How to Make Gina's Italian Butter Cookies - A Step-by-Step Guide

Gina's Italian butter cookies are a delicious and traditional treat that have been passed down through generations in her family. These cookies are a staple at Italian holiday gatherings and special occasions, and for good reason— they are rich, buttery, and absolutely irresistible.

What sets these cookies apart from other butter cookies is their delicate texture and subtle almond flavor. They are not too sweet, allowing the buttery flavor to shine through, and the hint of almond adds a ...

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Ingredients

  • 2 ¼ cups cake flour
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable shortening
  • 4 ounces almond paste
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Additional Time: 5 mins
  • Total Time: 45 mins
  • Servings: 48
  • Yield: 4 dozen cookies

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Combine cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
  • Combine butter, sugar, and shortening in a large bowl; cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Mix in almond paste until thoroughly combined. Add eggs, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and almond extract. Reduce the mixing speed to low and slowly add flour mixture. Scrape down the bowl, then mix on medium speed until evenly combined, about 30 seconds.
  • Fit a large pastry bag with a French star tip (#864) or an open star tip (4S); fill the pastry bag with batter. Pipe evenly sized cookies onto an ungreased cookie sheet 1 1/2 to 2 inches apart, giving cookies space to puff slightly during baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven, in batches if necessary, until bottom edges are slightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Nutrition

    122 cal.

    • Total Fat: 7g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
    • Cholesterol: 18mg
    • Sodium: 65mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 14g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 2g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 15mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 23mg