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
Scale
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.
