Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
If you’re searching for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth treat to charm your family and friends, this Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe is a true treasure. Buttery, nutty, and beautifully dusted in a snowy layer of powdered sugar, these cookies transport you straight to an Italian grandmother’s table (even if, like me, your only “Nonna” experience is through generous friends). Whether you call them Italian Wedding Cookies, Snowballs, or even Russian Tea Cakes, every bite bursts with pure love and tradition—plus a sweet finish that just makes occasions a bit more memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Each element plays a key role, from the richness of butter to the subtle crunch of chopped nuts—coming together to create irresistible cookies with a classic flavor and soft, crumbly texture.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Provides the rich, melt-in-your-mouth base that gives these cookies their signature crumbly bite.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, plus more for rolling): Adds a delicate sweetness to the dough and creates the iconic snowy finish on the outside.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors with warm, aromatic notes—don’t skip it, as it elevates every bite.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Offers just enough structure while keeping the cookies tender, perfect for holding all that buttery flavor.
- Finely chopped walnuts or almonds (1 cup): Nuts add wonderful texture and a toasty flavor—almonds or walnuts are traditional, so use your favorite.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and heightens the flavors—just a pinch makes a difference.
- Extra powdered sugar for rolling: Ensures each cookie is evenly coated in that irresistible cloud of sweetness.
How to Make Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Sheets
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze, so you can focus on the fun part—mixing and shaping!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl and cream together the softened unsalted butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step creates the delicate base we all love in the Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe and ensures your cookies turn out perfectly tender.
Step 3: Add the Vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract, blending until it’s fully incorporated. The vanilla melds with the sweet butter, making the dough aromatic and irresistible—even before it’s baked!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, finely chopped nuts of your choice, and salt. This simple mixture forms the backbone of your cookie’s texture, with nuts providing a subtle crunch in every bite.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to mix until a soft, slightly crumbly dough forms. Don’t overwork it—stopping when everything just comes together keeps the cookies tender and light.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, packing slightly to help them hold their shape. Arrange the balls about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheets. Small, uniform balls ensure even baking and a pretty presentation.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 18 to 20 minutes, until the bottoms are just turning golden. The tops will stay pale—resist the urge to overbake, as the magic of this Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe is in their delicate, soft texture. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
Step 8: Roll in Powdered Sugar
While your cookies are still slightly warm (but not hot!), gently roll each one in powdered sugar. This first coat melts in, forming a thin, delicious crust. After they’re cooled completely on a wire rack, roll them all again for a lush, snowy covering worthy of any special occasion.
How to Serve Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra festive flair, dust the cookies with an additional sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving. You can even add a touch of finely grated lemon zest or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts for subtle color and a hint of flavor—simple touches that impress guests every time.
Side Dishes
These cookies are the perfect companion to an afternoon espresso, a steaming cup of tea, or a cappuccino. They’re also at home on a dessert tray with fresh berries and creamy mascarpone, or alongside other classic Italian sweets for a full-on cookie extravaganza.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, pile the cookies high on a vintage cake stand or arrange them in pretty paper cups on a bright serving platter. Layer a few cookies in a clear cellophane bag, tie with ribbon, and voila—a sweet edible gift! The Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe always makes moments feel more special, whether it’s a wedding, holiday, or cozy family gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and coated in powdered sugar, store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Their flavor actually gets better after a day or two, making them wonderful for holiday baking ahead of time.
Freezing
These cookies freeze like a dream. To freeze, place the finished Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe (fully cooled) in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to three months. Dust with a fresh coat of powdered sugar after thawing for that picture-perfect finish.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies a touch warm, just pop them in a very low oven (about 250°F) for 3–5 minutes, or let them come to room temperature naturally. Be sure to re-roll them in a bit of powdered sugar if desired, as this brings back their “snowy” look and irresistible sweetness.
FAQs
What nuts work best in the Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe?
Traditionally, finely chopped walnuts or almonds are used, but pecans also work beautifully. Choose your favorite, or mix for a unique blend of flavors that adds extra character to your cookies.
Why do my cookies look so pale on top?
This is completely normal and exactly as it should be! The Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe yields cookies that stay pale on top while developing a golden bottom—this keeps their texture soft and delicate.
Can I make these cookies gluten free?
Absolutely! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that your nuts and other ingredients are gluten free as well, and monitor the bake time, as gluten-free cookies can sometimes brown faster.
How do I keep the cookies from crumbling?
The secret is not to overbake and to let them cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar the first time. Handle them gently, especially when rolling, and once fully cooled, they’ll be sturdy enough to stack or package for gifts.
Are these cookies suitable for weddings or gifts?
Absolutely! The Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe is traditionally made for special occasions because of its delightful appearance and irresistible taste. These cookies are perfect for weddings, baby showers, holidays, or as thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and neighbors.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe enough—the taste, the easy prep, and the joy of sharing a tray of snowy, buttery cookies make it a highlight of any gathering. I hope you’ll bake a batch, pour your favorite coffee or tea, and share these little bites of tradition with the people you love most!
Print
Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicate and buttery, Italian Wedding Cookies are a classic treat perfect for any occasion. These sweet, nutty cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, creating a snowy coating that melts in your mouth with each bite. Enjoy these delightful cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly indulgent experience.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or almonds
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating:
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, nuts, and salt.
- Form Dough: Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them on prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool for 5 minutes.
- Coat in Sugar: While still warm, roll cookies in powdered sugar. Let cool on a wire rack, then roll again in powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
- Also known as ‘Mexican Wedding Cookies’ or ‘Russian Tea Cakes’ with slight variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
