Creating The Perfect Wedding Cookie Recipe

Wedding cookies are a delightful treat that are often served at weddings and other celebratory events. They are small, buttery cookies that melt in your mouth and are often coated in powdered sugar. Also known as Italian or Mexican wedding cookies, Russian tea cakes, or snowballs, these treats are simple to make and only require a handful of ingredients. In this article, we will explore the history of these cookies, provide a step-by-step guide to making them, and offer tips and variations to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.

Choosing your ingredients

Wedding cookies are a simple, bite-sized treat that is perfect for any celebration. The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to include different ingredients, but there are some key components that make these cookies so delicious and moreish. Here is a guide to choosing your ingredients for the perfect wedding cookies.

Butter

Unsalted butter is the most commonly used variety in wedding cookies, but salted butter can also be used. The key is to ensure that the butter is softened before mixing it with the sugar. This will give the cookies a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Sugar

Powdered or confectioner's sugar is the best choice for wedding cookies. It blends perfectly into the dough, creating a delicate, sweet cookie. The cookies are then rolled in powdered sugar after baking, giving them a beautiful, snowy appearance.

Nuts

Pecans are the most popular choice for wedding cookies, but walnuts and almonds are also used. The nuts are usually chopped or ground into a coarse meal and add a rich, nutty flavour to the cookies. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the dough enhances their flavour and is well worth the extra effort.

Flour

All-purpose flour is the best option for wedding cookies. It is important to measure the flour accurately to ensure the correct ratio of dry to wet ingredients. Too much flour can result in dry, crumbly dough.

Extracts

Vanilla extract is a must for wedding cookies, adding a boost of flavour. Almond extract is also a popular choice, enhancing the nutty flavour of the cookies. For a unique twist, try using cake batter extract or lemon extract.

Extras

A pinch of salt is added to enhance the other ingredients, and cinnamon can be added for a warm, spicy kick. Some recipes also include rainbow sprinkles or jimmies, which add a fun, colourful touch.

Mixing the dough

To make the dough for wedding cookies, you'll need to cream together the butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment for this step. Add in the vanilla and any other extracts (like almond extract) and mix to combine.

Next, you'll want to gradually add in the flour and any spices you're using (like cinnamon). Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are incorporated. If you're adding nuts to your dough, this is when you'll want to mix them in.

If your dough seems too soft, chill it in the refrigerator until it's firm enough to handle. You can also form the dough into a disk, wrap it tightly, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Once your dough is ready, you can preheat your oven and start shaping your cookies!

Shaping the cookies

Firstly, it is important to ensure that your dough is the correct consistency. If it is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. If your dough has been in the refrigerator for longer than an hour, you may need to let it soften at room temperature before shaping. The ideal dough should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled into balls but not so hard that it crumbles.

Next, use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to scoop out the dough. The amount of dough used for each cookie will depend on the desired size, but a good starting point is about 1 tablespoon. Roll the dough into balls with your hands; this will help to create a uniform shape. If the dough is still too sticky to work with, chill it again before proceeding.

Once you have rolled the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. If you are making a large batch, you may need to bake in multiple batches or use multiple baking sheets.

At this point, you can also choose to create different shapes for your wedding cookies. One traditional variation is to shape the dough into crescents instead of balls. This can be done by gently flattening the ball of dough and then bending it into a crescent shape.

After shaping, the cookies are ready to be baked! Follow the baking instructions for your specific recipe, but as a general guideline, bake at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden.

Finally, once the cookies are baked, let them cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar. This will give them a beautiful, sweet coating. Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving or storing.

By following these steps, you will be able to shape your wedding cookies into perfect, delicious treats!

Baking the cookies

Now for the fun part: baking!

Preheat your oven to around 350°F (or 400°F, according to one source). While you wait for your oven to reach temperature, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Place your desired amount of powdered sugar for coating the cookies into a shallow bowl.

Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and form it into 1-inch balls. Depending on how long you've left your dough to chill, you may need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.

Roll the balls of dough in the powdered sugar and place them on the baking mat, spaced slightly apart. Bake for 17 to 19 minutes, or until the cookies start to brown slightly on top and are golden brown on the bottoms.

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes after baking. While they are still warm, roll each cookie in the powdered sugar again. Return the cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before serving.

Store your cookies at room temperature in an airtight container. They will keep well for at least a week.

Rolling the cookies in sugar

Preparing the Sugar

Before you start rolling, it is important to prepare the sugar. Use a fine-mesh strainer to sift the powdered sugar and break up any lumps. This will ensure that the sugar coats the cookies evenly and gives them a smooth finish. Place the sifted sugar in a shallow bowl or on a large plate, making sure it is spread out in an even layer. This will make it easier to roll the cookies and ensure they are completely coated.

Rolling the Cookies

Once the cookies have been baked and are still warm, it is time to roll them in the sugar. Remove the cookies from the baking sheet and gently place them in the bowl with the sugar. Use a spoon or your hands to carefully roll each cookie, ensuring it is completely coated. The warmth of the cookies will help the sugar stick and create a delicious, sweet coating. If you prefer a thicker coating, you can roll the cookies a few at a time, ensuring they are evenly coated.

Cooling and Second Coating

After the first coating of sugar, place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely. This will allow the sugar to set and create a base layer for the second coating. Once the cookies have cooled, you can roll them in the sugar again. This second coating will give the cookies an extra sweet and delicate finish. If you prefer a lighter coating, you can use a sifter to dust the cookies with sugar instead of rolling them.

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 or container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw them on a counter for a few hours until they are no longer frozen. These cookies are perfect for weddings, holidays, or any special occasion. Enjoy their sweet, buttery flavour and delicate texture!

Frequently asked questions