Italian Wedding Cookies, also known as Italian Butterballs or Snowball Cookies, are a delightful traditional treat often enjoyed at weddings, holidays, and festive gatherings. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a beautiful snowy finish and a sweet, crumbly texture that's hard to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is easy to whip up without a special grocery run.
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Irresistible texture: Buttery and tender on the inside with a sweet, powdery coating on the outside.
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Perfect for any occasion: Great for celebrations, cookie exchanges, or as a lovely homemade gift.
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Customizable: Can be adapted with different nuts or flavorings to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Raw almonds
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Powdered sugar
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Unsalted butter, at room temperature
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Salt
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Vanilla extract
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All-purpose flour
Directions
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Toast the almonds: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast for about 5 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool completely.
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Grind almonds: Pulse cooled almonds in a food processor until finely ground.
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Cream butter and sugar: Beat together butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add vanilla and salt: Mix in the salt and vanilla extract.
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Add flour: Slowly mix in the flour until combined into a soft dough.
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Incorporate almonds: Fold in the ground almonds evenly.
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Form the cookies: Roll dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden.
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Cool and coat: Let cookies cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Let them cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar again if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: About 36 cookies
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
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Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Variations
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Nut options: Swap almonds with pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for different flavors.
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Flavor twist: Add almond extract or a splash of liqueur like Amaretto.
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Chocolate touch: Drizzle cooled cookies with melted chocolate for an extra treat.
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Spiced version: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warm spice notes.
Storage/Reheating
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to one week.
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Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a container for up to 3 months.
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Re-coating: If the sugar absorbs into the cookies, dust them again with powdered sugar before serving.
FAQs
What are Italian Wedding Cookies?
They are buttery, nutty cookies rolled in powdered sugar, commonly served at weddings and holidays.
Can I use a different nut instead of almonds?
Yes, pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts work well in this recipe.
Do I have to toast the almonds?
Toasting enhances the flavor but is optional if you're short on time.
Why are my cookies dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can dry them out. Measure accurately and bake until just golden.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, the dough can be chilled up to 2 days before baking, or the cookies can be frozen after baking.
How do I keep the sugar coating fresh?
Roll the cookies in sugar again before serving if it's been absorbed.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
You can use pre-ground almond flour or chop the nuts finely with a knife.
How long do they stay fresh?
They last about a week in an airtight container or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure even mixing and bake in batches.
Conclusion
Italian Wedding Cookies are the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. Whether you're making them for a celebration or to satisfy a sweet craving, their buttery texture and powdered sugar finish will always be a hit. With easy steps and customizable flavors, this classic recipe is one you'll return to again and again.
Italian Wedding Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Italian Wedding Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats made with finely ground almonds and rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy, festive finish. Also known as Italian Butterballs or Snowball Cookies, these easy-to-make cookies are a beloved classic for weddings, holidays, and celebrations. Perfect for gifting or enjoying with a warm drink, this recipe is a must-have for anyone who loves traditional Italian desserts.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
1 cup raw almonds
½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
Instructions:
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Toast the almonds: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 5 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool.
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Grind almonds: Pulse the cooled almonds in a food processor until finely ground.
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Cream butter and sugar: Beat the butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add vanilla and salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
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Incorporate flour: Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
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Fold in almonds: Stir in the ground almonds evenly.
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Shape cookies: Roll dough into 1-tablespoon-sized balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, until bottoms are lightly golden.
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Cool and coat: Let cookies cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Once cooled completely, roll in powdered sugar again if desired.
Notes
- For variation, substitute almonds with pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts.
- Add almond extract or a splash of Amaretto for extra flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Re-roll in powdered sugar before serving if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
