Crafting The Perfect Wedding Cookie: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding cookies are a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth treat that is perfect for any celebration, especially weddings and Christmas. These cookies are buttery, crumbly, and nutty, and are often coated in powdered sugar. They are similar to Russian tea cakes and are believed to have originated in the Middle East, later making their way to Europe and Mexico. Making wedding cookies is a simple process that involves mixing the dough, shaping it into balls, baking, and then rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar. The full recipe and process are provided below.

How to make the dough

To make the dough for wedding cookies, you'll need a few simple ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, and sometimes vanilla, salt, and nuts. The exact quantities will depend on your desired batch size, but here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect dough:

Start by bringing your butter to room temperature. This will make it easier to work with. You'll need around 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter for a standard batch. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the butter until it's smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. If you're making Mexican wedding cookies, you can also add in a small amount of water at this stage.

Next, add in the sugar and continue beating until the mixture is light and fluffy. For this recipe, confectioner's sugar or powdered sugar is typically used, and you'll need about 3/4 cup. This type of sugar blends perfectly into the dough, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Once the butter and sugar are well combined, it's time to add the vanilla (if using). Mix it in, and you can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the other flavours.

Now, gradually add in the flour. You'll need around 2 cups of all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed at first, and then increase the speed as the flour starts to absorb into the butter-sugar mixture. Keep mixing until a dough forms.

If you're making Italian wedding cookies, this is the point where you'll mix in finely ground almonds or other nuts. For Mexican wedding cookies, you can add crushed or chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds. Mix on low speed until the nuts are incorporated into the dough.

At this stage, your dough is ready to be chilled. Cover it and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour or until it's firm. Chilling the dough will make it easier to handle when shaping it into balls.

Once your dough is chilled, you can preheat your oven and start shaping the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Your wedding cookie dough is now ready to be baked! Follow the remaining instructions for your chosen recipe to bake and decorate your cookies. Enjoy the delicious, buttery treats!

How to shape the cookies

Shaping the cookies is a crucial step in making wedding cookies. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect shape:

Firstly, it is important to ensure your dough is the correct consistency. If your dough seems too soft, it is advisable to chill it in the refrigerator for a while. This will make it easier to handle and shape. Once your dough is ready, you can begin forming it into balls. For uniform-sized cookies, use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion out the dough. Aim for a size of around 1 inch in diameter. If you desire a crescent shape, use your hands to gently roll and shape the dough into the desired form.

After shaping the dough, place the cookies onto your prepared baking sheets. It is recommended to leave a space of about 1 to 2 inches between each cookie to allow for even cooking and expansion during baking. If you are baking multiple batches, you may need to chill the dough in between batches to maintain its ideal consistency.

Once your cookies are arranged on the baking sheets, they are ready to be baked! Follow the temperature and timing guidelines provided in your chosen recipe. Remember, the shaping process is a delicate step, so handle the dough with care to avoid misshapen cookies.

After baking, allow your cookies to cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar for that signature sweet coating. Enjoy the process of shaping your wedding cookies, and don't be afraid to get creative with your designs!

How to bake the cookies

To bake the perfect wedding cookies, follow these steps:

Firstly, preheat your oven to 325°F-400°F, depending on your recipe. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.

Now, it's time to make the dough. Using a stand mixer or an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can also do this by hand, but it will take longer. Next, stir in the vanilla and, if your recipe calls for it, the almond extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then gradually add this to the butter mixture. If your recipe includes nuts, chop them finely and mix them into the dough. If the dough seems too soft, chill it in the fridge for an hour or so.

Once your dough is ready, form it into 1-inch balls and place them on the lined baking sheets, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 10-20 minutes, or until the cookies are a light golden-brown colour. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for around 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Finally, the fun part! Place some powdered sugar in a shallow bowl and roll each cookie in it until evenly coated. You can also use a sifter to sprinkle the sugar over the cookies. Enjoy!

How to make the coating

Wedding cookies are coated in powdered sugar, which gives them a sweet and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect coating for your wedding cookies:

Preparing the Powdered Sugar

Before you start rolling your cookies in the sugar, it is important to prepare the powdered sugar. Sift the powdered sugar to ensure there are no lumps. If you notice any clumps, you can use a strainer to achieve a fine and smooth consistency. You can also use a food processor or blender to pulse the sugar until it reaches the desired texture.

Rolling the Warm Cookies

Once you have baked your cookies and they are still warm, it is time to roll them in the powdered sugar. Place the prepared powdered sugar in a shallow bowl or on a plate. Gently take each cookie and roll it in the sugar, ensuring all sides are evenly coated. You can use your hands or a spoon to roll them, but be careful as the cookies are still warm. The warmth of the cookies will help the sugar stick to the surface, creating a delicious, sweet coating.

Cooling and Second Coating

After coating the warm cookies, place them on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial, as it allows the first layer of sugar to set and creates a base for the second coating. Once the cookies have reached room temperature, it's time for the second dip! Simply roll them in the powdered sugar again, ensuring an even and generous coating. This second layer will give your wedding cookies an extra sweet and indulgent touch.

Storing and Serving

Wedding cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you wish to freeze them, place them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to serve, simply thaw them on the counter until they reach room temperature.

Tips and Variations

• If you prefer a more intricate presentation, you can use a sifter to sprinkle the second coating of powdered sugar over the cookies, creating a delicate, snowy effect.
• For a more indulgent variation, brush the cookies with melted butter before rolling them in the powdered sugar. This adds extra richness and helps the sugar adhere even better.
• While rolling the cookies twice is recommended, you can also roll them a third time for an even more decadent treat!
• If you're short on time, you can roll the cookies just once, but be sure to do so while they are still warm for the best results.

Enjoy creating your sweet and delightful wedding cookies!

How to store the cookies

Wedding cookies, like Italian wedding cookies and Mexican wedding cookies, can be stored in a few different ways depending on how long you want to keep them.

Storing Wedding Cookies at Room Temperature

Wedding cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you stack the cookies, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. Room temperature is best for softer cookies or those filled with cream or frosting.

Storing Wedding Cookies in the Refrigerator

Storing wedding cookies in the refrigerator can extend their freshness to about one to two weeks. Before placing the cookies in the refrigerator, make sure they've cooled completely to prevent condensation. Use airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.

Storing Wedding Cookies in the Freezer

The freezer is the best method for preserving wedding cookies for long periods. Before placing your cookies in the freezer, let them cool fully to prevent freezer burn. You can wrap the cookies individually or in layers with wax paper before placing them in airtight containers or freezer bags to stop them from sticking together. Frozen wedding cookies can retain their quality for one to three months.

Frequently asked questions