There’s nothing like the joyous aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house, especially when they’re as delightful as Italian Wedding Cookies. I first discovered this timeless treat while hosting a holiday gathering, and ever since, they’ve become a staple on my dessert table. Each bite reveals a tender, crumbly texture sprinkled with powdered sugar—reminiscent of soft snowballs—making them irresistible!
These cookies are not just for weddings; they’re perfect for any celebration, or simply when you’re in the mood for something sweet. With a rich blend of walnuts and hazelnuts, they melt in your mouth, leaving a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist. What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility; you can easily swap nuts or make them vegan without compromising on flavor.
Join me in crafting these delectable Italian Wedding Cookies, a simple yet impressive addition to your cookie repertoire that promises to impress your family and friends during the festive season!
Why is this Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe a Must-Try?
Deliciously Indulgent: These cookies boast a wonderful blend of flavors from walnuts and hazelnuts, making every bite a treat to remember.
Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up a batch in no time!
Perfect for Gifting: Their charming snowball appearance and delightful taste elevate any holiday cookie platter.
Versatile Options: Mix and match nuts, or use vegan substitutions, to tailor them to your preference.
Family-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in rolling and dusting for a delightful family activity that spreads joy.
Italian Wedding Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
- Salted Butter – Provides richness and tenderness to the cookies; substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic sweetness and depth; can be swapped with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Ground Walnuts – Adds crunch and nutty flavor; can be substituted with ground almonds or pistachios.
- Ground Hazelnuts – Enhances the nutty taste and texture; substitute with any nut of choice if desired.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the cookies; no notable substitutes are provided in this specific recipe.
- Powder Sugar – Used in the dough for sweetness and for dusting post-baking; no substitutions mentioned.
This Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe is sure to become a favorite at your gatherings!
How to Make Italian Wedding Cookies
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Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and come out lovely and golden.
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Cream Together: In a mixing bowl, cream the salted butter and 3/4 cup of powdered sugar until fluffy. This process incorporates air for a light, tender texture that makes these cookies irresistible.
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Add Flavors: Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the ground walnuts and hazelnuts. Stir until everything is well incorporated, adding nutty richness to each bite.
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Combine Flour: Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing until fully combined. If the dough feels sticky, refrigerate or freeze it for about 10 minutes for easier handling.
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Shape Cookies: Shape the dough into small balls, roughly golf ball size or smaller, yielding about 45 cookies. Place them onto a prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re spaced apart.
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Bake: Bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. Once done, remove them and let the cookies cool slightly—this step will help the powdered sugar adhere better when you roll them.
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Coat in Sugar: While they’re still warm, roll the cookies in the remaining powdered sugar. For a final touch, dust with additional powdered sugar just before serving!
Optional: Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for a delightful contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Italian Wedding Cookies?
Nothing pairs better with the joy of these delicate cookies than delightful accompaniments that enhance their sweetness.
- Classic Espresso: The bold, rich flavors of espresso complement the buttery cookies beautifully, making each bite a gourmet experience.
- Herbal Tea: A soothing chamomile or mint tea adds a refreshing touch and contrasts perfectly with the cookies’ sugary sweetness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream brings a wonderful contrast in temperature and texture, making for a decadent dessert.
- Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like strawberries or citrus add a bright, juicy element that balances the cookies’ richness.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of melted dark chocolate elevates the cookies to a new level of indulgence, adding depth to their flavor.
- Milk: The classic pairing of a cold glass of milk provides a nostalgic feel, softening the sweet flavors in every bite.
- Holiday Punch: A festive berry or citrus punch adds a celebratory touch to any gathering, perfectly complementing the cookies’ festive nature.
- Cappuccino: The frothy, foamy texture of cappuccino creates a delightful contrast that enhances the soft, crumbly cookies.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For an over-the-top treat, serve with a side of tangy cream cheese frosting for a delightful dip!
Italian Wedding Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own! Each twist adds a unique touch to the classic flavors.
- Nut Mix: Combine different nuts like pistachios or pecans for a delightful crunch and flavor variety. Just remember to keep the total quantity the same.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute salted butter with vegan butter for a completely plant-based treat that everyone can enjoy. This will maintain that tender and rich texture!
- Flavor Boost: Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a distinct, nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the cookies. A simple switch can elevate the entire batch.
- Cocoa Twist: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey version without losing the delicate texture. They’ll have a beautiful chocolate hue!
- Zesty Surprise: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus note that brightens the flavor profile. This uplifting twist is perfect for springtime gatherings.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour for a cookie everyone can enjoy. They will still melt in your mouth with that signature butteriness.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can warm up the flavor and add a holiday flair—perfect for festive occasions! Just sprinkle in during mixing to taste.
- Crunchy Coating: Instead of rolling in powdered sugar, try rolling in finely chopped nuts or shredded coconut for an extra texture and unique appearance before serving!
How to Store and Freeze Italian Wedding Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and delicious for enjoying throughout the week.
- Fridge: If you prefer, you can keep cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to cover them properly to prevent them from absorbing any odors.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Reheat cookies in a warm oven (about 250°F or 120°C) for 10 minutes if you’ve stored them, allowing them to regain their tender texture without over-baking.
Expert Tips for Italian Wedding Cookies
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Choose the Right Nuts: Select fresh nuts and grind them to a coarse texture. Avoid overly fine nut flour to maintain delightful crunch in your Italian Wedding Cookies.
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Cool Before Coating: Allow cookies to cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar. This enhances adherence, creating that signature snowy finish.
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Batch Size Matters: If you’re short on time, consider making smaller batches or freezing dough balls for later use, ensuring fresh cookies whenever cravings strike.
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Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking. They should be lightly golden but not overly browned; start checking around the 18-minute mark.
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Experiment with Flavor: Don’t hesitate to swap out nuts or extract flavors. Using almond extract can add a wonderful twist to this Italian Wedding Cookies recipe!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy and Quick Italian Wedding Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without compromising flavor! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply shape the cookie balls and refrigerate them before baking. If you want to take it a step further, you can freeze the formed dough balls for up to 3 months—just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and transfer to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, no need to thaw; just pop them straight into the oven for an extra couple of minutes! This ensures your cookies will be just as delicious and tender, perfect for last-minute gatherings or cozy family nights.
Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe FAQs
What type of nuts should I use for the Italian Wedding Cookies?
Absolutely! While this recipe traditionally uses ground walnuts and hazelnuts, feel free to substitute with ground almonds or pistachios. Mixing nuts can also create a delightful flavor profile, just remember to keep the total quantity the same.
How should I store the Italian Wedding Cookies?
To ensure your cookies stay fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’d prefer longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring they’re covered to avoid any unwanted odors.
Can I freeze the dough for Italian Wedding Cookies?
Very! You can freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, pop them directly into the oven from the freezer but add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through.
What if my dough is too sticky while making the cookies?
If your dough feels sticky, simply refrigerate or freeze it for about 10 minutes. This will firm it up and make it much easier to shape into balls without making a mess. Remember, a little patience goes a long way for that perfect scoop!
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegan version, substitute butter with a cultured plant-based butter and ensure the powdered sugar used is free from bone char, which is often used in sugar processing. With these simple swaps, you’ll have delightful vegan Italian Wedding Cookies everyone can enjoy!
How can I tell if the cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake! They should be lightly golden around the edges, but not overly browned. Start checking them around the 18-minute mark to get them just right for that perfect texture, slightly crumbly and tender!
Irresistible Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe for Festive Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the salted butter and 3/4 cup of powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the ground walnuts and hazelnuts.
- Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, mixing until fully combined.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them onto a prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 20 minutes, then let cool slightly.
- While warm, roll the cookies in the remaining powdered sugar.