, you can use piping bags to pipe your cookies using an open star pastry tip or other type of piping tip. 

Try More of My Cookie Recipes to Try Throughout the Holiday Season!

*This recipe contains affiliate links. See my privacy policy for more information.

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