Italian Wedding Cookies - How to Bake a Sweet Treat

Have you seen those amazing balls of cookie dough marinated in sugar and served in myriad flavors? These are either served as afternoon delights with tea or at weddings. These cookies are pretty simple to make and you do not need a wedding to prepare them! These are called either Italian or Mexican wedding cookies. Let's find out more about wedding cookies during the holiday season. So if you wish to learn about the Italian wedding cookies then you have come to the right place.

Origin of wedding cookies and the history behind their evolution

It is rather intriguing to find out about the history of these Italian sugar-dusted cookie balls. In fact, these are compared to Russian staples or the Russian tea cake. And this is how the Russian tea cake made its way into the USA. But with the deteriorating relations between the USA and Russia, these started to become quite unpopular here. During the time of the Cold War, it is presumed that the name of the cookies was shifted to what they are called today so the sales of the Russian tea cakes would not drop.

But what is more interesting and surprising is the fact that the history or origin of the cookies can be dated back to the Medieval Ages among the Arabs. It became a popular component of Arabic cuisine in the Middle East. They were quite famous for serving cookies and cakes with spices, nuts, honey, and butter. Initially, they were brought to Europe and then spread to other parts of the world as well. And hence these cookies have become a part of several cultures and cuisines around the globe. However, when we discussed Italy, they even went as far as to remove the wedding cake and add these cookies on the counter instead.

So what do these wedding cookies taste like

That is a good question! After much discussion regarding the birth of these cookies, it is time for us to learn about their taste too! Although we can hardly do justice to their authentic flavors by expressing them with words, we will give our best.

If you observe the modern wedding cookie recipes or you have been to one wedding ceremony recently and encountered them over there, then you must have noticed these nowadays have nuts and pecans in them. Butter and powdered sugar are two other ingredients without which it is impossible to make these cookies. Traditionally they were made with pecan but now you may use walnuts and almonds too! These cookies are loaded with flavors and while they taste crumbly at the first bite, soon they melt away in your mouth. And that is when you understand how it earned so much fame and popularity in the whole world.

This is to be noted that, sometimes even anise, amaretto, or almond extract along with vanilla extract enhance the taste of the cookies.

These are served as a dessert at weddings and offered with coffee, tea, or liquor.

From where did these Italian wedding cookies come from

We have discussed the era when the cookies made their appearance but now it is time to learn about the geographic location. These cookies were added to elaborate wedding tables as a tradition originating in Southwestern Pennsylvania and brought by Eastern Europeans. The Greek and Italian immigrants wanted to carry a part of their homeland to the New World and hence came in along with the sentiments, of the Italian wedding cookies.

Let us quickly learn the tips for making your cookies right

Now that we have brought you into the kitchen, it is time to learn about the tips for making these cookies right.

1. Bring the ingredients to room temperature- this is something we keep saying again and again so you do not make a mistake! Never put a bunch of cold ingredients into the bowl and start to blend them because they will never blend smoothly. You are expected to bring the ingredients to room temperature so that it is easier for one to blend and also allow the ingredients to express their properties well. For example, if you think of a chunk of butter, it will be hard for you to blend it when it is cold. But if you bring it out an hour before mixing the ingredients, then the cubes will soften up and smoothly blend with the others.

Similarly, in the case of eggs, you are expected to add them at room temperature too! If you forgot to bring them out of the refrigerator before, just dip them in a bowl of lukewarm water for about two to three minutes and the job of bringing them to room temperature will be done well.

2. Never forget to cream your butter and sugar- the step of creaming butter and sugar is very important and you must ensure that you do not skip this process. Creaming makes sure that the butter can trap air in it. The more the air trapped the better to turn your cookies crispy and light. If the butter seems too hard then you can turn them soggy and melt them in the pan to acquire a semi-solid texture but not too much such that it is unable to hold the air at all.

3. Do not make the mistake of overmixing- of course, we all get the urge to mix, mix and mix until blended well but that is something you need to be careful about! Blend until all the ingredients are smoothly mixed into each other but do not go any further. If you overdo it then your dough will turn tough as the starch gets activated. It might also happen that the mixture will be too runny to bake in the oven and to avoid such extreme situations be careful when you are blending.

4. Use a cookie scoop- you do not want your cookies to turn out uneven and in different shapes, do you? Especially, when you are planning to present them to the guests, take care of the way you present them! If you are making the shapes with your hand then the circles may not be even! A cookie scoop is ideal in such situations to use an equal quantity of dough and shape than uniform.  Otherwise, the smaller cookies will be baked faster than the bigger ones which will remain soggy and undercooked. So if you do not have a cookie scoop in your house, you must buy one quickly if you take an interest in baking cookies.

Delightful Italian Wedding Cookies - the Perfect Wedding Treat

1. Giada's Italian wedding cookies

If you are fond of cookies, then these sugar-dusted Italian cookies will simply blow your mind off! We can guarantee that this batch of cookies will not last long with kids around the house.

2. Italian wedding cookies

The combination of chopped and ground almonds in this batch of cookies is what makes them so fascinating! So if you are in the mood for something nice and cozy, then go for this idea right away! The buttery essence is palpable.

3. Italian butterball cookies

Yes, we are talking about the Italian butterball cookies loaded with taste so enriching and delectable. It is the sight of the cookies that will make your mouth water. Imagine what shall happen at the first bite! Well, that is what you need to find out.

4. Italian wedding raspberry cookies

The center of the cookies filled with raspberry syrup tastes simply divine. You do not have to believe in our words, try out for yourself and then find out. So what are you waiting for?

5. Traditional Italian peach cookies

The customary, Italian peach cookies are fruit-filled, and such an exciting recipe that leaves you completely swayed off your chair. Delicious and crumbly, these pink cookies are lovely and you will be rendered craving for more and more. Shall we try it then?

6. Classic Italian wedding cookies

The classic Italian wedding cookies are fascinating and loaded with flavors that are so enriching and gorgeous. Crumbly and dusted with sugar, the recipe is fantastic and such an extraordinary treat. Gorgeous and suited for evening snacks, do give it a try for sure.

7. Italian wedding cookies

Adorned with colorful sprinkles, the Italian wedding cookies are drizzled with rich icing. Sweet, crumbly, and rich, the wedding cookies are flooded with divine taste. Let's not waste a single minute and get started with the preps already this holiday season.

8. Italian wedding cookies

Ideal for the holiday season, the wedding cookies are fantastic and packed with flavors so gorgeous. Graceful and fancy, the Italian wedding cookies are simply wonderful. Make your holidays special with this amazing treat waiting for you! Shall we then?

9. Mexican wedding cookies

The authentic Mexican wedding cookies are indeed the best that we can think of! Packed with flavors of nuts and pecan, you are definitely going to fall for it at the very first bite. Let's use the holidays to bake these marvelous treats.

10. Italian Pignoli cookies

Studded beautifully with pine nuts, the Italian Pignoli cookies are exactly what you need to experience the real taste of Italy. Thank us later for the idea! Now enjoy this hearty and tasty treat right away! Shall we try and make them?

11. Quick and easy Italian wedding cookies

Fifteen minutes is all that you need to bake this wonderful batch of Italian cookies! You do not have to necessarily head to a wedding to enjoy these cookies! Make them at home and indulge in their blissful taste.

12. Agnetti cookies( Italian wedding lemon cookies)

It is the lemon zest of the cookies which makes the taste so good indeed. Flavored with sugar, these crumbly cookies are our favorite and if you are fond of it too, then what are you waiting for? The recipe is right here.

13. Easy Forlini Italian crescent cookies

Yup, these are the most amazing cookies of all time! If you wish to get the authentic taste of Italian cookies then the crescent version is as good as any other. The Frollini cookies are one of a kind.

14. Peach Italian cookie recipe

We are talking about the Peach Italian cookies which are loaded with great taste. Packed with flavors so good, you will definitely come back to express your gratitude. The fruity peach essence is palpable in every bite.

15. Authentic Amaretti cookies

Let's give a try to the Authentic Amaretti cookies which are packed with delicious essence. Rich and gooey, the recipe turns out to be too gorgeous and difficult to resist. You are surely going to be swayed at the very first bite. Let's go!

16. Italian chocolate Amaretti cookies

Cookies like this will leave you craving more and more! It is Delicious and smooth, if you are fond of chocolates then you have found the best way to make Italian wedding cookies. So what are you waiting for?

17. Italian sprinkle cookies

The Italian sprinkle cookies are loaded with gorgeous taste! Delectable and smooth, the sugar-drizzled cookies are exactly what you need during the holidays. Well, all we can say is that it is too tough to resist as you come across this batch of crispy bites.

18. Easy holiday Italian snowball cookies

There is no way we were going to miss out on such a tasty treat! Delicious and lovely, the goodness of the holiday Italian snowball cookies will render you speechless! The sight of the cookies is enough to make you crave some, especially if you are a cookie monster.

19. Pistachio cookies

For the ones who find it hard to keep their hands off pistachio cookies, this recipe was curated exclusively for you! We came across this one and knew instantly that you will definitely like this idea of gorgeous Pistachio cookies.

20. Canestrelli cookies

And finally, we would like to share the idea of Canestrelli cookies which is indeed the most amazing that you will come across from Italian cuisine. Shaped as small flowers and drizzled with sugar dust, the cookies are ready.

Frequently asked questions associated with making Italian wedding cookies

1. Where did the Italian wedding cookies come from?

The Italian wedding cookies came from the Southwestern region of Pennsylvania! The European immigrants brought their cultural influence to the New World and soon it spread to other parts of the globe as well.

2. Why are these cookies called wedding cookies?

During the time of the Cold War, the Russian teacake had to undergo a replacement in name due to the strained relationship between USA and Russia. And hence the name was converted to Italian wedding cookies so the sales would not drop.

3. What is the tradition of having a wedding cookie table?

Along with the wonderful wedding cake which is displayed on the table, there are several varieties of cookies which are displayed on the table. Made in myriad shapes and flavors, these cookies were lovely.

4. What is the history of Italian cookies?

Antonio Mattei, an eminent personality, came up with the idea of Italian cookies or biscuits in the mid-1850s. This happened somewhat north of Florence! And soon the international fairs in Florence, London, and Paris made these cookies quite famous around the world.

5. Why should you not add cold eggs to your cookie batter?

Eggs are used as levitating agents and they simply fail to do the job if they are added cold right from the refrigerator.

6. How can you make your cookies even more delicious?

If you want your cookies to turn out to be more delicious then consider adding some seasoning to your cookies like a pinch of salt.

Bottom Line-

With Italian Wedding Cookies, you can bring the sweet aroma and flavor of Italy right into your home. Not only are these cookies delicious and easy to make, but the baking process is a great way to pass down a family tradition and create special memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re baking for a wedding, a holiday, or a special occasion, Italian Wedding Cookies are a sure-fire way to bring a little bit of Italy to your table. It's time to take out the rolling pin, get creative with adding various ingredients, and embrace a sweet tradition that embraces the joy of making and sharing.

To end, as the Italian proverb states: “Chi bella figura, fa bella festa” — Whoever creates a beautiful figure, creates a beautiful celebration. So, let’s get baking and creating beautiful memories!