Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

You only need 9 basic ingredients and a large piping tip to make these delightful Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich chocolate flavor make them perfect for various occasions, from festive gatherings to cozy afternoons at home. With no leavening agents, they resemble shortbread cookies, offering a satisfying crunch that complements their buttery sweetness. Chilling the piped cookies before baking ensures they hold their shape beautifully, allowing you to create stunning treats that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels.
• Deliciously Rich Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate provides a decadent chocolate experience.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: These cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or just a treat for yourself.
• Customizable Toppings: Add maraschino cherries or colorful sprinkles to personalize your cookies.
• Perfect Texture: Chilling the dough ensures cookies maintain their shape while baking for a crisp edge and tender center.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Piping bag with a large tip
• Mixing bowl
• Handheld mixer or stand mixer
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone mats

Importance of Each Tool

• Piping bag with a large tip: Allows you to easily shape the cookies into beautiful swirls or lines, ensuring an even bake.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space for mixing ingredients without spillage.
• Handheld mixer or stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar easier and quicker, yielding a light texture.
• Baking sheets: Essential for even baking; choose ones that fit your oven well.

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

For Additional Flavor and Decoration

• 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, 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 unsalted 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, another 2 minutes.
3. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating on high speed until combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Mix in Espresso Milk

Warm the milk to about 150°F (66°C)—about 20 seconds in the microwave—then mix in espresso powder until dissolved:
1. Add this warm mixture to your cookie dough.
2. Beat on medium speed until creamy but thick; adjust with more milk if necessary.

Step 6: Pipe Your Cookies

Add your large piping tip to the piping bag:
1. Spoon some dough into the piping bag; pipe a small swirl on prepared sheets.
2. If too thick, add more milk gradually until it’s pipe-able.

Step 7: Chill Before Baking

Transfer the baking sheet with piped cookies into the refrigerator:
– Chill shaped cookies for about 20–30 minutes.

Step 8: Preheat Oven

While chilling:
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).

Step 9: Bake Cookies

Bake chilled cookies for:
– Approximately 12–15 minutes or until edges seem set.

Step 10: Cool Down

Remove from oven:
– Let cool on baking sheets for about five minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack.

Step 11: Melt Chocolate

Melt chocolate either in a double boiler or microwave:
– Dip cooled cookies in melted chocolate; add sprinkles if desired.

Step 12: Store Cookies

Store finished cookies in an airtight container:
– They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to four days or one week in the refrigerator without toppings.

Enjoy making these delightful Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies!

How to Serve Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

These delightful piped chocolate butter cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, here are some creative ways to serve them.

With Tea or Coffee

• Pair these cookies with a warm cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate cozy experience. The rich chocolate flavor complements the bitterness of coffee beautifully.

As Party Favors

• Package individual cookies in decorative bags or boxes to give as party favors. They make wonderful surprises for guests to take home.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Serve the cookies alongside fresh berries or sliced fruits. The natural sweetness of the fruit balances the richness of the chocolate cookies.

In Dessert Trays

• Include piped chocolate butter cookies on a dessert tray with other sweets like brownies and mini tarts. This creates an impressive display for any event.

How to Perfect Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

Achieving the ideal texture and shape for your piped cookies can be simple with a few helpful tips.

• Chill the Dough: Ensure that you chill your shaped cookies before baking. This prevents overspreading and helps maintain their form during baking.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature for smooth mixing, which results in better cookie texture.

• Experiment with Piping Tips: Try different large piping tips to create various shapes, adding uniqueness to each cookie while keeping it fun.

• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Removing them when they are just set will ensure they stay soft inside.

Best Side Dishes for Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

Piped chocolate butter cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their deliciousness. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
2. Hot Cocoa: Enjoying these cookies with a warm cup of hot cocoa makes for a comforting treat during chilly days.
3. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet cookies, creating an interesting flavor combination.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits, then serve alongside the cookies for a delightful snack or breakfast option.
6. Nut Mix: A bowl of mixed nuts offers a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft, buttery cookies while adding a healthy element to your snack spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies, avoiding common mistakes can ensure perfect results.

• Not chilling the dough: Failing to chill the piped cookies can lead to overspreading during baking. Always chill the shaped cookies for at least 20-30 minutes before baking.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of tender. Mix until just combined when incorporating flour and cocoa powder.
• Using warm butter directly: Starting with butter that’s too warm can change the texture of your cookies. Make sure the butter is softened but not melted.
• Skipping the espresso powder: This ingredient enhances the chocolate flavor significantly. Don’t skip it; if you don’t have it, consider using instant coffee instead.
• Using a small piping tip: A small piping tip can make it difficult to pipe the dough. Use a large tip to make shaping easier and create beautiful designs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Freezing Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

• Freeze cookies for up to 3 months.
• Place in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.

Reheating Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C) and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can substitute margarine for butter, but it may affect the taste and texture slightly. Opt for sticks rather than spreadable margarine for best results.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

Cookies are done when their edges seem set but the centers may still look soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips but remember that this may alter the piping consistency.

What is the best way to decorate my cookies?

You can dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkle them with sprinkles or crushed candies for added flair.

Final Thoughts

Piped Chocolate Butter Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with various toppings or flavors to suit your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy these delightful treats at any occasion!