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
