• Cooking Tips
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclosure/Privacy
  • Recipe Index

Sign Up for My Newsletter and free EBook ✉️
  • Home
  • About Me – Rosemary Molloy
    • Contact
    • Disclosure/Privacy
  • Recipes
  • Ingredient
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Chocolate
    • Eggs
    • Fish & Seafood
    • fruit
    • Pasta
    • Pork
    • Potatoes
    • Vegetables
  • Course
    • Drinks
    • Breakfast / Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Main Dish
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Pasta
    • Casseroles & Bakes
    • Pizza / Bread
    • Salads
    • Soups & Stews
  • Desserts
    • Cookies & Bars
    • Donuts & Pastries
    • Frostings & Glazes
    • Homemade Candy
    • Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts
    • Muffins & Sweet Breads
    • No-Bake Desserts
    • Tarts & Pies
  • Seasons
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fall/Winter
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
  • American Favorites
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Breakfast / Brunch
    • Drinks
    • Lunch
    • Main Dish
    • Desserts
    • Side Dishes

Sign Up for My Newsletter and free EBook ✉️

An Italian in my Kitchen

Authentic Italian Recipes

  • Recipes
  • Ingredient
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Chocolate
    • Eggs
    • Fish & Seafood
    • fruit
    • Nuts
    • Pasta
    • Pork
    • Potatoes
    • Vegetables
  • Course
    • Drinks
    • Breakfast / Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Main Dish
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Pasta
    • Casseroles & Bakes
    • Pizza / Bread
    • Salads
    • Soups & Stews
    • Desserts
      • Cookies & Bars
      • Donuts & Pastries
      • Frostings & Glazes
      • Homemade Candy
      • Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts
      • Muffins & Sweet Breads
      • No-Bake Desserts
      • Tarts & Pies
  • Seasons
    • Cooking Tips for Making it Italian
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fall/Winter
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Recipe Collections
  • American Favorites
    • Drinks
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Main Dish
    • Desserts
Home » Desserts » Cookies & Bars » Italian Butter Cookies

Italian Butter Cookies

By: Rosemary Published: October 28, 2019 Updated on: December 21, 2022

Share

Share
Pin
Email
Jump to Recipe

A buttery simple Italian Cookie. These Italian Butter Cookies are perfect anytime. Serve them as a holiday cookie or with tea or coffee in the afternoon.

Italian butter cookies in a cookie bowl with 2 cups of expresso

Yes now these are the cookies that every Italian loves and knows how to make.

Sometimes they are dipped in chocolate, sometimes they are made with a cookie press and sometimes made like I make them, rolled and cut with cookie cutters.

I find rolling and cutting the easiest. And that also makes them perfect for the Holidays. These buttery, slightly crunchy cookies are just that and more.

butter cookies four stacked and one leaning

Table of Contents

  • How to make them
      • Never Miss a Recipe!
  • How to store them
  • How to freeze the cookies
  • More Delicious Italian Cookies
  • Italian Butter Cookies
    • Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 1x2x3x
      • *If the dough is too soft then add a tablespoon or two of flour to firm it up. It should be soft and firm but not loose.
      • **Be sure to use a good quality butter, apparently this year 2022, store brand butter quality is not what it used to be. Less fat could mean a dry not so tasty cookie.
    • Instructions 
    • Notes
    • Nutrition

How to make them

  • Beat butter and sugar until creamy, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the egg and vanilla and combine

mixing the ingredients for butter cookies, sifting the dry and creaming the butter and sugar

  • Add the sifted flour a little at a time, mixing to combine.
  • Form the dough into a ball, then wrap it with plastic and refrigerate.

wrapping the butter cookie dough in plastic to chill

  • Roll the dough on a lightly floured flat surface.
  • Cut out forms with a cookie cutter.
  • Place the cookies on the prepared cookie sheets and bake.

placing cut out cookies on baking sheet to bake for butter cookies

Subscribe Today

Never Miss a Recipe!

Subscribe today and receive my free e-book of recipes!

    We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.

    • Let cool before serving.

    I use salted butter only because I can’t get unsalted in Italy. If you do use unsalted then just add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the flour mixture.

    The dough can either be rolled and cut with cutters or rolled into a log and sliced. Whichever you prefer. Sprinkle with a little icing sugar before serving.

    How to store them

    Let the cookies cool completely before storing. Place the cookies in an airtight container. Place sheets of parchment paper  between each layer to keep them from sticking to each other.

    Place a piece of white bread on top inside the container to keep them fresh. White bread helps to absorb the moisture which will keep the cookies fresh.

    Keep the container at room temperature, the cookies should last 3-4 days if properly stored.

    butter cookies on coffee plates and in a bowl

    How to freeze the cookies

    Freeze the completely cooled cookies in a freezer safe bag or container in a single layers. If the container is large then separate the layers with a sheet of parchment paper.

    The cookies will last up to five months in the freezer.

    More Delicious Italian Cookies

    • Canestrelli
    • Pizzicati
    • Lemon Cookies
    • Occhio di Bue
    • Italian S Cookies

    So if you are looking to try an Italian cookies this Holiday season I hope you give these Butter Cookies a try. And of course let me know what you think. Enjoy!

    butter cookies four stacked and one leaning

    Italian butter cookies in a cookie bowl with 2 cups of expresso

    Italian Butter Cookies

    Rosemary Molloy
    A buttery simple Italian Cookie. These Italian Butter Cookies are perfect anytime. Serve them as a holiday cookie or with tea or coffee in the afternoon.
    5 from 26 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 10 mins
    Chilling Time 1 hr
    Total Time 1 hr 20 mins
    Course cookies
    Cuisine Italian
    Servings 35 cookies
    Calories 92 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 cups all purpose flour*
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 pinch salt
    • 1 cup butter (softened)**
    • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 large egg (room temperature)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla

    *If the dough is too soft then add a tablespoon or two of flour to firm it up. It should be soft and firm but not loose.

      **Be sure to use a good quality butter, apparently this year 2022, store brand butter quality is not what it used to be. Less fat could mean a dry not so tasty cookie.

        Instructions
         

        • In a medium bowl sift the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
        • In a large bowl on medium speed beat the butter and sugar until creamy approximately 3 minutes, then add the egg and vanilla and combine. Add the sifted flour mixture a little at a time until combined.
        • Place the dough on a lightly floured flat surface and gently form into a ball (do not over knead). Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for one hour.
        • Pre-heat oven to 350F (180C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
        • Place the dough on a lightly floured flat surface and roll (you can use half the dough at a time) to a little thicker then 1/8 inch thick. Place on cookie sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges or lightly golden. Let cool 5-8 minutes then move to cookie rack to cool completely, before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy!

        Notes

        The dough can also be formed into a log, wrapped in plastic and refrigerated. Then just slice and bake.

        Nutrition

        Calories: 92kcalCarbohydrates: 9.85gProtein: 1gFat: 5.49gSaturated Fat: 3.39gCholesterol: 19.97mgSodium: 50.07mgPotassium: 28.75mgFiber: 0.19gSugar: 4.32gVitamin A: 170.83IUCalcium: 10.96mgIron: 0.37mg
        Keyword butter cookies, Italian butter cookies
        Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

        Subscribe Today

        Never Miss a Recipe!

        Subscribe today and receive my free e-book of recipes!

          We won't send you spam. Unsubscribe at any time.


          Christmas Cookies, Cookies & Bars, Most Posts

          Related

          Comments

            Leave a Reply Cancel reply

            Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

            Recipe Rating




            This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

          1. Mike says

            December 15, 2022 at 10:37 pm

            Hi Rosemary I love your recipies I have been making Italan butter cookies by the dozen I had a stroke in July and baking has been great theripy almost 100% Thank you very much Mike

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              December 17, 2022 at 12:38 pm

              Hi Mike, thanks so much, sorry to hear about your stroke, but very happy I could help you mend. Take care and have a wonderful Christmas!

              Reply
          2. Denise says

            April 10, 2022 at 8:46 pm

            This is a beautiful recipe! These cookies are so nostalgic capturing my talian childhood Sunday bakery moments in this cookie. I don’t how, but it just does. Please post more recipes.

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              April 11, 2022 at 8:35 pm

              Hi Denise, thanks so much, yes I have lots of recipes planned. Take care.

              Reply
          3. Terry Hanusik says

            April 4, 2022 at 1:53 am

            5 stars
            These were delicious and those who tried them want the recipe!!!

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              April 4, 2022 at 3:02 pm

              Hi Terry, thanks so much and so glad everyone wanted the recipe. Take care.

              Reply
          4. Joy Macgregor says

            February 18, 2022 at 10:53 am

            Hi my dough is like buttercream, what have I done wrong? I’ve added more flour
            Thanks

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              February 18, 2022 at 8:30 pm

              Hi Joy, I really don’t know why it was like that, did you maybe add too much butter? Adding more flour is the correct thing to do.

              Reply
          5. Nicole M Cupp says

            December 23, 2021 at 8:08 pm

            5 stars
            Hi there! Probably my third time in one week making these! This time I doubled the recipe and I accidently softened my butter too much, what do you suggest?

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              December 24, 2021 at 11:48 am

              Hi Nicole, if the dough is already made then I would chill it for an hour. If not then chill the dough until it hardens up just a bit. Let me know how it goes.

              Reply
          6. Annie M says

            December 8, 2021 at 9:06 pm

            Hi Rosemary, I love your recipes! I’m looking for a shaped lemon cookie. Would it be ok to add lemon zest/juice to this recipe, or would you advise going with something specific for lemon? I can’t wait to try these.

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              December 9, 2021 at 9:02 am

              Hi Annie, thanks so much, I do have 2 other lemon cookies that are made for cutting out. Lemon Sugar Cookies – https://anitalianinmykitchen.com/sugar-cookies/ and a Lemon Shortbread – https://anitalianinmykitchen.com/lemon-shortbread-cookies/ . You probably could add a little lemon juice (1 tablespoon) or even lemon extract and for sure zest. Let me know how it goes.

              Reply
          7. Sonia says

            October 29, 2021 at 8:36 pm

            5 stars
            Can I use a food processor for the dough ?

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              October 30, 2021 at 10:59 am

              Hi Sonia yes I think that would work, but pulse just to combine, then move to a lightly floured flat surface and gently knead into a ball. Let me know how it goes.

              Reply
              • Jan says

                December 22, 2021 at 4:25 pm

                5 stars
                Used mine and they are perfect and very delicious…..Easy to make

              • Rosemary says

                December 23, 2021 at 7:38 pm

                Hi Jan, thanks so much, so glad you enjoyed them.

          8. Anna says

            January 14, 2021 at 2:24 pm

            5 stars
            Your cookie recipes sound wonderful. I’m going to try them

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              January 14, 2021 at 5:05 pm

              Thanks Anna, let me know how it goes.

              Reply
          9. Melanie says

            December 25, 2020 at 2:12 am

            These cookies are amazing! Can the dough be prepared in advance and left in the fridge overnight?

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              December 25, 2020 at 9:40 am

              Hi Melanie, yes you can leave the dough overnight in the fridge. It will probably be hard, so bring it to room temperature for about an hour or so to soften it up a bit. Merry Christmas.

              Reply
          10. Mary S. says

            December 20, 2020 at 8:46 pm

            if I wanted to add sprinkles, would you recommend an egg wash and sprinkles, then bake?

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              December 20, 2020 at 8:57 pm

              Hi Mary, to tell the truth I think the egg wash would turn the cookie yellow, I would brush the cookie with milk and then sprinkles rather than an egg wash and then bake. Hope that helps.

              Reply
          11. Darinka says

            July 10, 2020 at 6:08 pm

            5 stars
            Love this recipe. My cookies always come out perfect.

            Reply
          12. Terry Hanusik says

            April 29, 2020 at 12:24 pm

            5 stars
            I thought these were delicious and make for a very good coffee cookie!!! Can’t wait to share some with my 85 year old mother who loves coffee and a cookie as much as I do. Five stars in my book!!

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              April 29, 2020 at 7:05 pm

              Hi Terry, thanks so much, I hope your mother enjoys them too. Take care.

              Reply
          13. Pat says

            December 2, 2019 at 4:01 pm

            Can you put the cookie dough in a cookie press? Or is the dough to soft?

            Thank you

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              December 2, 2019 at 4:45 pm

              Hi Pat, in my opinion it’s too soft, although I don’t have much experience with a cookie press.

              Reply
          14. Debbie says

            November 12, 2019 at 7:54 pm

            5 stars
            OHHHH my gosh!! I am addicted to these things! I cut the recipe in half as I do when trying a new recipe….and made about 12 of them…but cut them way tooooo skinny….but had to bake this this am and get them out as gifts!!! I could eat the whole pan full…my only advise is be generous w the flour when you roll them out…mine were too oily …and cut them at least 1/4 thick. I cut about 1/16….and so crispy and luscious…..but need to be thicker to bag up and give away…unless you are underweight and are advised to eat butter!! Then go for it…..no need for any other butter cookie recipe…and I am alway trying new recipes even if I think I have the perfect one…I think this is only the 5 or 6th that I won’t change a thing!! thanks!! For sharing…..

            Reply
            • Rosemary says

              November 13, 2019 at 2:48 pm

              Hi Debbie, haha thanks so much, yes they are addicting.

              Reply

          Hi, I'm Rosemary.

          Living in Italy I learned to cook authentic Italian dishes using whole ingredients, fresh veggies and delicious spices. So take a seat and have a taste! Read More

          Most Popular

          pizza dough 3 rounds on parchment paper

          Best Pizza Dough

          puff pastry cut in half stacked.

          Quick & Easy Homemade Puff Pastry

          Homemade Potato Gnocchi

          Pieces of fudge on parchment paper.

          Old Fashioned Chocolate Fudge

          Sauce and pasta in a bowl with some on a fork.

          Authentic Bolognese Sauce

          5 stacked lemon cookies.

          Italian Lemon Cookies

          Filter By Date

          Readers Favorite Trending Recipes

          pizza dough 3 rounds on parchment paper

          Best Pizza Dough

          Homemade Potato Gnocchi

          puff pastry cut in half stacked.

          Quick & Easy Homemade Puff Pastry

          Sauce and pasta in a bowl with some on a fork.

          Authentic Bolognese Sauce

          Ingredients.

          • Beef
          • Chicken
          • Chocolate
          • Eggs
          • Fish & Seafood
          • Pasta
          • Pork

          Course.

          • Appetizers & Snacks
          • Breakfast / Brunch
          • Drinks
          • Lunch
          • Main Dish

          Browse.

          • About Me – Rosemary Molloy
          • Contact
          • Disclosure/Privacy
          • Recipe Index
          Copyright ©2023, An Italian in my Kitchen. All Rights Reserved.
          Design by Pixel Me Designs