Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

You are going to love these Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies! They are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers. With their rich chocolate flavor and elegant appearance, these cookies are perfect for impressing your guests or indulging in a sweet moment alone. The unique piping technique gives them a stunning look, while the melt-in-your-mouth texture ensures they will be a favorite among cookie lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just 9 basic ingredients, you can whip up these cookies quickly and easily.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or simply as an everyday snack.
• Elegant Presentation: The piped shape adds a touch of sophistication that makes them great for gifting.
• Rich Chocolate Flavor: Combining cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate creates a deliciously intense chocolate experience.
• Customizable Toppings: You can add sprinkles or cherries for extra flair and personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Piping bag with large tip
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Stand mixer or handheld mixer
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Piping bag with large tip: Essential for creating the beautiful shapes of your cookies. A larger tip allows for easier piping of thicker dough.
• Baking sheets: Provides a sturdy base for your cookies while baking. Ensure they are lined to prevent sticking.
• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: Makes it easy to cream butter and sugar thoroughly, leading to a better cookie texture.

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 Cookie 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 the Chocolate Coating

• 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 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:
1. Beat the unsalted butter on medium-high speed until very soft and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the granulated sugar, beating together on medium-high speed until smooth, another 2 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating on high speed until combined, about 1 minute.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Mix in Espresso Milk

Warm the milk to about 150°F (66°C)—about 20 seconds in the microwave—and mix in the espresso powder. Then:
1. Add this warm mixture to the dough.
2. Beat on medium speed until you have a creamy pipe-able dough. You may need another 1/2 Tablespoon of milk if necessary.

Step 6: Pipe Your Cookies

Add your large piping tip to the piping bag:
1. Spoon a little bit of dough into it.
2. Pipe a swirl or line on the prepared baking sheet.
3. If desired, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each swirl or sprinkle with sprinkles/coarse sugar.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

Transfer the baking sheet with piped cookies into the refrigerator for at least 20–30 minutes while you preheat your oven.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake chilled cookies for 12–15 minutes or until edges seem set but still hold their shape.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Remove from oven:
1. Allow cooling on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 11: Melt Chocolate

Melt chopped chocolate using either:
– A double boiler method.
– Microwave in increments of 20 seconds until completely melted and smooth.

Step 12: Dip Cookies in Chocolate

Dip cooled cookies into melted chocolate:
1. Top with sprinkles if desired.
2. Allow chocolate to set completely at room temperature for about an hour or refrigerate for quicker setting.

Now you have beautifully crafted Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies ready to enjoy! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate as needed. Happy baking!

How to Serve Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

Piped chocolate butter cookies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways. These cookies are perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or simply as a sweet snack at home. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.

On a Festive Platter

• Arrange cookies on a decorative platter with seasonal decorations. Add sprigs of mint or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

With Coffee or Tea

• Serve these cookies alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea. The rich chocolate flavor pairs beautifully with both beverages, creating a cozy afternoon treat.

Gift-Wrapped for Holidays

• Pack cookies in decorative boxes or tins as gifts. Tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade present during the holiday season.

As Party Favors

• Individually wrap cookies in clear bags and tie them with colorful twine. These make charming party favors for weddings, birthdays, or baby showers.

At a Cookie Exchange

• Bring your piped chocolate butter cookies to a cookie exchange event. Their unique shape and delicious taste will surely impress fellow bakers.

How to Perfect Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

To make sure your piped chocolate butter cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these essential tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure that butter and eggs are at room temperature to create a smooth and creamy dough.
• Chill the dough: Make sure to chill the piped cookies before baking. This step is crucial for maintaining their shape and avoiding overspreading in the oven.
• Select the right piping tip: Use a large piping tip to create beautiful swirls. A star tip can add an attractive finish to your cookies.
• Don’t skip the espresso powder: Adding espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cookies taste like coffee. It deepens the overall richness.
• Watch baking time closely: Baking times can vary based on cookie size. Keep an eye on them towards the end of baking to prevent overbaking.

Best Side Dishes for Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

Piped chocolate butter cookies can be complemented with various side dishes that enhance their rich flavors. Consider these delicious options when serving your treats.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of vibrant seasonal fruits provides a refreshing balance to the rich chocolate flavors of the cookies.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Serve warm chocolate fondue alongside for dipping. This interactive dessert adds an extra layer of enjoyment.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent pairing that contrasts nicely with the cookie’s texture.
4. Nutty Trail Mix: Offer a side of nutty trail mix for added crunch and flavor contrast, perfect for balancing sweetness with savory notes.
5. Milkshake: A thick milkshake, whether classic vanilla or chocolate-flavored, pairs well with these cookies and enhances the dessert experience.
6. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese on a platter to add an unexpected but delightful contrast to sweet cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Not Chilling the Dough: Chilling the shaped cookies for 20-30 minutes is essential. Skipping this step can lead to cookies that overspread and lose shape.
• Overmixing the Dough: Once you add the flour and cocoa powder, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies instead of tender ones.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature: Always preheat your oven properly. Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to cookies that are either underbaked or overbaked.
• Using Too Much Milk: Adding excessive milk will cause your cookies to spread too much. Start with a small amount and adjust only if necessary.
• Skipping the Piping Tip: Using a small piping tip can hinder your cookie design. Opt for a large piping tip to help create beautiful swirls effortlessly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 1 week.

Freezing Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag; they will last up to 2 months.

Reheating Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individually on low power for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies:

How do I achieve the best texture for Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies?

The key is in properly creaming the butter and sugar, along with chilling the dough before baking.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes! You can experiment with dark chocolate or even white chocolate depending on your preference.

What if I don’t have espresso powder?

You can substitute it with finely ground coffee or simply omit it for less intense flavor.

How long do these cookies last?

Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies remain fresh for up to one week at room temperature when stored correctly.

Can I customize my Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies?

Absolutely! Add nuts, different sprinkles, or even citrus zest for unique flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with various toppings or mix-ins. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy creating these delightful treats!

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: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful experience of Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies! These elegant treats are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon snack. Their rich chocolate flavor, combined with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, makes them an instant favorite among cookie lovers. With a unique piping technique, these cookies not only taste amazing but also look impressive on any dessert platter. Customize them with toppings like sprinkles or cherries for an extra touch of flair.

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Ingredients

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• 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 cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons warm milk
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
• Maraschino cherries
• Sprinkles or coarse sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing well.
3. Gradually incorporate the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until combined.
4. Warm the milk and mix in the espresso powder before adding to the dough. Beat until creamy.
5. Use a piping bag with a large tip to pipe cookie shapes onto prepared sheets.
6. Chill piped cookies in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before baking.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are set. Let cool on racks.
8. Melt semi-sweet chocolate and dip cooled cookies if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg