When I first made Italian Wedding Cookies, I was hooked instantly. These delicate, buttery cookies, dusted in powdered sugar, felt like little snowballs of joy. They came together so easily, and the way they crumble and melt in your mouth is indescribable! With just a few simple ingredients but an undeniably rich flavor, they’ve quickly become a staple for celebrations in my home.
Whether it’s a holiday spread or just a cozy Sunday with coffee, these cookies add such a special touch. Plus, they’re so pretty to look at, especially when stacked neatly on a platter. Every time I make them, not only do they disappear fast, but they bring smiles from everyone who tries one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons Italian Wedding Cookies are a must-try, and here are a few that make them irresistible:
They’re Simple and Fast to Make
You’ll love how quickly these cookies come together. With no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, even beginners can nail the recipe on the first try. Just mix, shape, bake, and coat with sugar!
Perfect for Every Occasion
These cookies aren’t just for weddings. Bake them for birthdays, holidays, or simply as an everyday treat. Their versatility makes them ideal for any celebration, big or small.
Made with Pantry Staples
No need for fancy ingredients. Butter, sugar, flour, and nuts are the stars here. Chances are, you already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen!
Customizable Flavors
Want to try something different? Swap out nuts, add spices like cinnamon, or even mix in a little citrus zest. These cookies are a blank canvas for your creativity!
Great for Gifting
There’s something so charming about gifting a batch of these cookies. Wrap them in decorative tins or festive bags, and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade present.
Cooking Time
This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for last-minute baking!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these sweet delights:
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Chopped walnuts
- A pinch of salt
Variations
These cookies are so versatile, and there are many fun ways to tweak the recipe to make it your own:
- Nut Options: Use pecans, almonds, or pistachios instead of walnuts for unique nutty flavors.
- Flavor Boosts: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or a bit of lemon or orange zest for a citrusy kick.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter as a substitute to make these cookies completely dairy-free.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend to make them suitable for everyone.
Equipment You’ll Need
The right tools will ensure seamless preparation and perfect cookies every time:
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the ingredients.
- Hand or Stand Mixer: To cream the butter and sugar effortlessly.
- Baking Tray: For perfectly golden cookies.
- Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking during baking.
- Wire Rack: To cool the cookies evenly.
How to Make Italian Wedding Cookies?
With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a batch of delightful cookies ready to enjoy.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by letting your butter come to room temperature. Soft butter blends better, creating a smoother dough.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar together until fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness and mix again.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour, a pinch of salt, and the chopped nuts into the creamed mixture. Stir until you get a soft and crumbly dough that holds together when pressed.
Step 4: Shape Your Cookies
Scoop about a tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into small balls. Place them about an inch apart on a parchment-lined baking tray.
Tip: Wet your hands slightly if the dough is sticky!
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Pop the tray into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake them!
Step 6: Dust with Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. Add another dusting once they’ve cooled for that classic powdered look. It’s a winter wonderland on your plate!
Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to perfect your cookies every time:
- Use Room-Temperature Butter: This helps create a smooth, even dough.
- Don’t Skip Chilling (optional): If your dough feels too soft, chilling it for 10-15 minutes can make rolling easier.
- Test Your Nuts: Toast the nuts lightly before chopping for extra flavor.
- Even Sizes, Even Baking: Use a small cookie scoop to ensure all cookies bake evenly.
- Powdered Sugar Twice: Rolling them once while warm helps it stick, and the second coat looks picture-perfect!
How to Serve Italian Wedding Cookies?
Serve these cookies with a presentation that’s as delightful as their taste.
Arrange them on a pretty platter and pair with drinks like coffee, tea, or sparkling wine. Their snowy coating looks stunning on any dessert table. You can also sprinkle extra powdered sugar over the plate for drama. For a festive touch, mix them with other cookies of various shapes and colors. Garnish with sprigs of rosemary or thyme for an elegant, holiday-ready presentation.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you can expect per cookie, making them a guilt-free indulgence:
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Protein: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 6 g
Make Ahead and Storage
These cookies are incredibly convenient to make and store ahead of time.
- Room Storage: Place cooled cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.
- Refrigeration: Store the dough in the fridge for up to three days. Roll and bake when needed.
- Freezing: Both baked cookies and unbaked dough freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly before freezing, and they’ll keep for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight, or reheat frozen cookies in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.
Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Chopped walnuts
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Start by letting your butter come to room temperature. Soft butter blends better, creating a smoother dough.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream the butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar together until fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness and mix again.
- Gradually add the flour, a pinch of salt, and the chopped nuts into the creamed mixture. Stir until you get a soft and crumbly dough that holds together when pressed.
- Scoop about a tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into small balls. Place them about an inch apart on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Tip: Wet your hands slightly if the dough is sticky!
- Pop the tray into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Be sure not to overbake them!
- While the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. Add another dusting once they’ve cooled for that classic powdered look. It’s a winter wonderland on your plate!
Notes
- Use Room-Temperature Butter: This helps create a smooth, even dough.
- Don’t Skip Chilling (optional): If your dough feels too soft, chilling it for 10-15 minutes can make rolling easier.
- Test Your Nuts: Toast the nuts lightly before chopping for extra flavor.
- Even Sizes, Even Baking: Use a small cookie scoop to ensure all cookies bake evenly.
- Powdered Sugar Twice: Rolling them once while warm helps it stick, and the second coat looks picture-perfect!
