Authentic Italian Wedding Cookies: A Step-By-Step Guide

Italian wedding cookies are a delicious, crumbly, and nutty confection that is often served at weddings and other special occasions. They are also known as Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies, or snowballs. These cookies are simple to make and only require a few common pantry staples, such as butter, powdered sugar, salt, finely ground almonds, vanilla extract, and flour. The process involves beating the butter, sugar, and salt together, mixing in the almonds and vanilla, shaping the dough into balls, baking, and finally coating the warm cookies in powdered sugar. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and elegant snowball appearance, Italian wedding cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any celebration or as a special indulgent snack.

Ingredients: butter, confectioners' sugar, salt, almonds, vanilla extract, and flour

Italian wedding cookies are simple to make and require just six common ingredients. Here is a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and their role in the recipe:

Butter

For the best results, use unsalted butter as this recipe also calls for the addition of salt. Take the butter out of the fridge about 10 minutes before using it to allow it to soften slightly. This will make it easier to work with. If you forget this step, you can pop the butter in the microwave in 15-second increments to soften it. You will need 1 1/2 cups of butter for this recipe.

Confectioners' Sugar

Confectioners' sugar, also known as powdered sugar, is a key ingredient in Italian wedding cookies. It is used to sweeten the dough and coat the baked cookies, creating their signature snowball effect. You will need 3/4 cup for the dough, plus some extra for coating the cookies after baking.

Salt

Salt is added to enhance the flavours of the other ingredients. It won't make your cookies taste salty. Use 3/4 teaspoon or adjust to taste.

Almonds

Finely ground almonds are the traditional choice for Italian wedding cookies, adding a delightful light, nutty taste and chewy texture. You can grind your own almonds or use almond flour to achieve the same result. If you prefer a crunchier texture, you can use sliced almonds and crush them with your hands before adding them to the dough. This will also add colour to your cookies. Use 1 1/2 cups of almonds.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract adds warmth and enhances the overall flavour of the cookies. Be sure to use pure vanilla extract for the best results. You will need 1 tablespoon or 4 1/2 teaspoons, depending on your preferred measurement.

Flour

All-purpose flour helps to create structure and hold the cookie dough together. It is important to use all-purpose flour as it has a higher protein content than other types of flour, giving your cookies a firmer texture. You will need 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.

Mixing the dough

To make the dough for Italian wedding cookies, you'll need butter, confectioners' sugar, salt, ground almonds, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour.

First, place the butter, confectioners' sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take around 2 to 7 minutes.

Next, mix in the ground almonds and vanilla extract. You can add some extra flavour by toasting the almonds in the oven beforehand.

Finally, gradually blend in the flour until the mixture is well-combined. The dough will be quite sticky, so it's a good idea to chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before shaping it into balls.

Shaping the dough

Firstly, it is important to note that the dough will be sticky, so chilling it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before shaping is recommended. Chilled dough is much easier to work with and will help the cookies hold their shape during baking.

Once the dough has chilled, you can start shaping it into balls. Use a teaspoon to scoop out portions of the dough, and then roll them between your palms to form smooth, round balls. The size of the balls can vary depending on your preference, but they are typically shaped into teaspoon-sized balls or slightly smaller.

If you want to be more creative, you can shape the dough into other forms such as crescents or ropes. For a crescent shape, simply roll the dough into a small log and curve it into a crescent moon shape. For a rope shape, roll the dough into a longer log and either form it into an "S" shape or tie it into a knot.

When shaping the dough, it is important to ensure that the balls or other shapes are uniform in size so that they bake evenly. An ice cream scoop can be helpful in achieving uniform sizes. Just be sure that the diameter of the scoop is not bigger than 1 inch to prevent the centres from underbaking.

After shaping the dough, place the cookies on a baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between them to allow for spreading during baking. If you are chilling the dough before baking, you can place the shaped dough balls on the baking sheet and then refrigerate the entire sheet.

Once the dough is shaped and arranged on the baking sheet, it is ready to be baked! Follow the baking instructions for your chosen Italian wedding cookie recipe, and enjoy the delicious results!

Baking the cookies

Now that you have your Italian wedding cookie dough ready, it's time to bake! Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly:

Chilling the Dough

Before shaping and baking the cookies, it is recommended to chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour. Chilling the dough makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies retain their shape during baking. If you are short on time, you can place the dough in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to speed up the chilling process.

Shaping the Dough

Once the dough is chilled, it's time to shape it into balls. Use a teaspoon or a small ice cream scoop to portion out the dough, and shape it into balls using your hands. If the dough is a bit sticky, you can lightly wet or spray your hands with cooking spray to make the process easier. Place the shaped dough balls onto a cookie sheet or baking tray, making sure to space them about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart.

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). The ideal temperature ensures the cookies bake through without browning too much. Place the tray of shaped dough into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't overbake. The cookies are ready when they are just barely browned; they should still be quite pale.

Cooling and Coating

Remove the cookies from the oven when they are done and let them cool for about 5-15 minutes. You want them to be just cool enough to handle but still warm. The warmth will help the sugar coating stick to the cookies. Place some powdered sugar or confectioner's sugar in a shallow bowl and roll the warm cookies in the sugar until they are well coated. Place the coated cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.

Storing and Serving

Italian wedding cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen, either as dough or baked cookies, and enjoyed later. To freeze the dough, shape it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag or container. To freeze baked cookies, place them in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 6-12 months. Thaw them at room temperature or enjoy straight from the freezer for a delightful treat!

Coating the cookies

Once your Italian wedding cookies are baked, it's time to coat them in a generous dusting of powdered sugar. This is what gives them their signature snowball effect. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect coating:

Step 1: Allow the Cookies to Cool

Before coating your cookies, it's important to let them cool down slightly. The exact amount of time can vary, but generally, you'll want to wait around 5 to 15 minutes. This ensures that the cookies are still warm, which is crucial for the sugar to stick properly. If they cool for too long, the sugar won't adhere as well.

Step 2: Prepare the Powdered Sugar

Place a generous amount of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. You'll want to have enough sugar to fully coat each cookie. Sifting the sugar beforehand is recommended, as it helps remove any lumps and creates a smoother coating.

Step 3: Roll the Cookies in the Sugar

Take each slightly cooled cookie and gently roll it in the bowl of powdered sugar. Make sure to coat all sides evenly, creating a generous layer of sugar. You can use a spoon or your hands to sprinkle additional sugar on any spots that may be lacking.

Step 4: Double Coat for an Extra Snowy Effect

For an extra snowy and elegant look, you can double-coat your cookies. Simply let the first layer of sugar dry completely, then roll the cookies in the sugar a second time. This will give them an even thicker and more luscious coating.

Step 5: Arrange and Serve

After coating, arrange the cookies on a platter or serving dish. For an extra touch of decadence, dust the cookies with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar on top. This adds to the snowball effect and makes them even more irresistible.

Storage Tips:

Italian wedding cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you stack the cookies, place parchment paper between the layers to prevent sticking. You can also freeze the baked and coated cookies, but they are best enjoyed fresh, as the powdered sugar coating may not thaw well.

Frequently asked questions