Buttery and soft, these walnut Italian Wedding Cookies are perfect for the holidays and for all of your special occasions! They are melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
I was recently introduced to someone who was just learning about my blog.
When she discovered that I write a food blog, her first question was, “Is it healthy?” Well, I thought to myself, I guess it all depends on what you mean by “healthy”? And I replied, “No. Well – yes, yes it is – healthy for the soul, and there are healthy recipes, but there are also recipes that include whipped cream, and deep frying, bread crumbs, and gooey cheese.” I suddenly felt like I was defending my child. How funny is that? I’m certain it was not her intent to put me on the defensive – I did that all by myself. But I quickly realized that my blog won’t be all things to all people. It can’t be. Which is why it’s so awesome that there is such a diverse offering of beautiful blogs out there. How great is that?!
Let’s talk about these cookies, shall we?
There’s a pretty good chance you have everything you need right now. And don’t worry if your pantry isn’t stocked with walnuts – pecans or slivered almonds will do the trick just as well! Or, we can go sans nuts. The ultimate butter cookie!
INGREDIENTS:
- Softened butter
- Powdered sugar
- Salt
- Water
- Walnuts (substitutions: pecans, slivered almonds, or no nuts)
- Almond extract (substitution: vanilla extract)
- AP flour
Thanks to the buttery dough – these cookies have a rich melty texture. There is no egg to bind, so they are more crumbly than chewy, like a good shortbread.
HOW TO STORE ITALIAN WEDDING COOKIES:
It’s fine to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature – although if you’re planning to make a bunch to store, say for the holidays – they can be frozen, then brought to room temperature before serving. You may need to give them another roll through powdered sugar.
Little clouds of melt-in-your-mouth goodness…little snowballs of crunchy delight… Italian wedding cookies are the perfect treat!
Buon Appetito!
MORE SWEETS:
Doubletree Chocolate Chip Cookies
Italian Wedding Cookies
- Category: Dessert
Description
Buttery and soft, these walnut Italian Wedding Cookies are perfect for the holidays and all of your special occasions! They are melt-in-your-mouth delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups softened butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar (plus more for finishing cookies)
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 2 1/2 Tbsp. water
- 1 1/2 cups chopped walnuts
- 1 Tbsp. almond extract
- 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 F.
- Mix softened butter and powdered sugar with a wooden spoon until well combined.
- Add salt, water, nuts, and extract. Mix well.
- Stir in flour gradually; dough will be stiff.
- Roll into 1-inch balls, and bake for roughly 15 minutes, until cookies are firm to the touch and pale gold in color.
- Immediately, after removing from the oven, roll cookies in powdered sugar. Let cool.
- Once cooled, roll cookies again through the powdered sugar to achieve a deeper “frosted” layer.
(Recipe adapted from Where Women Cook)
Recipe Note:
Updated Post: September 25, 2020
Original Post: September 23, 2013
Can we substitute mini chocolate chips instead?
Substitute for what? The nuts? Sure, I don’t see why not.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
It makes roughly 50 cookies.
My dough was not stiff at all. I put almost a cup of extra flour and it still isn’t stiff like the recipe says it should be. I live in a humid environment, is that the reason? How do I fix it??
Though I can’t speak from experience, rather than increasing the flour, you may want to lessen the hydration (water), using a tiny bit as you go, until the dough stiffens. I hope this helps!
Even though they were soft, baked a few before freezing and they turned out fine. Tasty. Baking them all tonight!!!
Glad it worked out!! Happy holidays!
Can I freeze the dough instead of the cookies??
I have only frozen them, baked. It’s rare that you can’t freeze cookie dough, I believe this would freeze well, but I can’t speak from experience.
One of the very best cookies that there are!
Holidays are not, I want dozens of these melt-in-your-mouth cookie!! These look wonderful Annie!
I want dozens too!! Thanks pal!
You had me at walnuts! My favourite and when wrapped up in a cookie, I’m all in 🙂
Yes! Great minds….eat alike! 😉 🙂
I NEED to add these to my holiday cookie list Annie! I know I’d love them…and have a hard time sharing! Lol! Delicious!
You do! You do! Sounds like my hubby…. 😉
They really do look melt in your mouth Annie! A few of these with a cup of tea right now would be an awesome afternoon treat!
Couldn’t agree more! Tea & cookies sounds wonderful!
“Healthy” is so subjective, isn’t it? Your blog is my kind of healthy, meaning real ingredients put together in delicious ways!
I have to say that I’m helpless around Italian wedding cookies – they are completely addictive. I bet yours taste absolutely amazing, Annie!
Thank you, Marissa! Completely addictive is right on the mark! 🙂
I’m happy you got to a place that works. Almond and vanilla are easily interchangeable – the almond just happens to be my preference for this cookie…I like the obvious almond flavor. Thanks for your feedback.
I love these cookies- need to break out the powdered sugar! Oh and ps… Your blog is perfection!!! I heart it!!! Always looking forward to your next post!!! <3
So good! I’m starting to think about holiday recipes and this will definitely make the cut! I’m glad you’re enjoying Ciao Chow! Thanks, Nic!