Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
Italian wedding cookies, sometimes called Mexican wedding cookies or butterballs, are a delightful treat that can also be shaped into crescents. They offer a versatile base that can be made with almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts, providing different flavors to suit various preferences.
These cookies are not only delicious but also perfect for gifting, making them an ideal choice for special occasions. A friend from central Europe shared this recipe, and it’s the best version I’ve ever tried. Whether for a wedding or any celebration, these cookies are sure to impress with their delicate texture and rich nutty taste.
“Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe or butterballs, can be made with various nuts and are great for gifts.”
But my previous easy Quaker Oats Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Recipe with a few ingredients is also very delicious.
Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need six easy-to-find ingredients:
- Butter: Use three sticks of unsalted butter.
- Confectioners’ sugar: It blends perfectly into these melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors without making the cookies taste salty.
- Almonds: Finely ground almonds are essential for traditional Italian wedding cookies.
- Vanilla: A hefty dose of vanilla extract boosts the overall flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure and holds the dough together.
How to Make Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
Brief Overview
- Beat the butter, sugar, and salt.
- Mix in the almonds and vanilla, then gradually add the flour.
- Shape the dough into balls and bake until lightly browned.
- Roll the warm cookies in confectioners’ sugar.
Detailed Steps
- Beat Ingredients: Start by beating the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Add Almonds and Vanilla: Mix in the finely ground almonds and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Shape and Bake: Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 180°C (350°F) until the cookies are lightly browned, about 15-20 minutes.
- Coat in Sugar: While still warm, roll the cookies in confectioners’ sugar. Let them cool completely, then roll in sugar again for a perfect finish.
Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe Tips
- Cookie Sheet: Do not grease the cookie sheet before baking. These butter cookies won’t stick. You can use parchment paper if desired.
- Texture: If grinding nuts yourself, use a food processor. Aim for a slightly coarse texture, not nut flour.
- Nuts: Replace walnuts and hazelnuts with pistachios or almonds, or a mix of both.
- Extract: For a strong almond flavor, use almond extract instead of vanilla.
- Powdered Sugar: Coat cookies while warm so the sugar sticks well.
- Storage: Store cookies at room temperature, loosely covered with aluminum foil or in airtight containers. Freeze dough balls if desired; bake without thawing.
What I Love About This Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
- Perfect with coffee
- Tender texture
- Buttery flavor
- One of Nonna’s best
Serving Recommendations
Imagine enjoying these cookies by the fireplace, paired with a cup of spiked hot chocolate or a pumpkin pie martini. It’s the perfect winter indulgence.
Why are they called wedding cookies?
They are called wedding cookies possibly due to their occasional presence at Mexican weddings, though their exact origin remains uncertain amid shifts in American culinary trends during the Cold War.
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Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe UK
Ingredients
- You'll need six easy-to-find ingredients:
- Butter: Use three sticks of unsalted butter.
- Confectioners' sugar: It blends perfectly into these melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors without making the cookies taste salty.
- Almonds: Finely ground almonds are essential for traditional Italian wedding cookies.
- Vanilla: A hefty dose of vanilla extract boosts the overall flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose flour provides structure and holds the dough together.
Instructions
Brief Overview
- Beat the butter, sugar, and salt.
- Mix in the almonds and vanilla, then gradually add the flour.
- Shape the dough into balls and bake until lightly browned.
- Roll the warm cookies in confectioners' sugar.
Detailed Steps
- Beat Ingredients: Start by beating the butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Add Almonds and Vanilla: Mix in the finely ground almonds and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Shape and Bake: Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 180°C (350°F) until the cookies are lightly browned, about 15-20 minutes.
- Coat in Sugar: While still warm, roll the cookies in confectioners' sugar. Let them cool completely, then roll in sugar again for a perfect finish.
