A close-up photograph of a plate of Italian wedding cookies. The cookies are small, round, and covered in a thick layer of powdered sugar, giving them a snow-white appearance. Some cookies are stacked, while others are scattered on an ornate, vintage Italian ceramic plate with blue and yellow floral patterns. The plate is placed on a rustic wooden table with a red and white checkered tablecloth visible in the background. A small sprig of fresh rosemary and a few whole almonds are artfully arranged next to the cookies for decoration. Soft, natural lighting comes from the left side, creating gentle shadows and highlighting the texture of the powdered sugar. In the blurred background, you can see a partial view of an espresso cup and a small vase with a single red rose, suggesting a romantic Italian setting.
Desserts

Italian Wedding Cookies: A Sweet Tradition

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. History of Italian Wedding Cookies
  3. Ingredients
  4. Step-by-Step Recipe
  5. Tips for Perfect Cookies
  6. Variations
  7. Serving and Storage
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. Conclusion

Introduction

Welcome to MediterraneanGroves.com, your source for authentic Mediterranean recipes and culinary traditions. Today, we’re diving into the sweet world of Italian wedding cookies, also known as “anginetti” or “Italian butter balls.” These delightful, powdered sugar-coated treats are a staple at Italian weddings, holidays, and special occasions.

History of Italian Wedding Cookies

Italian wedding cookies have a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. Originally created in the southern regions of Italy, these cookies were traditionally served at weddings as a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the newlyweds. Over time, they became popular throughout Italy and among Italian-American communities.

Despite their name, these cookies aren’t exclusively for weddings. They’re enjoyed year-round and are particularly popular during Christmas and Easter celebrations.

Ingredients

For this recipe, you’ll need:

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • Powdered sugar for coating

Step-by-Step Recipe

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla and almond extracts.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms.
  6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
  8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
  9. Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until thoroughly coated.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

  • Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation.
  • Don’t overmix the dough to ensure tender cookies.
  • For uniform cookies, use a small cookie scoop to portion the dough.
  • Allow the cookies to cool completely before rolling in powdered sugar to prevent melting.

Variations

While traditional Italian wedding cookies are delicious on their own, you can experiment with these variations:

  • Lemon: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
  • Chocolate chip: Fold in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips.
  • Nutty: Add 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans) to the dough.

Serving and Storage

Italian wedding cookies are best served at room temperature with a cup of espresso or Italian hot chocolate. They can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the uncoated cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw and coat with powdered sugar before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
    A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
  2. Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
    A: This could be due to warm butter or overmixing. Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if it feels too soft.
  3. Q: Can I freeze the dough?
    A: Absolutely! Shape the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  4. Q: How do I prevent the powdered sugar from melting?
    A: Make sure the cookies are completely cool before coating. For an extra thick coating, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice, with a 30-minute rest between coatings.
  5. Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
    A: While butter provides the best flavor, you can use margarine. However, the texture may be slightly different.

Conclusion

Italian wedding cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a cherished tradition that brings people together. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply craving a taste of Italy, these delicate, powdery cookies are sure to delight. We hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your household, just as it has been in Italian homes for generations.

For more delicious Mediterranean recipes, be sure to explore our dessert section and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest culinary inspirations from MediterraneanGroves.com.

Buon appetito!

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