Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

You will love making Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies for any occasion! These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich chocolate flavor make them a standout treat. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients and a piping bag.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You only need 9 basic ingredients to create these delicious cookies.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: These cookies have a unique shortbread-like texture that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Decorations: Top them with maraschino cherries or sprinkles for a festive touch.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Ideal for holiday parties, birthdays, or just because!
• Make Ahead Option: These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Piping bag
• Large piping tip
• Mixing bowls
• Handheld or stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Piping bag: Essential for creating beautiful shapes and swirls with the cookie dough.
• Large piping tip: Allows you to pipe thicker dough easily without straining your hands.
• Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining ingredients effectively without mess.

Ingredients

You need just 9 basic ingredients and a large piping tip to make these melt-in-your-mouth chocolate butter cookies. There’s no leavening, so the texture is similar to shortbread cookies. Review recipe notes before beginning, and I strongly recommend chilling the piped cookies for at least 20–30 minutes before baking.

For the Dough:

• 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
• 1/3 cup (27g) natural or dutch-process unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk, warm
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder

For Topping:

• 4 ounces (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• Maraschino cherries
• Sprinkles or coarse sugar

How to Make Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Make room in your refrigerator for a baking sheet so the shaped cookies can chill for 20–30 minutes. Without chilling, the piped cookies will overspread.

Step 2: Line Your Baking Sheets

Line 2–3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. If you choose not to line them, do not grease the pan.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment:
1. Beat the butter on medium-high speed until very soft and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add granulated sugar and beat together until smooth, another 2 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla; beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

On low speed:
1. Beat in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until fully combined.
2. Turn up to high speed until completely mixed.

Step 5: Prepare Espresso Mixture

Warm the milk to about 150°F (66°C)—about 20 seconds in the microwave—then mix in the espresso powder until it dissolves.

Step 6: Mix Milk into Dough

Add the warm espresso-milk mixture to the dough; beat on medium speed until creamy but still thick. Adjust with more milk if needed.

Step 7: Pipe Your Cookies

Attach your large piping tip to the piping bag.
1. Spoon some dough into the bag and pipe a swirl or line on the prepared baking sheet.
2. Continue piping swirls or lines spaced about three inches apart.
3. Optionally place a maraschino cherry in each swirl or sprinkle with sprinkles/coarse sugar.

Step 8: Chill Cookies Before Baking

Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill shaped cookies for at least 20–30 minutes.

Step 9: Preheat Oven

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

Step 10: Bake Cookies

Bake chilled cookies for about 12–15 minutes until edges are set but they do not lose shape.

Step 11: Cool Down

Remove from oven; let cool on baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 12: Coat with Chocolate

Melt chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in increments:
1. Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate.
2. Sprinkle with additional toppings if desired.
3. Allow chocolate to set at room temperature or refrigerate briefly.

Now enjoy your delightful Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies!

How to Serve Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

With Hot Beverages

• Coffee: The rich flavors of chocolate pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, enhancing the overall taste.
• Hot Cocoa: For a double chocolate experience, serve these cookies alongside a steaming mug of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream.
• Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal tea can balance the sweetness of the cookies and provide a refreshing contrast.

For Festive Occasions

• Gift Boxes: Arrange your cookies in decorative boxes to give as gifts during holidays or special events.
• Cookie Platters: Create an attractive platter with assorted treats for parties, including your piped cookies for variety.
• Holiday Desserts Table: Add these cookies to your holiday dessert table as an inviting option among other sweets.

With Fruits

• Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a fruity touch that complements the rich chocolate.
• Sliced Apples: Pairing these cookies with sliced apples provides a crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor contrast.

How to Perfect Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

To achieve the most delightful Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies, consider these essential tips that will enhance your baking technique and cookie quality.

• Chill Your Dough: Chilling the shaped cookies before baking helps prevent spreading and ensures they hold their shape.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature for optimal mixing and texture.
• Adjust Milk Carefully: Use minimal milk when preparing the dough to maintain thickness; too much milk can lead to overspreading.
• Test Your Piping Technique: Start by piping small amounts of dough to find the right consistency; adjust as needed if it’s too thick.
• Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking; this helps achieve that perfect texture.
• Allow Cooling Time: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring them to ensure they set properly without breaking.

Best Side Dishes for Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

These Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies can be complemented beautifully by various side dishes. Here’s a list of options that pair well with them:

1. Milk: A classic choice, cold milk balances the sweetness and richness of the cookies perfectly.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds natural sweetness and brightness, making it an ideal side dish.
3. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses such as brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast against sweet cookies.
4. Nut Mixes: A mix of roasted nuts provides crunch and nuttiness that pairs well with chocolate flavors.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with fruits and granola for a delightful breakfast or snack that complements the cookies’ sweetness.
6. Ice Cream: Serve vanilla or chocolate ice cream alongside for an indulgent dessert experience; warm cookies on top make it even better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies can be easy, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not chilling the piped cookies: Chilling the shaped cookies is crucial for maintaining their shape during baking. If you skip this step, they will overspread and lose their form.
• Using cold ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter and egg, are at room temperature before starting. Cold ingredients can result in a dense texture that’s difficult to pipe.
• Overmixing the dough: Once you’ve added the flour and cocoa powder, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and lead to tough cookies.
• Not using the right piping tip: A large piping tip is essential for creating the desired shape of the cookies. Using a smaller tip can make it difficult to pipe and result in uneven shapes.
• Skipping the espresso powder: The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor in these cookies. If you skip it, you might miss out on that rich taste.
• Ignoring baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Pull them out when the edges are set to avoid overbaking, which can dry them out.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

• Freeze undipped cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before dipping in chocolate.

Reheating Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies:

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute; however, it may change the texture slightly.

How do I make my cookies more chocolatey?

You can increase the amount of cocoa powder or add chocolate chips into the dough for extra chocolate flavor.

What type of cocoa powder should I use for Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies?

Natural cocoa powder or Dutch-process cocoa both work well. Choose according to your taste preference!

Can I decorate Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies?

Absolutely! You can top them with sprinkles, nuts, or even drizzle melted chocolate on top after baking.

How do I store dipped cookies?

Store dipped cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.

Final Thoughts

These Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile enough to customize with various toppings or flavors based on your preference. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or simply enjoying them at home, these melt-in-your-mouth treats are sure to impress. Give them a try and let your creativity shine!

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Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of making Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies, a treat perfect for any occasion! These cookies are known for their rich chocolate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, reminiscent of classic shortbread. With just nine simple ingredients, you can create an impressive batch that is ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or enjoying with your favorite hot beverage. Plus, their versatility allows for creative decorating options, such as sprinkles or maraschino cherries, to make them even more appealing. Prepare to impress friends and family with these easy-to-make cookies that are sure to become a favorite!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons warm milk
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla; mix well.
3. Gradually incorporate flour, cocoa powder, and salt until combined.
4. Warm milk and dissolve the espresso powder; add this mixture to the dough.
5. Fill a piping bag fitted with a large tip and pipe swirls onto the prepared sheets.
6. Chill the piped cookies for 20–30 minutes before baking.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes until edges are set. Cool completely before dipping in melted chocolate if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximately 25g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg