Butter Piped Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups + 2 tablespoons (265g) all-purpose flour¹
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Cookie Dough: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together softened butter and granulated sugar until creamy and well-combined.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter mixture. Beat well, pausing to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Add Flour: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour until it is fully incorporated into the dough. Scrape the bowl again to ensure all ingredients are combined.
- Prepare Piping Bag: Fit a large piping bag with an Ateco 827 piping tip. Transfer half of the cookie dough into the piping bag.
- Pipe Cookies: Pipe the cookie dough into swirl shapes directly onto an unlined and ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake: Place the piped cookies in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just beginning to turn golden brown.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Chocolate Dip (Optional):
- Prepare Chocolate: Combine chocolate chips and shortening in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Dip and Decorate: Dip each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, then transfer them to a wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Decorate with nonpareils or sprinkles if desired.
- Set Chocolate: Allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving. You can speed up this process by placing the cookies in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Enjoy these delightful butter piped cookies either plain or with a decadent chocolate coating!
¹ Note: Ensure all measurements are accurately weighed or leveled for best results in baking.
