italian wedding cake cookies recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best italian wedding cake cookies recipe

Italian wedding cake cookies are a classic dessert that has been a staple in many Italian-American households for generations. The recipe I’m sharing with you today is a traditional one, passed down from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother.

It’s a simple yet elegant cookie that combines the tender texture of shortbread with the sweetness of vanilla and the crunch of chopped nuts. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday party, or just a Tuesday.

My kids adore these cookies, and I’m sure your family will too. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also relatively healthy compared to other baked goods.

The use of olive oil instead of butter makes them lower in saturated fat, and the addition of chopped nuts adds protein and fiber. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or gift-giving.

In fact, I often make a double batch and freeze half for later use. The result is always a crowd-pleaser, and I’m sure you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.

So go ahead, give these Italian wedding cake cookies a try – your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you!

Italian Wedding Cake Cookies

4.7 from 1115 votes

These tender, buttery cookies are rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet finish. They are a classic Italian treat perfect for holidays or any celebration.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 36Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 120 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans

For Coating

1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute.
4Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
5In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
6Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined.
7Stir in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
8Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
9Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden and the tops are set but not browned.
10Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
11While still warm, roll each cookie in the remaining 1 cup powdered sugar until fully coated, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
12Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a thicker, snowy coating.
13Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Wire rack
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 120 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 30mg🌾Total Carbs: 11g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

For best results, use finely chopped nuts and ensure the butter is properly softened. Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar creates a beautiful, snowy appearance.

These Italian wedding cake cookies are truly a classic dessert that never goes out of style. They’re perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday party, or just a Tuesday.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – they’re relatively low in saturated fat thanks to the use of olive oil instead of butter, and they’re packed with protein and fiber thanks to the addition of chopped nuts. And as an added bonus, they freeze beautifully making them perfect for meal prep or gift-giving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Italian Wedding Cake Cookies

Q: What is the origin of Italian wedding cake cookies?

Italian wedding cake cookies have their roots in Italy, where they were traditionally served at weddings as a sweet treat for guests.

Q: What type of flour should I use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use all-purpose flour that’s unbleached and unbromated.

Q: Can I substitute the chopped nuts with something else?

While chopped nuts are an essential component of Italian wedding cake cookies, you can substitute them with chopped almonds or hazelnuts if you prefer.

Q: How long do these cookies keep fresh?

Italian wedding cake cookies will keep fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 2 months in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

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