Italian Wedding Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth treats that are perfect for special occasions, especially weddings and holidays. These traditional cookies, also known as Snowball Cookies, Mexican Wedding Cookies, or Russian Tea Cakes, are buttery, nutty, and coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar. Their rich yet simple flavor pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, making them a timeless favorite for dessert tables.
With a short ingredient list and a straightforward process, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re celebrating a wedding, hosting a festive gathering, or simply craving a sweet and nutty treat, Italian Wedding Cookies are a delightful choice.
Equipment Needed
To make these cookies effortlessly, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls – For combining the ingredients smoothly.
- Hand or stand mixer – Helps to cream the butter and sugar perfectly.
- Baking sheet – Ensures even baking.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – Helps to form uniform cookies.
- Wire rack – For cooling the cookies evenly.
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve – Ensures the powdered sugar coats the cookies evenly.
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – Creates a rich, tender texture.
- ½ cup powdered sugar – Adds sweetness without a grainy texture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour – Gives the cookies structure.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or almonds – Adds a nutty crunch.
For the Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar – For the signature snowy coating.
How to Make Italian Wedding Cookies
Making these cookies is a simple process with delicious results. Follow these steps for the perfect batch!
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in the finely chopped nuts, making sure they are evenly distributed. The dough will be slightly crumbly, but that’s normal!
Step 3: Chill the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape and enhances their flavor.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll the chilled dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the bottoms are lightly golden. Do not overbake—these cookies should remain light in color.
Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. The warmth helps the sugar stick beautifully. Once completely cooled, roll them in sugar again for a perfect snowy coating.
Tips for the Best Italian Wedding Cookies
- Chop the nuts finely to ensure an even texture throughout the cookies.
- Use room temperature butter for a smooth and creamy dough.
- Double coat the cookies in powdered sugar for the perfect finish.
- Chill the dough before baking to prevent spreading.
- Let the cookies cool slightly before rolling in sugar so the coating sticks well.
Why You’ll Love These Italian Wedding Cookies
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture that is both light and rich.
- Perfectly sweet with a nutty crunch.
- Simple ingredients and easy preparation.
- Great for weddings, holidays, and everyday indulgence.
- Pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
The Science Behind Their Unique Texture
Italian Wedding Cookies are incredibly light and tender because of their high butter content and absence of eggs. The butter creates a rich, shortbread-like crumb, while the powdered sugar in the dough dissolves more easily than granulated sugar, leading to a smoother, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The nuts not only add a delicious crunch but also contribute to the overall tenderness of the cookie.
The Magic of Italian Wedding Cookies
The real magic of these cookies lies in their simplicity and elegance. Despite requiring just a few ingredients, they deliver a complex flavor with their buttery richness, nutty depth, and delicate sweetness. Their snowy white coating makes them visually stunning, adding a festive charm to any dessert platter. These cookies have been enjoyed for generations, proving that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most timeless.
Storage Tips
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
- Freeze for longer storage by placing them in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
- Re-roll in powdered sugar before serving if they lose some of their coating over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! While pecans and almonds are traditional, you can also use walnuts, hazelnuts, or even pistachios.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This usually happens if the dough wasn’t chilled long enough or if the butter was too soft when mixing. Be sure to refrigerate the dough before baking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies taste even better the next day, and they store well for up to a week.
Conclusion
Italian Wedding Cookies are a timeless classic that never fails to impress. Their buttery, nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them a favorite for weddings, holidays, and everyday treats. With their elegant powdered sugar coating and simple yet rich taste, these cookies bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth to any occasion. Whether you’re baking them for a special celebration or just indulging in a homemade treat, these cookies are sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection.
Italian Wedding Cookies
These Italian Wedding Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats made with finely chopped nuts, powdered sugar, and a hint of vanilla. Also known as Italian Butterball Cookies or Snowball Cookies, they are perfect for holidays, weddings, or any special occasion!
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
✔ Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour and salt, then gradually add to the butter mixture. Stir in chopped nuts until evenly combined.
✔ Chill the Dough
- Cover and refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes to firm up.
✔ Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
✔ Shape the Cookies
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
✔ Bake the Cookies
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- ✔ Coat in Sugar
- Let cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Once fully cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a perfect snowy coating.
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Nut Options: Use pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a traditional taste.
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Make-Ahead Tip: Dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
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Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
