Name: Italian Wedding Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened and sliced; 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled; 1 1/2 cups almond flour, spooned and leveled; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 3 cups powdered sugar (for glaze); 1 teaspoon almond extract (for glaze); 4 tablespoons milk, divided (for glaze); Nonpareils, for garnish (optional)

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Soft, buttery, and delicately almond-flavored, Italian Wedding Cookies are a delightful treat with a tender crumb and a sweet glaze topped with festive nonpareils. Perfect for weddings, holidays, or any celebration, these cookies add elegance and charm to any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are melt-in-your-mouth soft with a subtle almond flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze. They’re simple to prepare, yet impressive enough for special occasions. The festive nonpareils make them visually stunning, and the recipe yields a generous batch—perfect for sharing or gifting. Italian Wedding Cookies

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:
½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened and sliced
1¼ cups powdered sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1½ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1½ cups almond flour, spooned and leveled
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons cornstarch

For the Glaze:
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon almond extract
4 tablespoons milk, divided
Nonpareils, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly spray with baking spray.
In a large bowl, beat butter and powdered sugar until light and creamy.
Add eggs and beat to combine; the mixture may look slightly lumpy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and cornstarch.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a dough forms.
Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, portion dough, split each scoop in half, and roll into balls. Place 1 inch apart on prepared baking sheets.
Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are dry and cracked. Allow to cool completely before glazing.
For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, almond extract, and 3 tablespoons milk until smooth. Add the remaining milk as needed for a thick but dippable consistency.
Dip the tops of cookies into the glaze, place on a drying rack, and garnish with nonpareils if desired. Let the glaze set before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 48 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Citrus twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, fresh flavor.
Nutty upgrade: Swap almond flour with finely ground hazelnuts or pistachios for a different taste profile.
Chocolate dip: Dip half the cookie in melted dark or white chocolate instead of glaze.
Holiday flair: Use seasonal sprinkles or colored sugar for festive occasions.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed cookies for up to 2 months, then glaze after thawing. These cookies do not require reheating and are best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the dough for up to 2 days before baking.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

No, this dough can go straight into the oven without chilling.

Can I use unsalted butter?

Yes, but add ¼ teaspoon salt to balance the flavor.

What’s the best way to get evenly sized cookies?

Use a cookie scoop, then split each portion in half before rolling into balls.

Can I make them without almond flour?

You can substitute with more all-purpose flour, but the texture will be less tender and the almond flavor reduced.

How do I get a smooth glaze?

Sift the powdered sugar before mixing to avoid lumps.

Can I use almond milk for the glaze?

Yes, almond milk or any plant-based milk will work.

How long should the glaze set?

Allow at least 30 minutes for the glaze to firm up before serving or storing.

Can I freeze glazed cookies?

It’s best to freeze them unglazed and add the glaze after thawing to prevent moisture issues.

Why are they called Italian Wedding Cookies?

They’re traditionally served at weddings and celebrations in Italian culture, symbolizing happiness and prosperity.

Conclusion

Italian Wedding Cookies are a timeless treat that combines delicate texture, sweet almond flavor, and elegant presentation. Whether for a wedding, holiday, or afternoon tea, these cookies bring joy to any occasion and are as beautiful as they are delicious.

Emma