These delicate Italian butter cookies by Giada De Laurentiis will definitely become a staple in your kitchen, made with simple ingredients like butter, confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and vanilla bean.

To make Giada’s Butter Cookies, you beat the butter and sugars, add the egg and vanilla, mix in the flour, shape the dough into logs, chill them, slice, and bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes.

Give these cookies a try and let me know how they turned out in the comments below. I bet you’ll find them irresistible!

Giada De Laurentiis Butter Cookies Ingredients

• 8 ounces of unsalted high-fat butter (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1 egg (at room temperature)
• Seeds from 1 vanilla bean
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 egg (beaten, optional)
• 2 tablespoons of vanilla sugar or regular granulated sugar (optional)

How To Make Giada De Laurentiis Butter Cookies

1. Beat the Butter: Using a hand mixer, beat 8 ounces of unsalted high-fat butter on medium speed for 1 minute until light and fluffy.
2. Add Sugars and Salt: Add 1/2 cup of confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt. Continue to beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until the mixture is pale and creamy.
3. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla: Add 1 egg and seeds from 1 vanilla bean to the mixture. Mix on low speed to incorporate.
4. Mix in Flour: Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour and beat on low speed until the flour is nearly incorporated. Switch to a rubber spatula to fully incorporate the flour, making sure not to overmix.
5. Divide and Shape Dough: Divide the dough into 2 portions. Place each portion in the center of an 18-inch-long piece of plastic wrap. Using a spatula, mold the dough into a log about 7 inches long and 1 1/2 inches wide. Roll up the logs in the plastic and twist the ends together.
6. Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the logs for at least 3 hours or until firm.
7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Slice and Prepare Cookies: Remove the plastic wrap from one dough log and slice it into 1/4-inch rounds. Place the cookies 1 inch apart on the baking sheet. If desired, brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of vanilla sugar or regular granulated sugar.
9. Bake and Cool Cookies: Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cookies just begin to brown around the edges. Cool the cookies for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat with the remaining dough.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Your Giada Butter Cookies are ready when they just start to brown around the edges. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on them because every oven is different. You don’t want to overbake them and lose that perfect buttery texture.

Recipe Tips

• Use High-Fat Butter: Make sure to use unsalted high-fat butter at room temperature for the best flavor and texture in your Giada Butter Cookies. Trust me, the extra fat really makes these cookies melt in your mouth!
• Chill the Dough: Always chill the dough for at least three hours before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape and enhances the flavor. Patience is a virtue, especially in cookie baking!
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies. Switching to a rubber spatula for the final mix helps you avoid overworking the dough. No one likes a tough cookie, right?
• Even Slices: Use a sharp knife to slice the dough logs into even rounds. This ensures that all your cookies bake evenly, so no one gets a burnt or undercooked cookie.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Twist: Add 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough before shaping into logs. The mini chips add a delightful surprise to each bite, making these cookies even more irresistible for chocolate lovers.
• Citrus Zest Addition: Mix in the zest of one lemon or orange with the butter for a refreshing citrus twist. The citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the buttery richness of the cookies, giving them a bright, zesty kick.
• Nutty Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the dough. The nuts add a wonderful crunch and a hint of earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.

What To Serve With Butter Cookies

Serve your Giada Butter Cookies with a refreshing glass of cold milk, a warm cup of spiced chai tea, or a creamy matcha latte.

You can also pair them with fresh raspberries, a dollop of lemon curd, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.

How To Store Leftover Butter Cookies

In The Fridge:

Store your leftover Giada Butter Cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious. Make sure the container is properly sealed to prevent any moisture from getting in. Keep the cookies in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain their optimal flavor and texture.

In The Freezer:

You can store Giada Butter Cookies in the freezer by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months without losing their flavor.

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada De Laurentiis Ciambella Cake
• Giada Chocolate Rice Pudding
• Giada Chocolate Chip Pound Cake