Classic Italian Butter Cookies with Star Piping
Traditional Italian butter cookies featuring a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture achieved through the combination of cake flour, butter, and vegetable shortening. These delicate cookies are piped through a star tip to create elegant ridged shapes and baked until lightly golden. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or afternoon tea, they offer a subtle vanilla flavor and sophisticated appearance that makes them ideal for gift-giving or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper
- 2
Mix together flour, vanillina, and salt in a bowl and set aside
- 3
Cream together shortening, butter, and confectioner sugar in standing mixer with paddle attachment until creamy
- 4
Add eggs and mix until well incorporated
- 5
Add dry mixture and mix until smooth dough forms
- 6
Place dough in piping bag fitted with large star tip
- 7
Pipe cookies a couple inches apart on prepared baking sheet
- 8
Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly golden
- 9
Allow to cool completely before serving
Tips
Ensure butter and shortening are properly softened at room temperature for easy creaming and smooth dough texture.
Don't overbake the cookies - they should be just lightly golden to maintain their tender texture.
Use a large star tip for piping to create the classic ridged Italian cookie shape.
Good to Know
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week
Dough can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated, bring to room temperature before piping
Serve at room temperature on decorative plate or in gift boxes
Common Mistakes
Don't overmix after adding flour to avoid tough cookies
Ensure consistent piping pressure for uniform cookie shapes
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months in airtight containers with parchment between layers.
What if I don't have a piping bag?
You can use a plastic bag with corner cut off or drop spoonfuls of dough, though you'll lose the classic ridged shape.
How long do these cookies keep?
Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week for best texture and flavor.