Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

You will love making these Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies as they are perfect for any occasion, from festive gatherings to simple family treats. The combination of rich chocolate flavor and buttery texture makes these cookies irresistibly delicious. Plus, they are easily customizable with your favorite toppings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: With just 9 basic ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cookies without any hassle.
• Unique Texture: The lack of leavening results in a shortbread-like texture that melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Toppings: You can decorate them with maraschino cherries or sprinkles, making them perfect for celebrations.
• Make Ahead Option: Chill the piped cookies before baking for a fresher taste and easier handling.
• Perfect for Gifting: These cookies look beautiful and make a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you begin, gather the right tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having the right equipment will make the process easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Piping bag
• Large piping tip
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Mixer (handheld or stand)

Importance of Each Tool

• Piping bag: Essential for shaping the cookies into beautiful swirls for an appealing presentation.
• Large piping tip: Allows you to create perfectly sized cookies with ease.
• Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy base for baking, ensuring even heat distribution.

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

For Decorations

• 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, it may be 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:
1. Beat the butter on medium-high speed until very soft and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add the granulated sugar and beat until smooth, another 2 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla, beating 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.
2. Turn up to high speed until completely combined.

Step 5: Mix Espresso-Milk Mixture

Warm the milk to about 150°F (66°C)—about 20 seconds in the microwave—then mix in the espresso powder. Add this mixture to the dough:
1. Beat on medium speed until creamy and pipe-able (but still thick).
2. Adjust thickness by adding an additional 1/2 Tablespoon of milk if necessary.

Step 6: Pipe Cookies

Add 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. If too thick, transfer back to mixing bowl; add more milk until creamy enough.
3. Continue piping swirls or lines about 3 inches apart; top with cherries or sprinkles if desired.

Step 7: Chill Cookies

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

Step 8: Preheat Oven

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

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake chilled cookies for 12–15 minutes or until edges seem set:
1. Smaller cookies may take closer to 12 minutes.

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Melt Chocolate

Melt chocolate using a double boiler or microwave:
1. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. Melt in increments of 20 seconds in microwave, stirring after each increment until smooth.

Step 12: Dip Cookies

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

Now you have deliciously beautiful Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies ready for sharing—or enjoying all by yourself!

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 casual afternoon treat. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor.

With a Cup of Coffee

• A rich cup of coffee complements the chocolate flavors beautifully, providing a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange these cookies alongside other treats like brownies and mini cheesecakes for an enticing dessert platter that caters to diverse tastes.

Gift-Wrapped for Special Occasions

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes or bags for a thoughtful homemade gift, ideal for holidays or birthdays.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve with fresh berries or sliced fruits to add a refreshing contrast that balances the richness of the cookies.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• For an indulgent twist, serve the cookies with a dollop of whipped cream on top or on the side for dipping.

How to Perfect Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

Achieving the perfect texture and shape for your piped chocolate butter cookies is key. Follow these tips to ensure success every time.

• Chill the Dough: Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to pipe without losing shape during baking.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate for richer flavors that elevate your cookies.
• Test Your Piping Tip: Ensure your piping tip is large enough; this prevents clogging and allows for smooth swirls.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; slight adjustments may be necessary depending on your oven’s performance.
• Allow to Cool Properly: Letting cookies cool completely ensures they maintain their shape and texture when handled or stored.

Best Side Dishes for Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

Piped chocolate butter cookies can be paired with various side dishes that complement their sweet and rich flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Milk
   A classic pairing, milk enhances the cookie experience by balancing sweetness with its creamy texture.
2. Fruit Salad
   A vibrant fruit salad adds freshness and acidity, making it an excellent counterbalance to the rich chocolate taste.
3. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries, serving it alongside the cookies for a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
4. Chocolate Mousse
   Pairing these cookies with light, airy chocolate mousse creates a luxurious dessert experience that’s sure to impress.
5. Ice Cream
   Vanilla or coffee-flavored ice cream pairs wonderfully, offering a creamy complement to the crispy texture of the cookies.
6. Cheese Board
   Include soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone on a cheese board; their creaminess works well alongside these decadent treats.
7. Nut Mix
   A mix of roasted nuts provides crunch and savory notes that balance out the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies, even experienced bakers can run into issues. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not chilling the cookies: Skipping the chilling step can lead to cookies that overspread during baking. Always refrigerate your piped cookies for at least 20–30 minutes before baking.
• Using cold butter: Cold butter will not cream well with sugar, resulting in a dense texture. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for the best results.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much after adding flour can make the cookies tough. Stop mixing as soon as everything is combined.
• Incorrect measuring of ingredients: Not spooning and leveling flour can result in using too much. Use a spoon to fill your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.
• Skipping the espresso powder: This ingredient enhances chocolate flavor significantly. Don’t skip it; just ensure it’s dissolved properly in warm milk for even distribution.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven before placing your cookies inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them first.
• Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually on low power for 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover with a lid and warm for about 1-2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute semi-sweet chocolate with dark or milk chocolate according to your taste preferences.

How do I know when my Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies are done?

The edges should look set but not browned. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

Can I customize my Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, change the type of sprinkles, or even incorporate flavored extracts like almond or orange for a unique twist.

What’s the best way to pipe these cookies?

Use a large piping tip and start with small swirls or lines. Practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate if your first few attempts aren’t perfect!

How long do these cookies take to bake?

Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies typically take between 12-15 minutes at 350°F (177°C), depending on their size.

Final Thoughts

Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies are a delightful treat that melts in your mouth. Their rich chocolate flavor and customizable toppings make them perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to enjoy them yourself or share them as gifts, these cookies are sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and feel free to get creative with flavors and decorations!