Last weekend, I had the joy of preparing Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies for my family, and let me tell you—it was an absolute hit! The rich chocolate flavor, combined with the buttery texture, made these cookies irresistible. As they baked, the sweet aroma filled our kitchen, and it instantly turned a simple weekend into something special. My family, who can sometimes be picky when it comes to treats, couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were. Even the leftovers didn’t stand a chance! As someone who loves sharing recipes that bring people together, this is one I highly recommend trying.
Cooking is an art, but it’s also a way to connect with loved ones. Every dish tells a story, and this recipe is no different. As I was preparing it, I thought about how baking cookies is a fun tradition that brings us closer—whether it’s a casual afternoon or a holiday gathering, there’s something magical about sharing freshly baked cookies.
Why You’ll Love Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating sweet memories. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday treat, or simply indulging in a sweet snack for yourself, these cookies will elevate any occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:
- Versatile: Perfect for any occasion. These cookies are a crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving them at a party, giving them as a gift, or enjoying them with a cup of tea. You can even customize the shape using different piping tips!
- Budget-Friendly: Made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. No need for fancy or expensive items; these simple ingredients create wonderfully rich and decadent cookies.
- Quick and Easy: The piping method makes these cookies easy to shape, and the recipe is straightforward. You won’t need any special skills to achieve beautiful, professional-looking cookies.
- Customizable: Add sprinkles, colored sugar, or even a drizzle of chocolate on top for extra flair. You can adjust the chocolate intensity by increasing or decreasing the cocoa powder to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing: With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich chocolate flavor, these cookies are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. They look impressive but are easy to make, which makes them the perfect addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need. The full ingredient list and measurements are below in the recipe card.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (optional for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for added chocolatey texture)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these deliciously rich cookies:
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is essential for achieving that light, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Add the dry ingredients: Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. If you want a richer cookie, add the egg at this point and mix until smooth.
- Prepare your piping bag: Fill a piping bag fitted with a star tip or any other decorative tip of your choice. If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped off.
- Pipe the cookies: Gently squeeze the piping bag to pipe small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. You can pipe them into simple circles, rosettes, or any shape you like!
- Bake to perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies begin to set. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking—they should still be soft when you remove them from the oven.
- Let cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, you can serve these delightful cookies as they are or dip them in melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence. Enjoy with a warm drink or share with loved ones!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per serving: 100 kcal (approximately)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can enhance the experience with these complementary treats:
- With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: If you want to take it up a notch, serve with a side of melted chocolate or chocolate ganache for dipping.
- For a Cookie Box: These cookies are perfect for gifting! Package them in a decorative box and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Decorate for the Holidays: Add festive sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate to make them perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Prep Ahead: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the dough for up to a month. Just thaw it in the fridge before piping and baking.
- Piping Tips: If you’re new to piping, start with a simple round tip or star tip. Once you’re comfortable, you can try piping different shapes and designs.
- Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well if you want to keep them for longer.
- Double the Batch: These cookies are so popular, you might want to make a double batch. Simply double the ingredients and keep the baking sheets spaced well apart to prevent them from sticking together.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute the butter with margarine or a non-dairy option?
A1: Yes, margarine works as a substitute for butter, and you can also use a dairy-free butter substitute if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Q2: Can I make these cookies without a piping bag?
A2: Absolutely! You can use a plastic sandwich bag with the tip of one corner cut off to pipe the dough. Alternatively, you can roll the dough into balls and flatten them with a fork or your fingers.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to a month.
Q4: Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
A4: Yes! You can add in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a handful of dried fruit to customize your cookies.
Q5: How can I make these cookies healthier?
A5: For a lighter version, try using less sugar or substituting part of the butter with applesauce. You can also use whole wheat flour for added fiber.
Q6: Can I make these cookies with a different flavor?
A6: Yes, you can swap out the cocoa powder for matcha powder, add citrus zest, or use vanilla extract in place of the chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Q7: What’s the best piping tip to use for these cookies?
A7: A large star tip works best for creating classic rosettes or swirl shapes. If you want simpler shapes, a round tip will work great.
Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies
- Total Time: 44 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings 1x
Description
These Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies are soft, buttery, and chocolatey, with a texture similar to shortbread. Made with just 9 basic ingredients, these cookies are perfect for special occasions or holiday treats. Customize them with toppings like maraschino cherries, sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/3 cup (27g) unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or Dutch-process)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp (30ml) warm milk
- 1 tsp espresso powder*
Optional Toppings:
- 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- Maraschino cherries
- Sprinkles or coarse sugar
Instructions
- Prepare for Chilling: Make room in your refrigerator for a baking sheet. Chilling is essential to prevent the cookies from overspreading.
- Prep Baking Sheets: Line 2–3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Do not grease.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat butter in a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer on medium-high speed until soft and creamy (about 2 minutes). Add granulated sugar and beat on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy (about 2 more minutes).
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla on high speed until combined. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Add Dry Ingredients: On low speed, gradually mix in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Turn to high speed and beat until fully combined.
- Adjust Consistency: Warm milk in the microwave for 20 seconds (about 150°F) and dissolve the espresso powder in it. Add the espresso-milk mixture to the dough and beat on medium speed until creamy and pipe-able. If needed, add up to 1/2 tbsp more milk, but keep additions small to prevent overspreading.
- Pipe the Dough: Fit a piping bag with a large piping tip. Spoon a little dough into the bag and pipe 1–2-inch swirls or lines onto the baking sheet, spaced 3 inches apart. If the dough is too stiff, return it to the bowl and add another 1/2 tbsp milk. Repeat until the dough pipes smoothly.
- Chill: Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill the shaped cookies for 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Bake: Bake chilled cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are set. Smaller cookies may take closer to 12 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For the best results, make sure the dough is chilled before baking. This helps the cookies keep their shape.
- You can freeze the dough for up to 2 months if you’d like to make the cookies ahead of time.
- Feel free to get creative with toppings – drizzle melted chocolate, add sprinkles, or top with a maraschino cherry for a festive touch!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20mg