Have you ever tasted a cookie so light, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious that it felt like a warm hug? That’s the magic of Italian wedding cookies. Whether you call them Mexican wedding cookies, butterballs, or snowball cookies, these little gems are universally loved for their simplicity and rich flavor. And guess what? They’re easier to make than you might think!
Let’s dive into this classic Italian wedding cookies recipe and uncover why it deserves a permanent spot in your baking repertoire.
Why Italian Wedding Cookies Are a Must-Try
Picture this: a cozy winter evening, a steaming cup of coffee in hand, and a plate of these powdery, almond-infused cookies on the table. Sounds dreamy, right? These cookies aren’t just for weddings—they’re perfect for holidays, gifting, or simply treating yourself. Plus, they’re versatile! You can swap almonds for pecans or hazelnuts, shape them into crescents, or even sprinkle them with edible glitter for a festive touch.
The best part?
This recipe for Italian wedding cookies uses just six ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Who knew something so simple could taste so heavenly?
What You’ll Need: Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delightful cookies:
- Butter : Three sticks of unsalted butter form the base of these cookies, giving them their signature richness.
- Confectioners’ sugar : This sweet, powdery ingredient ensures the cookies are soft and delicate.
- Salt : Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors without making the cookies salty.
- Almonds : Finely ground almonds add a nutty depth that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Vanilla extract : A generous splash of vanilla ties everything together with warmth and aroma.
- Flour : All-purpose flour provides structure, keeping the dough firm but tender.
For rolling, you’ll also need extra confectioners’ sugar to give the cookies their iconic snowy coating.
How to Make Italian Wedding Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to bake? Here’s how to make these cookies step by step:
1. Prep Like a Pro
Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is your moment to channel your inner baker—tie that apron, clear your counter, and let’s get started!
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy. Think of it as creating a blank canvas for all the flavors to shine.
3. Add the Good Stuff
Mix in the ground almonds and vanilla extract. These two ingredients are the heart and soul of the cookies, bringing warmth and nuttiness that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.
4. Bring It All Together
Gradually blend in the flour until the dough comes together. It should be crumbly but hold its shape when pressed. Don’t overmix—this isn’t the time for perfectionism!
5. Shape and Bake
Scoop out teaspoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls (or crescents if you’re feeling fancy). Place them on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each cookie. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges.
6. Roll in Sweetness
While the cookies are still warm, roll them in confectioners’ sugar. This step is crucial—the warmth helps the sugar stick, creating that beautiful snowy finish.
Tips for Baking Success
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet : These cookies won’t spread much, so you can fit quite a few on one tray. But give them some breathing room to bake evenly.
- Work while they’re warm : Rolling the cookies in sugar while they’re still warm ensures they hold onto that sugary coating. Just don’t burn your fingers!
- Get the family involved : With 80 cookies in one batch, this is the perfect recipe to make with loved ones. Bonus: more hands mean more fun!
Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe: Soft, Buttery, and Perfect for Gifting
Ingredients
- Butter : Three sticks of unsalted butter form the base of these cookies giving them their signature richness.
- Confectioners’ sugar : This sweet powdery ingredient ensures the cookies are soft and delicate.
- Salt : Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors without making the cookies salty.
- Almonds : Finely ground almonds add a nutty depth that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Vanilla extract : A generous splash of vanilla ties everything together with warmth and aroma.
- Flour : All-purpose flour provides structure keeping the dough firm but tender.
- For rolling you’ll also need extra confectioners’ sugar to give the cookies their iconic snowy coating.
Instructions
- Prep Like a Pro: Start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is your moment to channel your inner baker—tie that apron, clear your counter, and let’s get started!
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, confectioners’ sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy. Think of it as creating a blank canvas for all the flavors to shine.
- Add the Good Stuff: Mix in the ground almonds and vanilla extract. These two ingredients are the heart and soul of the cookies, bringing warmth and nuttiness that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.
- Bring It All Together: Gradually blend in the flour until the dough comes together. It should be crumbly but hold its shape when pressed. Don’t overmix—this isn’t the time for perfectionism!
- Shape and Bake: Scoop out teaspoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls (or crescents if you’re feeling fancy). Place them on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each cookie. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden around the edges.
- Roll in Sweetness: While the cookies are still warm, roll them in confectioners’ sugar. This step is crucial—the warmth helps the sugar stick, creating that beautiful snowy finish.
Notes
- Storage : Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezing : Freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Customizations : Substitute almonds with pecans or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Shape into crescents if desired.
Storing and Freezing Your Italian Wedding Cookies
These cookies keep well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dough balls. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and follow the recipe instructions.
Why This Italian Wedding Cookie Recipe Stands Out
What makes this Italian wedding cookies recipe special isn’t just the taste—it’s the memories it creates. Imagine gifting a tin of these cookies to a friend or serving them at a holiday party. They’re not just cookies; they’re conversation starters, smiles waiting to happen, and moments of joy wrapped in powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts: Bake, Share, and Enjoy
If you’ve never tried making Italian wedding cookies, now’s the time. With their buttery texture, nutty flavor, and delicate sweetness, they’re sure to become a favorite. So grab your ingredients, turn on some music, and let the magic happen. And once you’ve baked a batch, don’t forget to share your creations with us using #ItalianWeddingCookiesLove. We’d love to see your photos and hear your stories!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- How to Make Creamy Italian Shrimp Pasta
- Copycat Chick-fil-A Spicy Southwest Salad
- Shirley Temple Dirty Soda Recipe
- Dirty Strawberry Soda Recipe
- Zucchini Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting
- Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Tried This Recipe?
I’d love to hear how this recipe turned out! To show off your creation, leave a comment or tag @foodiecreator on Instagram and #foodiecreator.
