Classic Italian Wedding Cookies

Name: Classic Italian Wedding Cookies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup butter (salted, softened); 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus a little more for dusting); 1 tsp vanilla; 1/2 tsp almond extract; 2 cups all purpose flour; 1 cup almond flour

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Classic Italian Wedding Cookies, also known as Italian Butter Cookies or Snowball Cookies, are a timeless treat that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are packed with rich almond flavor and coated in a delicate layer of powdered sugar, making them a favorite for holidays, weddings, or just an afternoon treat.

Two blue and white patterned plates on a wooden surface hold crescent-shaped and round cookies dusted with powdered sugar. A wooden snowflake ornament is placed next to the plates.

If you’re looking for a cookie that’s equal parts elegant and easy to make, Italian Wedding Cookies are the answer. These delicate, almond-infused treats, dusted with powdered sugar, are a staple at celebrations but easy enough to bake for a weeknight treat. Their buttery texture and nutty flavor make them a standout, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you!

Why You’ll Love These Classic Italian Wedding Cookies

These cookies are a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:

Buttery Goodness: The rich, buttery texture melts in your mouth, leaving behind a nutty almond flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Perfect for weddings, holidays, or a sweet treat with coffee, these cookies fit any celebration or any just because!
Kid-Friendly: Their snowy, powdered sugar coating makes them fun for kids to help roll and enjoy.

Ingredients

To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need only a few simple ingredients. The only one you may have to go and get is the almond flour, but trust me on this, you do not want to skip it!

Two blue and white plates hold crescent-shaped and round cookies dusted with powdered sugar on a wooden surface. A wooden snowflake ornament and a red cloth are nearby.

What You’ll Need

Salted butter, softened (for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture).
Powdered sugar, plus extra for coating (adds sweetness and the classic snowy look).
Vanilla extract (for a warm, aromatic base).
Almond extract (the secret to that signature nutty flavor).
All-purpose flour (the foundation for a tender cookie).
Almond flour (for extra nuttiness and a delicate crumb)

See recipe card for full ingredient list and quantities.

Instructions

Simple ingredients lead to one amazing cookie recipe. The simple use of the almond extract and flours are what make this cookie different and delicious. Now, let’s show you how easy it is to make.

Preheat the oven to 350°.

A person holds a measuring cup of powdered sugar above a large mixing bowl containing two sticks of butter on a wooden countertop. A tablet, box of flour, and small container are nearby.

In a large mixing bowl add the softened butter and powdered sugar.

A person mixes butter and flour in a white bowl with a black hand mixer on a wooden countertop next to a stove, salt shaker, and a tablet.

Mix with a mixer until smooth and creamy.

A person holds bottles of almond and vanilla extracts above a white mixing bowl with creamed ingredients on a wooden countertop, next to a hand mixer and a stovetop.

Add both the almond and vanilla extracts and mix well.

A person holds a measuring cup filled with flour over a kitchen scale on a wooden countertop. A hand mixer with batter on the beaters and a digital tablet are also visible nearby.

In a separate bowl, add in all purpose flour.

And almond flour. Whisk or sift to mix well.

A person holds a bowl of flour over a larger bowl with creamed butter and sugar, preparing to mix ingredients on a wooden countertop next to a gas stove, a tablet, and a hand mixer.

Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture in stages. It will be dense and crumbly.

A person scoops crumbly dough from a white bowl onto their hand using a metal scoop, next to a parchment-lined baking sheet on a wooden counter near a stove.

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out dough for cookies.

A person mixes dough in a white bowl next to a baking sheet with unbaked pastries shaped like half-moons; a stove and tablet are visible on the left side of the image.

Squeeze in ball or crescent shapes and place on a sheet pan fitted with parchment paper. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the bottoms are slightly browned.

A hand dips a round cookie into a bowl of powdered sugar. Several cookies cool on a wire rack beside an empty blue-and-white patterned plate. The setup is on a wooden surface next to a stovetop.

Cool for about 5 minutes on a rack and then roll each cookie in powdered sugar while still warm.

A hand rolls a round cookie in powdered sugar in a blue-and-white bowl. Nearby, more cookies cool on a wire rack, and several already sugared cookies sit on a blue-and-white plate. The scene is on a wooden surface.

Place back on the rack to continue to cool and the sugar will set and stick to the cookie.

A hand holds a half-eaten powdered sugar cookie above a blue patterned plate with more cookies, all dusted with powdered sugar, on a wooden surface.

Serve and enjoy!

Why Brooke loves this recipe!

Recipes are like antiques. They are meant to be handed down from one generation to another. Each one holding a special memory or nostalgic memory. Here is why we love this one!

I love recipes that are both simple and packed with flavor. Italian Wedding Cookies hold a special place in my kitchen because they remind me of family gatherings and holiday baking sessions. The combination of almond extract and almond flour gives these cookies a unique, nutty depth that is beyond your average shortbread. Plus, they’re so easy to make, even beginner bakers can create a batch that looks and tastes professional. I love how the powdered sugar coating adds a touch of whimsy, making these cookies feel festive no matter the season.

Variations and Substitutions

Make these Italian Wedding Cookies your own with these creative twists and substitutions:

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Nut Variations: Swap almond flour for finely ground pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor. Adjust the extract to match, like using hazelnut extract for hazelnut flour. You can even just add nuts like pecans or pistachio, chopped into the mixture for flavor and texture.
Flavor Twists: Try lemon or orange extract instead of almond for a citrusy spin, and add a teaspoon of zest for extra brightness. Or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth and more flavor.
Add-Ins: Mix in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips or finely chopped dried fruit for a fun twist.

Two blue and white patterned plates hold crescent-shaped and round cookies dusted with powdered sugar, arranged on a wooden surface with a decorative snowflake and a red cloth in the background.

Equipment

🔧 I love to share recipes that are no special equipment required but here are a few things that would definitely make this recipe easier!

Mixing Bowls: One or two for mixing and combining dry ingredients.
Hand Mixer: To achieve a light, fluffy butter-sugar mixture.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
Whisk or Sifter: To blend the all-purpose and almond flours evenly.
Baking Sheet: A standard sheet for baking the cookies.
Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Cookie Scoop or Spoon: For uniform dough balls (optional but helpful).

How to Serve and Store

Serve these Italian Wedding Cookies with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. They’re perfect for gifting in a festive tin or serving at weddings, holiday parties, or family gatherings. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Powdered sugar-coated cookies are arranged on blue and white patterned plates. Some cookies are whole, while others are partially broken, showing a soft, light interior. A red cloth is visible in the background.

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A blue and white patterned plate holds three powdered sugar-covered cookies, with more cookies on a similar plate in the background. The plates are on a wooden surface.

Classic Italian Wedding Cookies

These Italian Wedding Cookies are buttery, almond-infused treats that melt in your mouth, finished with a snowy powdered sugar coating. Perfect for holidays, weddings, or a sweet treat, this easy recipe combines simple ingredients for a nutty, delicate cookie that’s sure to impress. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Serving Size

Ingredients

1 cup butter salted, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar plus a little more for dusting
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup almond flour

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°. In a large mixing bowl, add butter and powdered sugar. Mix on medium speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer until combined and fluffy. Add the vanilla and almond extracts and mix well.
1 cup butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp almond extract
In another bowl, sift or whisk almond flour with all purpose flour to combine. Add the flour mixture in stages to the wet ingredients, mixing each time to combine. The mixture will be thick and seem dry but should press together easily.
2 cups all purpose flour, 1 cup almond flour
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to spoon out equal portions of cookie dough. Press firmly in your hand to create the shape you want. Place on a sheet pan that has been fitted with parchment or a baking mat. Bake for 12-14 minutes until golden brown. The cookie will be pale yellow but the bottoms will be browned.
Cool for just a few minutes. While they are still warm but easy to handle, roll the cookies in a bowl of additional powdered sugar to coat. Continue to cool, serve and enjoy.
1/2 cup powdered sugar

See How To Make It!

Notes

*Pro tip*

Use Room-Temperature Butter: This ensures a smooth, creamy texture when creaming with sugar.

🍴 PRO TIP!

The classic round cookie is perfection. However, we love to experiment with the shape of this cookie. It is so easy to mold the mixture together by hand. One of the ways I like to reshape them is into crescent shapes. I challenge you to play around with the shape you like best as well.

🗹 RECIPE FAQ’S

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes! Italian Wedding Cookies store beautifully in an airtight container for up to a week. You can also freeze the unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months and bake them fresh when needed.

Can I substitute almond flour?

If you don’t have almond flour, you can use finely ground almonds or increase the all-purpose flour by 1 cup, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite as nutty.

Why do my cookies spread too much?

If your cookies spread, your butter might have been too soft. Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before shaping to help them hold their shape.

Are these the same as Mexican Wedding Cookies?

They’re very similar! Both are buttery, nutty, and coated in powdered sugar, but Italian Wedding Cookies often use almond flour and extract, while Mexican Wedding Cookies may include pecans or walnuts.

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If you love these, be sure to try our CLASSIC SHORTBREAD COOKIE for another simple cookie, perfect for dipping in your morning coffee. Our SOUTHERN TEACAKES offer a similar shortbread-style cookie with a Southern story. For holiday baking inspiration, try our CINNAMON ROLL COOKIES, which combine buttery shortbread with a sweet cinnamon swirl. These recipes are sure to become staples in your cookie baking recipe box. Looking for other great recipes like this? Try these: