Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

You will love these Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich chocolate flavor. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are easy to make and delightful to share. The unique piping technique gives them a beautiful shape, making them an impressive addition to your dessert table or cookie box.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: With just 9 basic ingredients, you can whip up these delicious cookies without any fuss.
• No Leavening Required: The lack of leavening agents keeps the cookies dense and buttery, reminiscent of shortbread.
• Versatile Decoration: Top with maraschino cherries or colorful sprinkles for a festive touch or enjoy them plain for a classic treat.
• Perfect for Sharing: These cookies make great gifts during the holidays or any special occasion.
• Long Shelf Life: Enjoy fresh cookies at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started, gather your tools. You’ll need a few essential items to ensure that your cookie-making experience goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Handheld mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment
• Piping bag with large piping tip
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixer: A handheld mixer or stand mixer makes it easy to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Piping Bag: Using a piping bag allows you to create beautifully shaped cookies with ease and precision.
• Baking Sheets: Good-quality baking sheets help ensure even baking, giving you perfectly cooked cookies every time.

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.

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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. If you chill the dough prior to shaping, the dough will be too cold/stiff to pipe.

Step 2: Line Your Baking Sheets

Line 2–3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. If unlined, do not grease the pan.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

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

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

On low speed, beat in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until completely combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Milk Mixture

Warm milk in the microwave until about 150°F (66°C)—about 20 seconds—then mix in espresso powder until dissolved. Add this mixture to your dough and beat until creamy but thick enough to pipe.

Step 6: Pipe Cookies

Add your large piping tip to the piping bag. Spoon some dough into the bag and pipe a swirl or line on the prepared baking sheet. If too thick, add another half tablespoon of milk as necessary.

Step 7: Chill Shaped Cookies

Transfer the baking sheet with shaped cookies into the refrigerator for at least 20–30 minutes.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

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

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake chilled cookies for about 12–15 minutes or until edges are set. If smaller in size, they will take closer to around 12 minutes.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

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

Step 11: Dip in Chocolate

Melt chocolate using either a double boiler or microwave method. Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate if desired; sprinkle with toppings as preferred.

Step 12: Store Your Cookies

Store decorated cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or refrigerate up to one week without decorations.

Enjoy making these delightful Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies!

How to Serve Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

Piped chocolate butter cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just indulging at home, these cookies can be served to enhance any occasion.

With a Glass of Milk

• Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that highlights their rich flavor.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies alongside other treats like brownies, fruit tarts, and mini cheesecakes for an appealing dessert spread.

Topped with Fresh Berries

• Serve the cookies with a side of fresh berries for a refreshing contrast to the sweet chocolatey taste.

Gift-Wrapped for Special Occasions

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags as thoughtful gifts for birthdays, holidays, or special events.

At Holiday Gatherings

• Use these cookies as festive additions to your holiday cookie trays, making them perfect for sharing during gatherings.

How to Perfect Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

To achieve the best results with piped chocolate butter cookies, keep in mind these helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Properly chilling the dough helps maintain its shape while baking, preventing overspreading.

• Use a Large Piping Tip: A larger tip allows you to create beautiful swirls and shapes easily, enhancing presentation.

• Beat Until Creamy: Ensure that butter and sugar are well-creamed before adding other ingredients for a smooth texture.

• Test the Dough Consistency: If the dough feels too thick to pipe, add small amounts of warm milk gradually until it’s creamy but still thick.

• Keep Ingredients Room Temperature: Using room temperature eggs and butter helps the mixture blend more easily and evenly.

Best Side Dishes for Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

Piped chocolate butter cookies pair well with several side dishes that complement their rich flavor. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creaminess and balances out the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits provides a light and refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavors.

3. Chocolate Fondue: Dip the cookies into warm chocolate fondue for an indulgent treat that elevates your dessert experience.

4. Coffee or Espresso: Enjoying these cookies with a cup of coffee or espresso enhances their deep chocolate flavors while providing a nice caffeine boost.

5. Cheesecake Bites: Mini cheesecake bites offer a creamy counterpart to your cookies, making for an enjoyable combination.

6. Nut Mix: A selection of roasted nuts adds crunch and savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the cookies.

7. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruits alongside these cookies for a delicious breakfast or snack option.

8. Hot Cocoa: Serve with a warm cup of hot cocoa topped with whipped cream for an extra cozy treat on chilly days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies, a few simple mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

• Not chilling the dough: Chilling the piped cookies is crucial. If you skip this step, the cookies may overspread while baking, losing their shape.
• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure that your butter and egg are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can result in a dough that is difficult to pipe.
• Overmixing the dough: Once you add the flour and cocoa powder, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than tender ones.
• Skipping the espresso powder: This ingredient enhances the chocolate flavor. Don’t skip it; instead, use a small amount of warm milk to dissolve it properly.
• Using the wrong piping tip: Choose a large piping tip for best results. A small tip can make it hard to pipe out the thick dough effectively.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep them in a cool place to maintain freshness.

Freezing Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

• Freeze unbaked piped cookies on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours before transferring them to an airtight container.
• They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 10-15 seconds; watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, turning gently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies.

Can I substitute ingredients in Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies?

Yes! You can use other types of flour or sweeteners as long as they match in texture and sweetness level.

How do I ensure my cookies hold their shape?

Chilling both the piped cookies and using a large piping tip will help maintain their shape while baking.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies with your favorite nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies last up to 1 week at room temperature or longer if stored properly in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be customized with various toppings or fillings, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy creating your own unique versions!