There’s something deeply nostalgic and heartwarming about this Italian Wedding Cookies recipe. I still remember walking into my grandmother’s kitchen during the holidays and being greeted by the scent of toasted nuts, vanilla, and sugar floating through the air. A platter of these delicate, snow-dusted cookies always took center stage, flaky, buttery, and dusted in a thick layer of powdered sugar that clung to your fingers like fresh snow.
The Italian Wedding Cookies recipe is a time-honored classic that’s perfect for festive occasions, holiday cookie swaps, or even just as a sweet treat with your afternoon coffee. These cookies also known as Italian Butterballs or Snowball Cookies, are simple, elegant, and packed with comforting flavor. They store beautifully, making them great make-ahead cookies for gifting or entertaining.
And what I love most? They look impressive, yet are incredibly easy to make.
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Why This Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe Always Delivers
What sets this Italian Wedding Cookies recipe apart is its perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, butter, flour, powdered sugar, vanilla, and finely chopped nuts, these cookies are all about texture and richness. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread with just the right amount of crunch from the nuts and a finish of sweet, snowy goodness.
The beauty of these cookies lies in their versatility. You can tailor this recipe to fit your taste or dietary needs without compromising the charm:
- Nut Variations: Traditionally made with finely chopped walnuts or pecans, but almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts all work beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: You can swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and still get that delicate, crumbly texture.
- Flavor Add-Ins: A hint of almond extract or citrus zest can brighten the dough and take it in new directions.
Unlike some cookies that rely on heavy frostings or complicated techniques, this Italian Wedding Cookies recipe focuses on wholesome, traditional ingredients to create something timeless. It’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages, easy to make in large batches, and a treasured part of Italian celebrations and now, maybe yours too.
Recipe Card
Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
24
servings20
minutes15
minutes95
kcalCelebrate love and tradition with this Italian wedding cookies recipe, a timeless treat that melts in your mouth with every delicate, buttery bite.
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Ingredients
- Cookie Dough
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Coating
1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into small balls.
- Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar once more for a beautiful, snowy finish.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality butter for the best flavor.
- Pecans or walnuts can be substituted with almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preference.
- These cookies are delicate; handle them gently when rolling in powdered sugar.
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Pro Tips for Success with Your Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
- Use Cold Butter, Not Melted: Cut your butter into small cubes and keep it chilled before mixing. Cold butter helps create the flaky, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Avoid using melted or overly soft butter as it can make the dough greasy and dense.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for 15–20 minutes before shaping to make it easier to handle.
- Fine Nut Texture: Finely chop the nuts for a smoother texture in the cookies. A food processor works great for this.
- Even Baking: Roll cookies to uniform sizes to ensure even baking.
- Double Sugar Coating: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once warm and once cooled—for a perfect finish.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness for up to a week.
Delicious Variants of the Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe to Try
1. Classic Walnut Italian Wedding Cookies
The traditional version usually features finely chopped walnuts, which add a mild earthiness and delightful crunch. Toasting the walnuts before mixing really brings out their nutty flavor. This is the version I grew up eating during holiday seasons, and it’s a timeless favorite for good reason.
2. Pecan and Almond Mix
For a richer, buttery taste, try mixing pecans and slivered almonds instead of just walnuts. Pecans add a softer, buttery texture, while almonds provide a slightly sweet, crisp bite. Toast both nuts lightly for the best flavor punch.
3. Hazelnut Italian Wedding Cookies
Hazelnuts lend a beautifully aromatic, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with powdered sugar. This variation is great if you want a nutty cookie that feels a bit more sophisticated. Plus, it’s a wonderful nod to Italy’s Piedmont region, famous for its hazelnuts.
4. Coconut Italian Wedding Cookies
Add shredded unsweetened coconut to the dough for a tropical flair. The coconut adds chewiness and a subtly sweet, fragrant note that complements the nutty base. This variant is perfect for summer or when you want a fun twist on tradition.
FAQs
Absolutely! The dough can be made and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months and roll them in powdered sugar again after thawing.
These cookies are naturally delicate, but overworking the dough or skipping the chilling step can make them too fragile.
If you use salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe to maintain balance.
Wrapping It Up
Italian Wedding Cookies are more than just a treat, they’re a bite of tradition, comfort, and simple elegance. Whether you’re baking for a festive occasion, a cozy tea time, or a sweet snack, this Italian Wedding Cookies recipe delivers buttery, nutty goodness with that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s approachable for bakers of all levels and endlessly adaptable to your taste.
Looking for more classic cookie recipes? Try our Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie Recipe for a fall pie!
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