Creating Wedding Ring Cookies: A Step-By-Step Guide

Wedding ring cookies, also known as Mexican wedding cookies, are buttery, nut-filled cookies with a crumbly texture and a sweet powdered sugar coating. They are a welcome addition to any holiday cookie tray and are perfect for celebrations. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making these delicious treats, from beating the butter and sugar to mixing in the flour, almonds, and salt. We will also provide tips on storing and freezing these cookies, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them whenever you want!

How to make the dough

To make the dough for wedding ring cookies, you'll need a few simple ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, and nuts. You can also add a little vanilla extract for extra flavour.

Start by creaming together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this step. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

Next, gradually add the flour to the butter mixture. You can add the flour and salt together if you like, whisking them before gradually adding to the butter. Mix until a dough forms.

Finally, stir in the chopped nuts. You can use pecans, walnuts, or almonds, toasting them beforehand to boost their flavour.

If the dough seems too soft, go ahead and chill it in the fridge. Once it's firmed up, you can form it into balls and bake!

How to shape the cookies

Shaping the cookies is a delicate process, but with a little care, you can achieve the perfect wedding ring cookie. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, it's important to chill your dough. This makes it easier to handle and helps the cookies retain their shape during baking. Aim for at least an hour in the refrigerator, but if you're in a hurry, pop it into the freezer for 15-20 minutes. Chilling the dough will also help if your dough is too soft or sticky.

Once your dough is chilled, it's time to form it into balls. Use a tablespoon or a small cookie scoop to portion out the dough, then gently roll each portion into a smooth ball between your palms. You want to get them as round as possible. If the dough is sticking to your hands, lightly dust them with flour. Place the balls onto a parchment-lined or ungreased baking sheet, leaving about 1.5-2 inches of space between them.

Now, it's time to bake! Place your trays of cookies into an oven preheated to between 350-400°F. Bake for around 10-20 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. You want the cookies to be just set, with the barest hint of browning.

As soon as they come out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the tray for a minute or two. They will still be warm, which is important for the next step. Take each cookie and gently roll it in a bowl of powdered sugar, coating it evenly. Place the coated cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.

Once the cookies are fully cooled, you can roll them once or twice more in powdered sugar for an extra sweet coating. This second (or third!) roll will give them a beautiful, snowy appearance.

And there you have it! Beautiful, melt-in-your-mouth wedding ring cookies, perfect for any celebration.

How to bake the cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 3/4 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Cream together the butter, sugar, and vanilla. You can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this step. Mix until the sugar is fully absorbed into the butter and the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
• Slowly add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Stir in the chopped nuts. You can use a variety of nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or even almonds.
• Portion the dough into 1-inch balls. You can use a cookie scoop or a tablespoon to measure out the dough. Roll each portion into a smooth ball with your hands.
• Place the dough balls onto a parchment paper-lined or ungreased baking sheet, leaving about 1-2 inches of space between them.
• Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they are set but not browned. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
• Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the tray for a minute or two.
• While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in powdered sugar. This will give them their signature sweet coating. You can place the powdered sugar in a bowl and gently roll the cookies, a few at a time, to coat them evenly.
• Set the coated cookies on a cooling rack to cool completely.
• Once the cookies have fully cooled, you can roll them once or twice more in powdered sugar for an extra sweet and elegant finish.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy!

Tips:

• If your dough seems too soft, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about an hour before shaping it into balls.
• Toasting the nuts before adding them to the dough can enhance their flavour.
• If you want to freeze the cookies, it's best to freeze the dough before baking and rolling it in powdered sugar. Shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer bag once they're frozen solid.

Enjoy your homemade Mexican wedding cookies!

How to decorate the cookies

Once you've baked your wedding ring cookies, it's time to decorate them! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Icing

Firstly, you'll need to make the icing. You can use a simple mixture of powdered sugar and water, or make royal icing by mixing meringue powder with your powdered sugar and water. If you want to add colour to your icing, use gel food colouring—add a small amount and mix well, then add more until you achieve the desired shade.

Step 2: Outline and Flood

Using a piping bag with a small round tip, outline the cookies with icing. Then, "flood" or fill in the outlined area with more icing. You can do this with a piping bag or a spoon. If you're using multiple colours, be sure to let each section dry before adding another, to avoid them mixing.

Step 3: Add Details

Once the base layer of icing is dry, you can add more details. Pipe on dots, lines, or other patterns. You can also paint on gold accents or use stencils to add words or designs. If you want to add roses, make these the day before and allow them to dry overnight.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Finally, let the cookies dry completely before packaging or serving. This usually takes around 18-24 hours. And that's it! Your wedding ring cookies are now beautifully decorated and ready to be enjoyed!

How to store the cookies

Once you've baked your wedding ring cookies, you'll want to store them correctly to preserve their delicious flavour and texture. Here are some detailed tips on how to store your cookies:

Storing Cookies in the Freezer

If you want to save your cookies for a special occasion or simply have a large batch that will take a while to get through, freezing is a great option. Baked cookies can be stored in the freezer for up to a year, although they are best enjoyed within a few months to preserve their texture and flavour.

To freeze your cookies, first, let them cool completely to prevent freezer burn. You can then wrap them individually or layer them with wax paper to prevent sticking. Place the cookies in airtight containers or freezer bags, ensuring they are sealed tightly to prevent air exposure.

When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cookies, thaw them in their sealed container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Avoid the temptation to speed up the thawing process by using a microwave or oven, as this can affect the texture of your cookies.

Storing Cookies in the Fridge

The refrigerator is a good option if you plan to eat your cookies within a couple of weeks. They will stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks, but it's best to enjoy them sooner rather than later.

Before placing your cookies in the fridge, ensure they have cooled completely to prevent condensation from forming. Store them in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags, and consider labelling the containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

It's also a good idea to set your refrigerator to a slightly higher humidity setting to help the cookies retain moisture. And when you're ready to indulge, allow the cookies to come to room temperature first to regain their texture and flavour.

Storing Cookies at Room Temperature

If you plan to eat your cookies within a few days, storing them at room temperature is a simple and convenient option. They will stay fresh for about 2-3 days, depending on the type of cookie.

As with the other storage methods, it's essential to keep your cookies in airtight containers or cookie jars to prevent air exposure and moisture loss. Choose a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or areas with high humidity.

If you're stacking your cookies, layer them with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking. And remember to seal the container properly after each time you open it to maintain freshness.

Additional Tips:

• If you have different types of cookies, store them separately to avoid mixing flavours and textures.
• Avoid frosting or decorating your cookies before storage, as this can affect their quality during long-term storage.
• Consider adding a slice of white bread to the container to help maintain moisture and softness.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure your wedding ring cookies stay fresh and delicious, no matter which storage method you choose. Enjoy your sweet treats!

Frequently asked questions