There is something truly heartwarming about sharing a batch of freshly baked Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe with friends and family. These tender, buttery snowball cookies coated in powdered sugar are a delightful balance of rich texture and nutty crunch, making every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re welcoming the holidays or simply craving a comforting treat, this classic recipe brings a touch of Italian tradition and sweetness straight to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly to create a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Each ingredient plays a vital role — from the creamy butter that lends richness, to the chopped nuts that add delightful texture, and the powdered sugar that perfects the signature snowy finish.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): The heart of the dough, providing a rich and tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling): Sweetens the cookie delicately and forms that iconic snowy coating.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant depth that elevates the flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and lightness to each cookie.
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans: Offers a heavenly crunch and nutty aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
How to Make Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Preparing your workspace like this is key to ensuring your cookies bake evenly and cleanly—plus, it makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is essential because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that tender, crumbly texture that melts on your tongue.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract, which will bring a subtle sweetness and aroma that makes these cookies so irresistible — a simple addition with a big payoff in flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Gradually sift in the flour and salt, mixing just until incorporated. Be gentle here to avoid overworking the dough; you want it to come together but remain soft and delicate.
Step 5: Fold in Nuts
Gently fold in the finely chopped walnuts or pecans. The nuts are what give these cookies their signature crunch and a rich, toasted taste that balances perfectly with the sugary coating.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and space them about an inch apart on the baking sheet. This helps them bake evenly without sticking together—plus, who doesn’t love those perfectly round cookie shapes?
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, watching carefully until the bottoms turn lightly golden but the tops remain pale. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes; this resting period helps them set without breaking apart.
Step 8: Coat with Powdered Sugar
While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to start that magical snowy coating. Once fully cooled, give them another roll in sugar to achieve the iconic double-layered finish that Italian Wedding Cookies are famous for.
How to Serve Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine on their own, but a light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving adds a fresh, snowy look that’s impossible to resist. You might also try sprinkling a pinch of finely grated orange zest on top for a citrusy twist that brightens the butteriness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Italian Wedding Cookies with a warm espresso or a cup of fragrant herbal tea to create an inviting dessert spread. The rich nuttiness of the cookies complements both robust coffee and delicate teas beautifully, making them perfect for afternoon tea or after-dinner treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these cookies in a charming tin or a decorative plate lined with lace doilies for a festive feel. For gift-giving, tie a bundle of cookies with a simple ribbon or present them in clear cellophane bags with a hand-written tag — pure joy for anyone lucky enough to receive them!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Italian Wedding Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keeping the cookies sealed ensures they maintain their delicate texture and that irresistible powdered sugar coating stays intact.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When thawed, they retain their buttery tenderness and nutty flavor, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for busy days or upcoming holidays.
Reheating
Italian Wedding Cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so simply let frozen cookies thaw naturally. If you want that freshly baked feel, warm them gently in a low oven for a few minutes—but be careful not to melt the powdered sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of nuts in this Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts and pecans are classics, but you can experiment with almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to chop them finely to keep the right texture balance.
Why do the cookies stay pale on top but turn golden on the bottom?
This is characteristic of Italian Wedding Cookies. The pale top maintains their tender texture, while the golden bottom indicates they are perfectly baked. It’s the sign that these cookies are ready to come out of the oven.
Is it necessary to roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar?
Yes, rolling twice creates that perfect snowy appearance and ensures the sugar adheres beautifully to the cookie surface, giving them their iconic look and extra sweetness.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend tested for baking. Keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly, but many have had success making a gluten-free version of this recipe.
What’s the secret to making these cookies so tender?
The secret lies in creaming the butter and sugar until fluffy and being gentle when mixing in the flour. Overworking the dough can make cookies tough, so take care to combine ingredients just until blended.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, classic cookie that combines simplicity and elegance, this Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. With its buttery bite, nutty crunch, and snowy sweetness, it’s sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen — and a hit every time you share it. Go ahead and bake a batch today; your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the classic Italian Wedding Cookies, tender and buttery nut cookies dusted with powdered sugar for a snowy finish. These traditional Italian treats are perfect for holidays or special occasions and offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a delightful crunch from chopped walnuts or pecans.
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring proper texture and sweetness.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to infuse the dough with aromatic flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Incorporate Nuts: Fold in 1 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans evenly to distribute the crunch throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow space for slight spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden while the tops should remain pale to maintain their delicate texture.
- Initial Cooling and Sugar Coating: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm to help the sugar adhere.
- Final Sugar Coating: After the cookies have completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a beautiful, snowy finish that enhances both appearance and flavor.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- These cookies freeze well, making them a convenient option for holiday gift-giving or advance preparation.
- For a variation in flavor and texture, try using almonds or hazelnuts instead of walnuts or pecans.
