Italian Butterball Cookies are delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies made with rich butter, finely chopped nuts, and a generous coating of powdered sugar. Soft yet crumbly, these snowball-shaped treats are known for their refined simplicity and luxurious texture that dissolves with every bite.also known as Italian Wedding Cookies, are delicate shortbread-style confections made from butter, flour, and finely ground nuts, often walnuts, almonds, or pecans. Rolled in powdered sugar, these melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a staple at weddings, holidays, and festive gatherings across Italian-American households.
Italian Butterball Cookies:
Often enjoyed during holidays, weddings, and special celebrations, these cookies are cherished for their simplicity and timeless appeal. With just a few basic ingredients and an irresistible buttery flavor, Italian Butterball Cookies evoke tradition, warmth, and the joy of homemade baking shared with family and friends.
History:
Italian Butterball Cookies are closely related to traditional Italian wedding cookies and other European nut-based butter cookies. Variations of these cookies appear across Italy and were commonly prepared for celebrations symbolizing sweetness and prosperity. Italian immigrants carried the recipe abroad, where it became a staple at Christmas and wedding celebrations, especially in Italian-American households.
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Italian Butterball Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and powdered sugar until light and smooth.
- Mix in vanilla extract.
- Fold in finely chopped nuts evenly.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool slightly, then roll warm cookies in powdered sugar.
- Once fully cooled, roll again for a snowy finish.
Notes
- Cookies are pale by design—do not overbake.
- Rolling twice in sugar enhances flavour and appearance.
- Finely chopped nuts give the best texture.
- Cookies firm up as they cool.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips for Italian Butterball:
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Chill dough briefly if it feels too soft.
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Use high-quality butter for best flavor.
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Toast nuts lightly for deeper taste.
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Add almond extract for a classic Italian note.
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Perfect for holiday cookie assortments.
FAQs for Butterball Cookies:
Q1: Are Italian Butterball the same as snowball cookies?
They are very similar, with Italian versions often using almonds or walnuts.
Q2: Can I make them nut-free?
Traditional recipes include nuts, but you can omit them for a softer cookie.
Q3: How long do they stay fresh?
Up to 2 weeks when stored airtight.
Q4: Can these cookies be frozen?
Yes, baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.
Q5: Why are my cookies crumbly?
Their tender, crumbly texture is part of their signature charm.
Conclusion:
Italian Butterball are a refined classic—simple, elegant, and irresistibly tender. With their buttery richness and delicate powdered sugar coating, these cookies bring timeless charm to celebrations and everyday moments alike.