Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a buttery, tender treat that melts in your mouth and carries the delightful hint of almonds and vanilla, then this Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These charming little cookies bring a wonderful mix of nutty richness and delicate sweetness, all wrapped up in a snowy coating of powdered sugar. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or whenever a cozy dessert craving strikes, this recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a classic favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe is straightforward, but each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. From the toasted almonds adding a subtle crunch and nuttiness to the vanilla that brings a warm aromatic touch, every item contributes to the cookie’s irresistible character.
- Raw almonds: Toasted for a light, nutty flavor that’s essential to the cookie’s signature taste.
- Powdered sugar: Used both in the dough for sweetness and generously for coating, creating that classic snowy finish.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich moisture and tenderness, helping the cookies melt in your mouth.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Brings a fragrant warmth, elevating the cookie’s overall aroma.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the dough that provides structure and a delicate crumb.
How to Make Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Almonds
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw almonds evenly on a baking sheet, then toast them for about 5 minutes until they achieve a light golden color. This step unlocks their rich, nutty flavor, which is a hallmark of the Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe. Once toasted, allow the almonds to cool completely before moving forward.
Step 2: Grind the Almonds
Once cooled, pulse the almonds in a food processor until they’re finely ground. The almond pieces should be small enough to blend smoothly into the dough but still maintain a bit of texture for that delightful bite.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter together with ½ cup of powdered sugar. Whip this mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and pale, which means that air has been incorporated, giving your cookies a delicate crumb.
Step 4: Add Vanilla and Salt
Mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon of salt, stirring gently to combine. These ingredients bring depth and balance, enhancing the sweetness and nutty notes in the dough.
Step 5: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add 2 cups of all-purpose flour to the butter mixture. Stir until the dough begins to come together into a soft, cohesive ball. Avoid overmixing here – gentle folding ensures tender cookies rather than tough ones.
Step 6: Fold in the Ground Almonds
Pour in the finely ground almonds and fold them evenly into the dough. This step distributes the toasty almond flavor throughout every bite, giving Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe its signature texture.
Step 7: Shape the Cookies
Using about a tablespoon of dough for each cookie, roll the mixture into small balls and place them spaced slightly apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Keeping uniform size helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 8: Bake
Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the bottoms just start to turn a light golden brown. The goal is a delicate, lightly baked appearance that keeps these cookies tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Step 9: Cool and Coat
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool just enough so they can be handled without crumbling. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to create that classic snowy coating. Once completely cooled, you can roll them again in powdered sugar for an extra layer of sweetness and visual charm.
How to Serve Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant touch, sprinkle a bit of finely chopped almonds or edible silver leaf on top of the powdered coating to impress guests. A light dusting of cinnamon alongside the powdered sugar can add a subtle warmth that pairs wonderfully with the vanilla notes.
Side Dishes
These cookies are absolutely delightful when paired with hot beverages like coffee, espresso, or a warm cup of tea. They also complement dessert platters featuring fresh fruit, cheeses, or even a scoop of vanilla gelato for a more decadent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter layered with festive doilies around holidays or package them in a rustic tin tied with a ribbon to gift friends and family. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a thin spread of jam or Nutella for a playful twist everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and tender. Properly stored, they remain delicious for up to two weeks, making them perfect for making ahead of time for special occasions.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you want to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature and optionally re-roll in powdered sugar for that fresh look and taste.
Reheating
Although Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe are delicious as is, if you want to refresh them slightly, warm them in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This brings back a hint of that just-baked softness that is irresistible.
FAQs
What makes Italian Wedding Cookies different from other nut cookies?
Italian Wedding Cookies are unique because of their tender, crumbly texture combined with finely ground toasted almonds and their signature coating of powdered sugar, which offers a snowy appearance and a subtly sweet finish.
Can I substitute almonds with other nuts?
Absolutely! While almonds are traditional, you can swap in walnuts or pecans for a slightly different flavor profile, but keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary from the classic Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe.
Why do I need to toast the almonds?
Toasting the almonds enhances their natural oils and flavor, giving the cookies a richer, nuttier taste which is key to achieving the authentic Italian Wedding Cookies experience.
How do I prevent the cookies from crumbling too much?
Handling the dough gently and not overbaking are important. The dough should be soft but not crumbly before baking, and drawing the cookies out right when the edges are just golden ensures tenderness without excess crumbling.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Traditional Italian Wedding Cookies are not gluten-free as they use all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs, keeping in mind that texture may differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to add a new classic to your cookie repertoire, the Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe is a must-try. With its beautifully simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth magic every time. Whether for a festive gathering or just a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies will bring smiles and sweet memories around your table. So grab your ingredients and start baking—sweet traditions await!
Print
Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 36 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Italian Wedding Cookies are delicate, buttery almond cookies coated in powdered sugar. Toasted almonds are finely ground and mixed into a soft dough, then baked to a light golden perfection. These melt-in-your-mouth treats are perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet snack with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Almonds
- 1 cup raw almonds
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Toast the almonds: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the raw almonds evenly on a baking sheet and toast them for about 5 minutes or until they turn lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool completely.
- Grind almonds: Place the cooled almonds into a food processor and pulse until finely ground, but not turned into almond flour.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter together with ½ cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating plenty of air.
- Add vanilla and salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and salt to the butter mixture, blending thoroughly.
- Incorporate flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Fold in ground almonds: Stir the finely ground almonds evenly into the dough, ensuring they are well distributed.
- Shape cookies: Roll the dough into small balls about the size of 1 tablespoon each. Place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep them tender.
- Cool and coat: Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Once completely cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a classic snowy coating.
Notes
- Ensure almonds are cooled completely before grinding to prevent oily dough.
- You can substitute raw almonds with blanched almonds if preferred for a smoother texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and prevent them from becoming stale.
- For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Be careful not to overbake – cookies should remain tender and slightly crumbly.
- Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice gives a beautiful snow-like finish typical of Italian Wedding Cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
