Description
Delightful piped chocolate butter cookies that are rich, buttery, and perfectly textured. These cookies feature a smooth cocoa-infused dough piped into elegant shapes, baked to a tender crisp, and optionally adorned with drizzled chocolate and festive sprinkles or chopped nuts. Perfect for holiday treats or anytime indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for piping consistency)
Decoration (Optional)
- Melted chocolate for drizzling
- Sprinkles or chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is essential for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder into the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk as needed to reach a consistency suitable for piping.
- Prepare for Piping: Transfer the dough into a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe your desired shapes onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them evenly to allow for slight spreading while baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft. Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Decorate (Optional): Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate or dip them partially for an extra touch of decadence. Sprinkle with your choice of sprinkles or chopped nuts for added texture and festive flair.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Adjust the milk quantity carefully to achieve a pipeable dough without it being too runny.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Variations include using white chocolate for drizzling or different flavored extracts like almond or peppermint instead of vanilla.
