15 Delicious Italian Butterball Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

Italian Butterball Cookies, also known as Pignoli Cookies in some regions, are soft, buttery, and delightfully nutty treats.

Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and subtle sweetness make them a favorite for holidays, family gatherings, or afternoon tea.

These 15 Italian Butterball Cookie Recipes showcase variations from classic pine nut-topped versions to innovative flavors infused with chocolate, citrus, or spices.

Each recipe is designed to bring out the rich, buttery flavor while keeping the cookies light, tender, and perfectly baked.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying Italian cookies for the first time, these recipes are approachable, delicious, and satisfying.

15 Delicious Italian Butterball Cookie Recipes You’ll Love

Italian Butterball Cookies are a timeless treat that can be enjoyed year-round or during special occasions.

With these 15 recipes, you can experiment with flavors, nuts, and textures while keeping the classic buttery taste intact.

From traditional versions to creative twists, there’s a cookie recipe for every palate.

These recipes prove that homemade Italian cookies can be easy, delicious, and impressively elegant.

Baking these cookies is a fun way to explore Italian flavors and create sweet memories with family and friends.

Classic Italian Butterball Cookies

These classic Italian Butterball Cookies are buttery, tender, and coated in powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness.

Perfect for holiday trays, afternoon tea, or gifting, they melt in your mouth with every bite.

The rich butter and subtle vanilla create a timeless cookie everyone will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla extract.
• Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
• Fold in chopped nuts evenly.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Remove and let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while warm.

These cookies are crisp on the outside and tender inside.

The powdered sugar adds a delicate sweetness and festive look.

Perfect for holiday gatherings, gift boxes, or teatime treats.

Classic, buttery, and irresistibly melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Almond Italian Butterball Cookies

These almond Italian Butterball Cookies are nutty, buttery, and coated in powdered sugar for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The addition of finely ground almonds enhances the flavor and provides a delicate crunch.

They are perfect for festive occasions, cookie exchanges, or simple indulgent snacking.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup finely ground almonds
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Mix in almond extract.
• Gradually add flour, salt, and ground almonds. Mix until combined.
• Shape dough into 1-inch balls and arrange on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges turn lightly golden.
• Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.

These cookies are tender, nutty, and rich in flavor.

The almond extract and ground nuts provide an irresistible aroma.

They’re perfect for holiday cookie platters or afternoon treats.

Soft, buttery, and delightfully almond-flavored.

Lemon Zest Italian Butterball Cookies

These lemon zest Italian Butterball Cookies are bright, buttery, and lightly sweetened with powdered sugar.

Fresh lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus aroma that balances perfectly with the rich butter.

They’re perfect for spring or summer dessert trays and casual teatime indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla and lemon zest.
• Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom.
• Cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while warm.

These cookies are soft, buttery, and fragrant with lemon.

Powdered sugar adds a sweet, snowy finish.

Perfect for seasonal celebrations, gift boxes, or afternoon tea.

Tender, zesty, and delightfully refreshing.

Chocolate Chip Italian Butterball Cookies

These chocolate chip Italian Butterball Cookies are buttery, soft, and studded with mini chocolate chips.

Each bite is a perfect balance of rich butter, sweet sugar, and melty chocolate, ideal for all ages.

They make a fantastic addition to holiday cookie trays or casual dessert spreads.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla extract.
• Gradually add flour and salt, mixing well.
• Fold in mini chocolate chips evenly.
• Shape dough into 1-inch balls and arrange on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while warm.

These cookies are tender, buttery, and full of chocolate goodness.

The powdered sugar adds a delicate, sweet finish.

They’re perfect for holidays, parties, or afternoon indulgence.

Soft, rich, and irresistibly chocolaty.

Hazelnut Italian Butterball Cookies

These hazelnut Italian Butterball Cookies are nutty, buttery, and coated in powdered sugar for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Chopped hazelnuts give a slightly crunchy contrast to the tender, buttery cookie base.

They’re perfect for holiday treats, cookie swaps, or gourmet dessert platters.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup finely chopped hazelnuts
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla extract.
• Gradually add flour, salt, and chopped hazelnuts. Mix until fully combined.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while warm.

These cookies are soft, buttery, and nutty.

The hazelnuts provide a slight crunch while powdered sugar adds sweetness.

They’re perfect for gifting, holidays, or afternoon treats.

Rich, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Pistachio Italian Butterball Cookies

These pistachio Italian Butterball Cookies are buttery, tender, and lightly nutty.

Chopped pistachios add a delicate crunch and subtle earthy flavor, perfectly complementing the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

They’re ideal for holiday trays, afternoon tea, or gifting.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup finely chopped pistachios
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Mix in almond extract.
• Gradually add flour, salt, and chopped pistachios, mixing until fully incorporated.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm.

These cookies are soft, nutty, and buttery.

Pistachios provide subtle crunch and flavor.

Perfect for gifting or festive occasions.

Tender, flavorful, and delightfully festive.

Orange Zest Italian Butterball Cookies

These orange zest Italian Butterball Cookies are bright, citrusy, and buttery.

Fresh orange zest enhances the flavor while powdered sugar adds a light sweetness.

They’re perfect for springtime, holiday trays, or an elegant teatime treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla and orange zest.
• Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until fully combined.
• Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Let cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.

These cookies are soft, fragrant, and lightly sweet.

Orange zest provides a fresh citrus aroma.

Ideal for festive trays, gifting, or tea time.

Tender, flavorful, and refreshingly aromatic.

Coffee Italian Butterball Cookies

These coffee Italian Butterball Cookies are buttery, aromatic, and lightly sweet.

Instant coffee powder enhances the flavor, giving the cookies a subtle, rich coffee aroma.

Perfect for coffee lovers, holiday trays, or teatime indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp instant coffee powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla and coffee powder.
• Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.

These cookies are soft, fragrant, and buttery.

The coffee adds a subtle, rich flavor.

Perfect for gifting, coffee breaks, or dessert trays.

Tender, aromatic, and irresistibly delicious.

Double Chocolate Italian Butterball Cookies

These double chocolate Italian Butterball Cookies are soft, rich, and sweetly indulgent.

Cocoa powder and mini chocolate chips create a tender, chocolatey delight that melts in your mouth.

They’re ideal for chocolate lovers, dessert trays, or special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla.
• Gradually add flour, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until fully combined.
• Fold in mini chocolate chips evenly.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Let cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.

These cookies are soft, chocolatey, and rich.

Cocoa and chocolate chips provide indulgent flavor.

Perfect for chocolate lovers, desserts, or gifting.

Tender, decadent, and irresistibly chocolatey.

Pistachio White Chocolate Italian Butterball Cookies

These pistachio white chocolate Italian Butterball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and lightly sweet.

Chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips provide crunch and rich flavor, creating a festive, melt-in-your-mouth cookie.

Ideal for holidays, dessert platters, or gifting.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup chopped pistachios
• ½ cup white chocolate chips
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Mix in almond extract.
• Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
• Fold in pistachios and white chocolate chips evenly.
• Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.

These cookies are soft, nutty, and sweetly rich.

White chocolate and pistachios create a flavorful contrast.

Perfect for festive occasions, gifting, or tea time.

Tender, buttery, and irresistibly indulgent

Coconut Italian Butterball Cookies

These coconut Italian Butterball Cookies are soft, buttery, and lightly sweet.

Shredded coconut adds a tropical flavor and delicate texture, making each bite chewy yet tender.

They’re perfect for holiday trays, afternoon tea, or gifting.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla extract.
• Gradually add flour, salt, and shredded coconut, mixing until combined.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar while warm.

These cookies are soft, buttery, and fragrant with coconut.

The coconut adds a subtle chew and tropical aroma.

Perfect for gifting or enjoying with tea.

Tender, flavorful, and lightly sweet.

Caramel Swirl Italian Butterball Cookies

These caramel swirl Italian Butterball Cookies are rich, buttery, and slightly sweet.

Soft cookie dough swirled with caramel creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a deliciously indulgent flavor.

They’re ideal for dessert trays, holidays, or a special treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup caramel bits or soft caramel pieces
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla extract.
• Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until smooth.
• Fold in caramel bits evenly.
• Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.

These cookies are soft, buttery, and caramel-sweetened.

Caramel provides a rich, indulgent flavor with each bite.

Perfect for dessert, gift trays, or teatime treats.

Tender, buttery, and decadently flavored.

Espresso Italian Butterball Cookies

These espresso Italian Butterball Cookies are rich, buttery, and slightly caffeinated.

Instant espresso powder enhances the flavor, giving the cookies a subtle, aromatic coffee note.

Perfect for coffee lovers, dessert platters, or afternoon tea.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp instant espresso powder
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla extract and espresso powder.
• Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until fully incorporated.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.

These cookies are soft, aromatic, and buttery.

Espresso provides a subtle, rich coffee flavor.

Perfect for gifting, holiday trays, or dessert.

Tender, flavorful, and slightly caffeinated.

Chocolate Hazelnut Italian Butterball Cookies

These chocolate hazelnut Italian Butterball Cookies are tender, nutty, and decadent.

Chopped hazelnuts and cocoa powder create a rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookie perfect for chocolate lovers.

They’re ideal for dessert trays, gifting, or special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup chopped hazelnuts
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla extract.
• Gradually add flour, cocoa, and salt, mixing until smooth.
• Fold in chopped hazelnuts evenly.
• Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet 2 inches apart.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.

These cookies are soft, nutty, and chocolatey.

Hazelnuts provide crunch while cocoa adds rich flavor.

Perfect for gifting or holiday dessert trays.

Tender, buttery, and decadent.

Lemon Poppy Seed Italian Butterball Cookies

These lemon poppy seed Italian Butterball Cookies are bright, buttery, and lightly sweet.

Fresh lemon zest and poppy seeds add a fragrant, zesty flavor and subtle crunch.

Ideal for springtime, teatime, or gift boxes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp poppy seeds
• ½ tsp salt
• Powdered sugar for coating

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Mix in vanilla and lemon zest.
• Gradually add flour, poppy seeds, and salt, mixing until smooth.
• Shape dough into 1-inch balls and place 2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
• Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
• Cool for 5 minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.

These cookies are soft, buttery, and zesty.

Poppy seeds add a subtle crunch while lemon provides a fresh aroma.

Perfect for gifting, holidays, or afternoon tea.

Tender, flavorful, and delightfully aromatic.