Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

These Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that melt in your mouth! Perfect for festive occasions or simply as a sweet snack, these cookies offer a rich chocolate flavor without the fuss of leavening agents. Their unique piping technique not only makes them visually appealing but also creates a wonderful texture similar to shortbread cookies. With just nine basic ingredients and a large piping tip, you can whip up these treats in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, these cookies are beginner-friendly.
• Deliciously Rich Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and melted chocolate gives them an indulgent taste.
• Versatile Decoration: Customize with sprinkles or maraschino cherries for any occasion.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for cookie exchanges, parties, or as gifts during the holidays.
• Long Shelf Life: These cookies stay fresh for days, making them great for meal prep or last-minute treats.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Mixing Bowl: Provides ample space to mix ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Handheld Mixer or Stand Mixer: Ensures even creaming of butter and sugar, which is crucial for texture.
• Piping Bag with Large Tip: Allows for easy shaping of cookies, giving them their signature look.
• Baking Sheets: Essential for even baking; using multiple sheets helps manage batches efficiently.

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 Space

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, it may become too cold/stiff to pipe.

Step 2: Line 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 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 until smooth and creamed, another 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla, beating on high speed until combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Prepare Espresso Mixture

Warm the milk to about 150°F (66°C)—about 20 seconds in the microwave—and mix in espresso powder until dissolved. Add this mixture to your dough and beat on medium speed until creamy and pipe-able. Adjust with more milk if necessary.

Step 6: Pipe Cookies

Add your large piping tip to a piping bag. Spoon some dough into the bag and pipe swirls or lines about 1–2 inches long on the prepared baking sheet. Place maraschino cherries on top if desired.

Step 7: Chill Cookies

Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill shaped cookies 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 seem set.

Step 10: Cool Down

Remove from oven and cool on baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 11: Melt Chocolate

Melt chopped chocolate using a double boiler or microwave in increments of twenty seconds until smooth. Dip cooled cookies into melted chocolate if desired.

Step 12: Store

Allow dipped cookies to set at room temperature or refrigerate until firm. Store in an airtight container up to four days if topped with chocolate or cherries; otherwise up to one week without toppings.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies!

How to Serve Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

These delightful piped chocolate butter cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy afternoon treat. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pairing with coffee: These cookies complement the rich flavors of coffee, making them an ideal afternoon snack.
• Enjoy with tea: A light herbal or black tea balances the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.

As Dessert Platters

• Cookie platters: Arrange piped chocolate butter cookies on a decorative platter alongside other baked treats for a stunning dessert spread.
• Themed cookie boxes: Create themed gift boxes with these cookies and other sweet delights for special occasions.

With Ice Cream

• Sundae topping: Crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream for added texture and flavor.
• Ice cream sandwiches: Use two cookies to sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor for a decadent treat.

With Fresh Fruits

• Fruit pairings: Serve with fresh berries or sliced fruits like strawberries and oranges to add a refreshing contrast to the rich cookie flavor.
• Fruit dips: Offer a yogurt or chocolate dip alongside the cookies for an interactive treat.

How to Perfect Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

To achieve the best results with your piped chocolate butter cookies, consider these helpful tips.

• Chill the dough: Ensure you chill the piped cookies before baking to maintain their shape and prevent overspreading.
• Use quality ingredients: High-quality butter and cocoa powder will elevate the flavor and texture of your cookies.
• Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; remove them when edges seem set but centers are still soft for the perfect texture.
• Adjust piping consistency: If your dough is too thick, add a small amount of milk until it reaches a creamy yet pipeable consistency.
• Experiment with toppings: Try different sprinkles, coarse sugar, or even nuts on top of your piped swirls for added flair.

Best Side Dishes for Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

While these cookies stand alone as a delicious treat, pairing them with complementary sides can enhance your overall dessert experience. Here are some great side dish ideas.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that adds brightness to the rich flavors of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit create a delightful contrast in textures and flavors next to sweet cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs wonderfully with chocolate, balancing sweetness with savory notes.
4. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of cookie into melted chocolate for an indulgent twist that enhances flavor complexity.
5. Nuts & Dried Fruits: A bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits provides crunchiness and bursts of flavor that complement the buttery taste.
6. Coffee Cake: Serve slices of moist coffee cake alongside these cookies for an extra layer of sweetness during brunch gatherings.
7. Ice Cream Float: Create an ice cream float with soda and ice cream that pairs perfectly while enjoying your cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect your results.

• Skipping the chill time: Not chilling the piped cookies can cause them to overspread during baking. Always chill for at least 20–30 minutes to maintain their shape.

• Incorrect butter temperature: Using cold butter can lead to a dense texture. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best creaming results.

• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can create tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.

• Not using a proper piping tip: A small or inappropriate piping tip can make it difficult to pipe the dough. Choose a large piping tip to ensure smooth and easy piping.

• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in unevenly baked cookies. Preheat your oven thoroughly before placing the cookies inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days if topped with chocolate or cherries.
• For plain cookies, they can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Freezing Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

• Freeze shaped but unbaked cookies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months; just bake them directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds, watching carefully not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a covered skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can use margarine, but it may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies slightly. For best results, stick with unsalted butter.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The edges should appear set while the centers may look slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I customize my Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, different types of sprinkles, or even flavored extracts to create your unique twist on this recipe.

What should I do if my dough is too thick?

If you find your dough is too thick to pipe, gradually add more warm milk (up to an additional 1/2 tablespoon) until it reaches a creamy consistency that is still thick enough for piping.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Cookies topped with chocolate or cherries last about 4 days at room temperature. Without toppings, they remain fresh for up to 1 week.

Final Thoughts

These delicious Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies offer melt-in-your-mouth indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize flavors and toppings easily. Try making them today and share them with friends and family!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies! These delightful cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack. With a combination of cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate, each bite offers an indulgent flavor that’s sure to please chocolate lovers. The unique piping technique not only enhances their visual appeal but also contributes to a tender texture reminiscent of shortbread. With just nine simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create these sweet treats that are ideal for sharing or gifting. Customize with colorful sprinkles or cherries for that extra flair.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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) warm milk
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 4 ounces (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• maraschino cherries
• sprinkles or coarse sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare your space by making room in the refrigerator for a baking sheet.
2. Line 2–3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until combined.
4. Gradually mix in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until fully combined.
5. Warm milk and dissolve espresso powder; add to dough and mix until creamy.
6. Fit a piping bag with a large tip and pipe dough onto lined baking sheets.
7. Chill the piped cookies in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes.
8. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) while the cookies chill.
9. Bake cookies for about 12–15 minutes until edges are set.
10. Cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 15mg