Italian Butterball Cookies – Perfect Holiday Treats
Italian Butterball Cookies are a beloved holiday treat, cherished by people of all ages. These smooth, chewy cookies are not balls of butter as the name might suggest, but delightful morsels that melt in your mouth. This old family recipe has been passed down through generations, bringing joy to festive gatherings. Let’s dive into the details of this wonderful recipe.
Table of Contents
The Best Italian Butterball Cookies
Notes on Ingredients
The simplicity of the ingredients is what makes these Italian Butterball Cookies so special. Using a stick of butter, confectioners’ sugar, and a blend of vanilla and almond extracts gives these cookies their unique flavor and texture. The combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt ensures the perfect rise and chewiness. A final roll in confectioners’ sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish.
How to Make Italian Butterball Cookies
- Gather Ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a baking sheet.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat together 1 stick of butter and ¾ cup of confectioners’ sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Add one egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the butter mixture. Mix well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually mix into the butter mixture until just incorporated.
- Shape the Dough: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until the cookies are firm. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Coat with Sugar: Spread ¼ cup of confectioners’ sugar on a plate. Roll the cooled cookies in the confectioners’ sugar to coat them thoroughly.
How to Serve Italian Butterball Cookies
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh, dusted with a generous amount of confectioners’ sugar. Serve them on a festive plate at holiday gatherings, alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea. They also make a delightful addition to a holiday cookie platter or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
How to Store Italian Butterball Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze the cookies in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
FAQs About Italian Butterball Cookies
Can I use a different type of sugar for coating?
While confectioners’ sugar is traditional and gives the cookies their signature look and taste, you could experiment with granulated sugar for a different texture.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Let the dough come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like almonds or pecans can be mixed into the dough for added texture and flavor.
How can I ensure the cookies stay chewy?
To maintain the chewiness, be careful not to overbake the cookies. They should be firm but not hard when you take them out of the oven.
The Best Italian Butterball Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 stick butter
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar
Instructions
- Gather the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
- Beat together the butter and 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and mix into the butter mixture until just incorporated.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven until firm, about 10 minutes. Cool on the sheet for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Spread the 1/4 cup confectioners sugar on a plate; roll the cooled cookies in the confectioners’ sugar to coat.
Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful Italian Butterball Cookies, a timeless treat that brings warmth and joy to any holiday celebration!
