Italian wedding cookies, also known as Italian butter cookies or Italian snowball cookies, are a traditional treat made for weddings, holidays, and festive gatherings. These delicate, buttery cookies melt in your mouth and are coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar. With a simple ingredient list and easy preparation, these cookies are perfect for celebrations but also make a delightful snack anytime.

Although they are called “wedding cookies,” they are popular during Christmas, Easter, and other special occasions in Italian households. With a crumbly, nutty flavor and a sugary finish, they are reminiscent of other festive cookies like Mexican wedding cookies and Russian tea cakes.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make authentic Italian wedding cookies from scratch. The recipe requires just a few pantry staples and can be customized to your liking. Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions!

What Are Italian Wedding Cookies?

Italian wedding cookies are delicate shortbread-like cookies that are made with a few simple ingredients, including butter, powdered sugar, flour, and finely ground nuts. Once baked, they are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them their iconic white, snowy appearance. The cookies have a crumbly texture and a rich, buttery flavor, often with the addition of almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a slight crunch and depth of flavor.

Despite their name, these cookies are not exclusive to weddings and are enjoyed at many celebrations. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet coating make them a favorite across the world.

Ingredients for Italian Wedding Cookies

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The star of the show is the nuts, which add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor. This recipe uses almonds, but you can substitute them with pecans or walnuts depending on your preference.

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup finely ground almonds (or pecans, walnuts)

Optional:

• ½ teaspoon almond extract (for an extra almond flavor)
• Zest of 1 lemon or orange for a citrusy twist

Step-by-Step Instructions for Italian Wedding Cookies

Follow these easy steps to create the perfect batch of Italian wedding cookies. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just for fun, they are sure to become a favorite in your home.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Preheating ensures that the cookies bake evenly and achieve a light golden-brown color on the bottom.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Mix until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step is important for giving the cookies their delicate, crumbly texture.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients

Add the vanilla extract (and almond extract if using) to the butter mixture and mix until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in the Nuts

Gently fold in the finely ground almonds (or your preferred nuts). Make sure the nuts are finely ground, as larger chunks can interfere with the cookie’s texture. The dough should be soft but firm enough to roll into balls.

Step 5: Shape the Cookies

Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop out portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies do not spread much, so they will maintain their round shape as they bake.

Step 6: Bake the Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set. Be careful not to overbake, as these cookies should be soft and tender, not crunchy.

Step 7: Coat in Powdered Sugar

Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. While they are still warm (but not too hot), roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat. The warm cookies will absorb some of the sugar, giving them a lovely, sweet exterior.

For an extra layer of sweetness, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again after they have completely cooled.

Tips for Making the Best Italian Wedding Cookies

Italian wedding cookies are simple to make, but here are a few tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time:

1. Use Finely Ground Nuts

The texture of the nuts is important for the cookies’ delicate crumb. Be sure to grind the nuts finely, almost like a coarse flour. If the pieces are too large, they can make the dough difficult to shape and affect the cookie’s texture. You can grind the nuts in a food processor or purchase pre-ground nuts.

2. Don’t Overmix the Dough

Once you’ve added the flour, be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a soft, tender crumb.

3. Coat the Cookies Twice in Powdered Sugar

For the best result, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm and then again after they’ve cooled. The first coat helps the sugar stick, while the second coat gives them that classic snowy appearance.

4. Experiment with Flavor Variations

If you want to add some variety, try mixing in different flavors. A small amount of lemon or orange zest can add a refreshing citrus note, or you can enhance the almond flavor with a splash of almond extract. You can also substitute pecans or walnuts for the almonds to create different versions of the cookies.

Flavor Variations for Italian Wedding Cookies

Italian wedding cookies are delicious in their classic form, but they are also a great canvas for adding different flavors. Here are a few ways to customize your cookies:

1. Lemon or Orange Zest

Add the zest of a lemon or an orange to the cookie dough for a bright, citrusy flavor. The zest pairs wonderfully with the buttery dough and the sweetness of the powdered sugar.

2. Almond Extract

For a more pronounced almond flavor, add ½ teaspoon of almond extract in addition to the vanilla extract. This will give the cookies a deeper, nutty taste.

3. Chocolate-Dipped

For a decadent twist, dip half of each cooled cookie into melted chocolate. Allow the chocolate to set before serving. This creates a beautiful presentation and adds a rich, chocolatey layer to the cookie’s flavor profile.

4. Cinnamon or Nutmeg

For a warm, spiced version, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. These spices add a subtle warmth that complements the buttery, nutty flavor of the cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, Italian wedding cookies store very well. You can make them several days in advance, as they stay fresh for about a week when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them as needed.

2. Can I freeze Italian wedding cookies?

Absolutely. These cookies freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy them later, let them thaw at room temperature and then roll them in powdered sugar again before serving.

3. Can I use a different type of nut?

Yes! While almonds are traditional, you can use other nuts like pecans or walnuts. Just make sure to finely grind them so they incorporate smoothly into the dough.

4. Why did my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread too much during baking, it could be due to the butter being too soft or melted. Ensure that your butter is softened but not overly warm. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help prevent spreading.

5. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum or another binding agent. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Conclusion

Italian wedding cookies are a timeless, elegant treat that has been enjoyed for generations at weddings, holidays, and family gatherings. With their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, nutty flavor, they’re perfect for special occasions or anytime you want a comforting dessert.

This easy recipe is not only simple to make but also versatile. You can adapt the flavor with citrus zest, chocolate, or spices, making them a cookie that suits any occasion. Whether you’re making these for a wedding, holiday, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, Italian wedding cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. Enjoy!