Italian Wedding Cookies (Easy Recipe)

Italian wedding cookies combine a buttery crumb, subtle sweetness, and nutty notes into a delightfully tender treat. Known by many as Italian butterballs or snowball cookies, these little rounds first appeared at celebrations and special occasions across Italian-American households but have since found a place on cookie platters all year long. With simple steps and classic ingredients, anyone can master this beloved recipe at home.

What Makes Italian Wedding Cookies Special?

Italian wedding cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets them apart from other shortbread-style sweets. They use ground nuts (typically almonds), plenty of butter, and a gentle vanilla accent. Each cookie is rolled in a cloud of powdered sugar, yielding a delicate finish that looks as pleasing as it tastes.

They’re often served at weddings, holidays, and family gatherings. Despite their name, there’s no need to wait for a celebration; they’re the perfect companion for afternoon tea, coffee breaks, or an after-dinner nibble.

Key Ingredients

The charm of Italian wedding cookies lies in their minimalism and pure flavors. You likely have most elements on hand.

Unsalted butter: Gives the cookies their rich, soft base.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and coats the cookies, creating the signature snowy look.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the dough.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
All-purpose flour: Forms the cookie’s structure.
Ground almonds: Delivers nutty complexity; grind them yourself for the freshest taste.

Ingredient Table

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Unsalted butter	1 cup	Softened, room temperature
Powdered sugar	1 1/2 cups	Divided
Vanilla extract	1 tsp	Pure preferred
Salt	1/4 tsp	Adjust to taste
Ground almonds	1 cup	Almond flour works too
All-purpose flour	2 cups	Sifted for best texture

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Let the butter come to room temperature. If grinding almonds at home, pulse raw almonds in a food processor until you have a fine, even meal.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the softened butter with 3/4 cup of powdered sugar and the salt. Continue until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and fully combined—about 4–5 minutes. This step ensures the cookies will have a light crumb.

3. Incorporate Flavor and Nuts

Add the vanilla extract. Blend in the ground almonds slowly. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.

4. Add Flour

Sift the all-purpose flour into the bowl. Fold it in with a spatula or mix on low speed until a soft, dense dough forms. The dough should be pliable but not sticky.

Tip: If the dough is a bit sticky, cover and chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This makes rolling easier and prevents the cookies from spreading in the oven.

5. Shape the Cookies

Use a teaspoon or small ice cream scoop to portion the dough. Roll each piece between your palms to form uniform balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.

6. Bake

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. The cookies should look set and just begin to turn golden on the bottom. Their tops will remain pale.

7. Coat in Powdered Sugar

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for five minutes. Pour the remaining powdered sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each cookie gently while it’s still warm for an initial coating.

Let the cookies cool completely, then give them a second roll in powdered sugar for a thicker, even layer.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Italian wedding cookies don’t require advanced skills, but a few tips help guarantee perfect results.

Toast the almonds for extra depth. Spread sliced or whole almonds on a tray; bake at 325°F for 7–10 minutes.
Don’t overmix the dough after adding flour. Overworking develops gluten and leads to dense cookies.
Keep cookies uniform in size. Small cookies bake more evenly and look neater when coated.
Sift the powdered sugar before using. This removes lumps and ensures a smooth, consistent coating.
Cool thoroughly before the second powdering. Otherwise, the sugar can melt and become tacky.

Variations to Try

Personalize Italian wedding cookies with your favorite ingredients or adapt them for special diets.

Use other nuts: Swap almonds for hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans.
Chocolate chip twist: Stir in mini chocolate chips for bites of richness.
Lemon zest: Add brightness by grating lemon or orange zest into the dough.
Vegan option: Substitute with vegan butter and check your powdered sugar’s sourcing.
Almond extract: For a stronger nutty note, replace some or all of the vanilla extract.

You can even roll the cookies in shredded coconut or finely crushed pistachios for a new take on texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies shine in a variety of settings:

Arrange on a festive cookie platter for gatherings.
Pair with espresso or hot tea for a quiet treat.
Add to dessert tables alongside biscotti and pizzelle for an Italian-themed spread.
Wrap in cellophane for thoughtful edible gifts.

They hold their delicate structure well at room temperature and look particularly inviting on tiered trays.

Storing and Freezing Italian Wedding Cookies

Fresh Italian wedding cookies last several days when stored correctly, making them great for make-ahead baking.

Storing Baked Cookies

Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container with parchment or wax paper between layers. They stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Refrigerator: Store for up to a week, noting that cookies may lose crispness slightly.

Freezing Raw Dough

Roll dough into balls and lay them on a tray. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls onto a baking sheet and bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

Freezing Baked Cookies

Freeze uncoated, baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw, then roll the cookies in fresh powdered sugar before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my cookies flatten or spread?

Too-soft butter or warm dough can cause cookies to spread. Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps keep their round shape.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes. Use a gluten-free baking blend in place of all-purpose flour. Check that all other ingredients, including nuts and powdered sugar, are gluten-free as well.

What’s the best way to grind nuts?

A food processor works best. Pulse in short bursts and stop before it turns to nut butter. For extra-fine texture, a nut grinder produces consistent results.

Summary & Quick Reference

Italian wedding cookies feature a rich, buttery base, finely ground almonds, and a snow-white powdered sugar coating—ready in just a few easy steps. With countless variations and a texture loved by all ages, these classic cookies are always a hit, whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply savoring a homemade treat.

Quick Recipe Outline:
1. Cream butter, sugar, and salt.
2. Add vanilla and ground almonds.
3. Fold in sifted flour.
4. Roll into balls; bake until set.
5. Cool and coat with powdered sugar.

With simple ingredients and approachable steps, Italian wedding cookies are a timeless addition to any baker’s repertoire.