Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

You’ll love making these Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies for any occasion! With their rich chocolate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they are perfect for holiday gatherings, tea parties, or just a sweet treat at home. These cookies look as delightful as they taste, making them a great addition to gift boxes or dessert tables. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can be customized with fun toppings like sprinkles or cherries.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: With just 9 basic ingredients, you likely have everything you need in your pantry.
• Easy to Prepare: Even novice bakers can successfully pipe these cookies with a bit of practice.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize each cookie with sprinkles or maraschino cherries for added flair.
• Perfect Texture: These cookies have a shortbread-like consistency that melts in your mouth.
• Great for Gifting: Stack them up in a box for a thoughtful homemade gift during holidays or special occasions.

Tools and Preparation

To make these delicious Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will help ensure your baking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Piping bag with large piping tip: This allows you to create beautiful shapes that make the cookies visually appealing.
• Stand mixer or handheld mixer: These tools save time and effort when creaming butter and sugar together, ensuring a fluffy dough.
• Baking sheets: Good quality baking sheets promote even baking, leading to 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.

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 (Optional)

• 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 Baking Sheets

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, or leave unlined. 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:
1. Beat the butter on medium-high speed until very soft and creamy, about 2 minutes.
2. Add granulated sugar to the butter and beat together on medium-high speed until smooth and creamed, another 2 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla; beat on high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Add 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 in Espresso-Milk Mixture

Warm the milk to about 150°F (66°C)—about 20 seconds in the microwave:
1. Mix in espresso powder until dissolved.
2. Add this mixture to your dough and beat on medium speed until creamy but still thick.

Step 6: Pipe Your Cookies

Add your large piping tip to the piping bag:
1. Spoon some dough into it and pipe a swirl or line on prepared baking sheets.
2. If too thick, return dough to mixing bowl and add another 1/2 Tablespoon of milk if necessary.

Step 7: Chill Your Cookies

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

Step 8: Preheat Oven

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

Step 9: Bake Cookies

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

Step 10: Cool Cookies

Remove from oven; allow cooling on baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Step 11: Melt Chocolate (Optional)

Melt chocolate either in a double boiler or microwave:
1. Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. Microwave in increments of 20 seconds until smooth.

Step 12: Dip Cookies

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

Storing Your Cookies

Cookies with chocolate or cherries stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days or in the refrigerator for one week. Those without toppings stay fresh at room temperature for up to one week.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies!

How to Serve Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

Piped chocolate butter cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their rich, buttery flavor pairs beautifully with different accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cookie experience.

Pair with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. The warmth and flavors of the beverage complement the rich chocolate taste.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the piped chocolate butter cookies on a platter along with fresh fruits, like strawberries or raspberries. The fruity acidity balances the sweetness of the cookies.

Use as Ice Cream Toppers

• Crumble these cookies over scoops of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for an added crunch and flavor. This makes for an indulgent dessert.

Gift Them in Decorative Boxes

• Package the cookies in decorative boxes to give as gifts during holidays or special occasions. Adding a personal note will make it even more special.

Serve at Parties

• Present these cookies on a dessert table at gatherings or parties. Their unique shape and chocolate topping will catch everyone’s eye.

How to Perfect Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

Perfecting piped chocolate butter cookies requires attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Chill the Dough: Make sure to chill the piped cookies before baking. This helps them maintain their shape and prevents excessive spreading.

• Use Quality Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor, whether you choose natural or Dutch-process cocoa.

• Choose the Right Piping Tip: A large piping tip is essential for making beautiful swirls. Ensure it’s wide enough to allow the thick dough to flow easily.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should have set edges but still appear soft in the center when done.

• Store Properly: Store baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Layer parchment paper between them if stacking is necessary.

Best Side Dishes for Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

Piped chocolate butter cookies pair well with a variety of side dishes that enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some delicious options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, balancing the richness of the cookies.

2. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy side that complements the cookie’s texture.

3. Chocolate Fondue – Dip pieces of fruit or extra cookie crumbles into warm chocolate fondue for an interactive dessert experience.

4. Whipped Cream – Serve a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream alongside the cookies, offering a fluffy contrast.

5. Nutty Granola – A crunchy nut granola adds texture and flavor, making it an appealing side option alongside your treats.

6. Cheesecake Bites – Small cheesecake bites provide a creamy counterpart to the crunchy cookies, creating a delightful combination.

7. Miniature Cupcakes – Offer small cupcakes that echo similar flavors, such as chocolate or vanilla, enhancing your dessert spread.

8. Spiced Applesauce – A warm spiced applesauce can provide a comforting touch that pairs nicely with the buttery cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies can be delightful, but a few common mistakes can affect your results.

• Not Chilling the Cookies: Failing to chill your piped cookies can lead to overspreading during baking. Make sure to refrigerate the shaped cookies for at least 20–30 minutes before baking.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing the dough too much after adding flour can make the cookies tough. Mix just until everything is combined for a tender texture.
• Incorrect Piping Technique: Using a piping tip that’s too small can make it hard to pipe the dough. Choose a large piping tip for easy and beautiful swirls.
• Skipping the Espresso Powder: Leaving out espresso powder will reduce the chocolate flavor complexity. This ingredient enhances the richness of your cookies, so don’t skip it!
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and incorrect measurements can ruin your cookies. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and cocoa powder.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep cookies away from strong odors to maintain their flavor.

Freezing Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

• Freeze cookies in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Layer parchment paper between cookies to prevent sticking.

Reheating Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat cookies on low power in 10-second increments until warmed.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes, covered, to retain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can use margarine, but it may alter the texture. Unsalted butter provides the best flavor and consistency.

How do I make my cookies more chocolatey?

To enhance chocolate flavor, you can add a bit more cocoa powder or incorporate chocolate chips into the dough.

Can I decorate Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies?

Absolutely! You can top them with sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate over them for added flair.

What is the best way to store leftover cookies?

Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. Their rich chocolate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with different toppings or flavors to suit your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!