I still remember the first time I made this Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe in my own kitchen—the buttery aroma filled the house, and I knew I was onto something special. I had always enjoyed them at weddings and holidays, but baking them myself felt extra rewarding. I often like pairing sweet baking days with savory meals like the Hot Honey Chicken Wraps Recipe, which balances the sweetness perfectly.
As I rolled the dough and dusted the warm cookies in powdered sugar, I realized how simple yet elegant they are. Every bite melted in my mouth, nutty, tender, and perfectly sweet. After making them a few times, I can confidently say this recipe is a keeper you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make classic Italian wedding cookies, along with tips on why each ingredient matters.
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (softened)
Softened butter blends smoothly with sugar and creates that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Always use unsalted so you control the salt level. - Powdered sugar – ½ cup (for dough) + ½ cup (for coating)
Powdered sugar dissolves easily into the dough, making the cookies tender rather than grainy. It also gives that snowy finish on top. - Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Vanilla adds warmth and depth. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. - All-purpose flour – 2¼ cups
Regular flour works perfectly here. Spoon and level it to avoid dense cookies. - Finely chopped walnuts – ¾ cup
Walnuts give a mild, buttery nuttiness. Chop them very fine so they blend evenly into the dough. - Salt – ¼ teaspoon
Just a little salt balances the sweetness and enhances the nutty flavor.
Note: This recipe makes about 36 cookies, depending on size.
Variations
One of the reasons I love this recipe is how adaptable it is.
- Almond twist: Replace walnuts with finely chopped almonds for a slightly sweeter, more fragrant cookie.
- Dairy-free option: Use a good-quality plant-based butter substitute; make sure it’s designed for baking.
- Flavor boost: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract along with vanilla for a classic Italian bakery flavor.
- Chocolate dip: Dip half of each cooled cookie in melted dark chocolate for a festive upgrade.
- Sugar-reduced: Lightly dust with powdered sugar once instead of twice to cut back on sweetness.
Cooking Time
These cookies don’t take long, which makes them perfect for busy days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Equipment You Need
Having the right tools makes the process smoother.
- Mixing bowl – for combining all ingredients evenly
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – to cream butter and sugar properly
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts
- Baking sheet – to bake cookies evenly
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and promotes even browning
- Cooling rack – helps cookies cool without becoming soggy
How to Make Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe?
These steps are simple and beginner-friendly.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, I start by creaming the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for soft, tender cookies. Take your time here; the mixture should look pale and smooth.
Add Vanilla
I mix in the vanilla extract next, making sure it’s fully incorporated. This small step adds a lot of flavor. Scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything blends evenly.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, I stir together the flour and salt. Adding dry ingredients gradually helps avoid overmixing. This keeps the cookies delicate instead of tough.
Mix in Nuts
I gently fold in the finely chopped walnuts. Even distribution is important so every bite has that nutty flavor. Finely chopped nuts also help the cookies hold together better.
Form the Dough
Using my hands, I roll small portions of dough into 1-inch balls. Keeping them uniform helps them bake evenly. Place them slightly apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Cookies
I bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12–15 minutes. They should be set but not browned. The bottoms may be lightly golden, which is perfect.
Coat with Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, I gently roll them in powdered sugar. This first coating sticks best when they’re warm. Let them cool completely, then roll them again for that classic snowy look.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making these cookies many times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really help.
- I always chop the nuts extra fine so the cookies don’t crumble.
- I let the butter sit out just until soft, not melted, for the best texture.
- I bake one test cookie first to check timing in my oven.
- I roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar for a more traditional look and taste.
How to Serve Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe?
These cookies are as versatile as they are delicious. I love serving them on a white platter so the powdered sugar really stands out. They pair beautifully with coffee, espresso, or tea, especially after a comforting dinner like the Hot Honey Chicken and Mac and Cheese Recipe.
For holidays or weddings, arrange them in tiers or small paper cups for an elegant touch. A light dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving makes them look bakery-perfect.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutrition per cookie.
- Calories: about 90
- Protein: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 8 grams
- Fat: 6 grams
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead
You can prepare the dough a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes so it’s easy to roll.
Storage
Once baked, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and tender for up to 5 days without losing flavor.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. I freeze them after baking but before the final sugar coating. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and roll in powdered sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons these cookies are always a hit.
- They’re incredibly easy to make, even for beginners.
- The texture is tender and melts in your mouth.
- You can customize them with different nuts or flavors.
- They’re perfect for holidays, weddings, or everyday treats.
- The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly.
If you’re looking for a classic cookie that feels special every time, this Italian wedding cookies recipe is one I truly recommend.
Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, I start by creaming the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is key for soft, tender cookies. Take your time here; the mixture should look pale and smooth.
- I mix in the vanilla extract next, making sure it’s fully incorporated. This small step adds a lot of flavor. Scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything blends evenly.
- In a separate bowl, I stir together the flour and salt. Adding dry ingredients gradually helps avoid overmixing. This keeps the cookies delicate instead of tough.
- I gently fold in the finely chopped walnuts. Even distribution is important so every bite has that nutty flavor. Finely chopped nuts also help the cookies hold together better.
- Using my hands, I roll small portions of dough into 1-inch balls. Keeping them uniform helps them bake evenly. Place them slightly apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- I bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12–15 minutes. They should be set but not browned. The bottoms may be lightly golden, which is perfect.
- While the cookies are still warm, I gently roll them in powdered sugar. This first coating sticks best when they’re warm. Let them cool completely, then roll them again for that classic snowy look.
Notes
- I always chop the nuts extra fine so the cookies don’t crumble.
- I let the butter sit out just until soft, not melted, for the best texture.
- I bake one test cookie first to check timing in my oven.
- I roll the cookies twice in powdered sugar for a more traditional look and taste.