Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels like a warm hug from an Italian Nonna, this Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These delicate, snowball-like cookies are perfectly nutty, lightly sweet, and dusted generously with powdered sugar so that every bite feels downright festive. They are super simple to make yet deliver a sophisticated flavor and texture that can brighten any gathering or cozy afternoon tea. Whether you call them Italian Wedding Cookies or not, these little gems bring an irresistible charm to the dessert table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe comes together with a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating that buttery, nutty sweetness and tender crumb. Every single ingredient is essential to achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Raw almonds: Toasted to bring out their natural nuttiness which forms the cookie’s delightful flavor base.
• Powdered sugar: Added in the dough for sweetness and also used for coating, providing that classic snowy appearance.
• Unsalted butter: At room temperature, it’s the key to a rich, tender cookie with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance and balance the sweetness, making every bite more flavorful.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The structure of the cookie relies on this to hold everything together while remaining tender.

How to Make Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Toast the almonds

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread raw almonds evenly on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until they turn a lovely light golden. This step is essential because toasting amplifies their nutty flavor, setting a rich foundation for your cookies. Let the almonds cool completely before moving on.

Step 2: Grind the almonds

Once cooled, use a food processor to pulse the almonds until they’re finely ground but not turned into almond butter. This fine texture ensures every cookie will have that signature buttery crunch without being too coarse.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and half a cup of powdered sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This aeration gives the dough a soft and tender texture.

Step 4: Add vanilla and salt

Blend in the vanilla extract and salt, which work hand-in-hand to elevate the sweetness and balance the flavors beautifully. You’ll notice the dough start to smell like a comforting kitchen treat already.

Step 5: Incorporate the flour

Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour until everything comes together into a soft, slightly crumbly dough. It’s important to add the flour bit by bit to avoid overworking the dough, which can make the cookies tough.

Step 6: Fold in the ground almonds

Gently stir the finely ground almonds into the dough, distributing them evenly. These little bits of toasted almond add that essential crunch and flavor that define an authentic Italian Wedding Cookie.

Step 7: Shape the cookies

Roll the dough into small balls of about one tablespoon each. Placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet ensures even baking and easy cleanup. These bite-sized rounds will puff slightly but maintain their shape beautifully.

Step 8: Bake the cookies

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake because you want them tender and delicate—not hard and dry.

Step 9: Cool and coat with powdered sugar

Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet, then gently roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm to get that first layer of that lovely sugar coating. Once completely cooled, you can roll them again for an extra snowy finish that’s both pretty and delicious.

How to Serve Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is the classic garnish for these Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe stars, but you can get creative by adding a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios or a tiny drizzle of melted white chocolate. The added textures and flavors complement the nuttiness of the almonds beautifully.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of espresso, herbal tea, or even a glass of sweet dessert wine like Vin Santo. Their light texture and gentle sweetness make them a perfect complement to richer beverages or after a hearty Italian meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, arrange your Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe on a decorative platter layered with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a stunning visual. Alternatively, present them in cute treat bags tied with colorful ribbons for a charming homemade gift that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Italian Wedding Cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep them away from moisture and heat to maintain their signature tender texture and powdery coating.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

While Italian Wedding Cookies are best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature, you can warm them slightly in a low oven (about 250°F/120°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their buttery aroma and soften any firmer edges before serving.

FAQs

Can I substitute almonds with other nuts in this Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While almonds are traditional and provide a lovely flavor, many people use finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts with great results. Just make sure to toast and finely grind the nuts to maintain the right texture.

Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?

The first roll, while the cookies are warm, helps the sugar stick and create that initial powdery coating. The second roll after cooling gives the cookies that classic snowball look and adds an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.

Are Italian Wedding Cookies gluten-free?

Traditional recipes use all-purpose flour, so they are not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend that substitutes 1:1 for regular flour, but results may vary in texture.

Can I make this Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe without a food processor?

While a food processor makes grinding almonds quicker, you can place toasted almonds in a sealed bag and crush them finely with a rolling pin or use a mortar and pestle. Just aim for a fine, uniform texture for the best outcome.

How long do these cookies keep their freshness?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies are best enjoyed within one week, as their delicate texture and powdered sugar coating will start to lose freshness afterwards.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making this Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe at home, now’s the perfect time to experience the magic. They’re simple, comforting, and endlessly charming—remarkably easy to bake and sure to impress every single time. Get ready to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with sweet satisfaction!

Print