Italian Wedding Cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Butterballs, are a timeless treat that graces many special occasions. These cookies offer a perfect balance of buttery richness and a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Rolled in powdered sugar, they not only taste heavenly but also look charming, making them ideal for gifting or enjoying with loved ones. You can shape them into round balls or crescents, depending on your preference, but either way, they’re sure to delight anyone who takes a bite. This recipe, passed down from a dear friend, remains one of the best I’ve ever tried, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Italian Wedding Cookies are the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth treat. Made with just six simple ingredients—unsalted butter, confectioners’ sugar, almonds, vanilla, salt, and flour this recipe delivers cookies that are irresistibly sweet and buttery. The subtle almond flavor pairs perfectly with the smooth sweetness, while the powdered sugar coating adds a festive touch. Whether for a holiday celebration or a special occasion, these cookies are a timeless favorite that everyone will love.
Ingredients Overview
- Butter: 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, providing the rich, buttery flavor base.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: ¾ cup, blended perfectly into the dough and rolled around the cookies for a sweet, soft finish.
- Salt: ¾ teaspoon, enhancing all the flavors of the other ingredients without making them taste salty.
- Ground Almonds: 1 ½ cups, finely ground to give the cookies their signature texture and nutty flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: 4 ½ teaspoons, infusing a lovely aroma and flavor into the cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, sifted, creating the dough’s structure.
- Powdered Sugar for Rolling: ⅓ cup, to finish the cookies with a sweet and festive coating.
How to Make the Recipe
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter, ¾ cup of confectioners’ sugar, and salt using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add Almonds and Vanilla: Mix in the ground almonds and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Add Flour Gradually: Gradually add in the sifted flour, blending it in until the dough is well combined.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into small balls (about 1 teaspoon each) or shape them into crescents. Arrange them 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are just lightly browned.
- Cool and Coat: Let the cookies cool slightly for about 15 minutes. Then, roll each cookie in the remaining ⅓ cup of powdered sugar.
Tips for the Best Recipe
- Chill the Dough: If your dough is too sticky, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes to make shaping easier.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should be just lightly browned, so be sure to check them closely after 15 minutes.
- Shape Variations: Try shaping the dough into crescents for a traditional touch, or keep them round for a simpler option.
- Family Fun: Since this recipe yields about 80 cookies, it’s a great opportunity to get the whole family involved in shaping the cookies!
Variations to Try
- Nut Variations: You can substitute the almonds with finely ground pecans or hazelnuts for a different twist on the flavor.
- Shape Variations: Instead of rolling the dough into balls, you can shape them into crescents for a more traditional presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I freeze the dough?
A: Yes! You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag for long-term storage. When ready to bake, cook them from frozen and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use other nuts instead of almonds?
A: Absolutely! You can try using finely ground pecans or hazelnuts to add a unique flavor while keeping the texture and richness of the cookies intact.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: These cookies will stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies wrapped in foil, then placed in a zip-top bag, for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: If you’d like to enjoy them warm, heat them in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
Conclusion
Italian Wedding Cookies are a quintessential holiday treat, perfect for any celebration, gift exchange, or even just a quiet indulgence at home. The combination of finely ground almonds, rich vanilla, and a dusting of powdered sugar creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that keeps people coming back for more. The simplicity of these cookies makes them a classic, and they’re sure to be a hit wherever you take them. Whether you’re making them for a wedding or a holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to spread joy and sweetness to everyone who enjoys them.
