There’s something magical about cookies that evoke tradition, love, and celebration. Italian wedding cookies recipe, also known as “snowball cookies” or “Mexican wedding cookies,” are a delightful symbol of Italian heritage. These tender, buttery cookies coated in powdered sugar are not only perfect for weddings but also for holidays and any occasion that calls for a sweet treat.
This Italian wedding cookies recipe combines a rich, nutty flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it a favorite for generations. Ready to bring a touch of Italy to your kitchen? Let’s get started!
Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
Cuisine: Italian, easy dessertDifficulty: Easy24
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.
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.
Tips for Perfect Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe:
- 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.
Recipe Variants:
- Almond Italian Wedding Cookies: Replace pecans with finely ground almonds for a more traditional flavor.
- Chocolate-Dipped Wedding Cookies: Dip cooled cookies halfway in melted dark chocolate and let them set for an elegant twist.
- Lemon Wedding Cookies: Add 1 tsp of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Gluten-Free Wedding Cookies: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
FAQ:
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.
Looking for more classic cookie recipes? Try our Milk Bar Pumpkin Pie Recipe for a fall pie!
This Italian wedding cookies recipe is a timeless testament to Italian baking traditions. Whether you’re serving them at a wedding, gifting them during the holidays, or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these cookies are a delightful way to celebrate life’s sweet moments. Give this recipe a try and experience the melt-in-your-mouth magic that has been loved for generations!
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