Wedding Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Powdered sugar for powdering cookies
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium glass bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add the salt and vanilla.
- Gradually add the flour and mix well. At this point, you may have to use your hands to manipulate the dough. Mix in the chopped pecans.
- Roll into balls about the size of a quarter and place on an ungreased cookie sheet (you may press down the cookie some or leave as a ball to bake). Bake 10 to 12 minutes in a 350 degree oven or until light golden brown. Do not overbake. Set aside to cool.
- Roll the cookie in powdered sugar, coating completely. Store in an airtight container.
Common Problems and Solutions
Q: Why did my cookies spread too much while baking?
A: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough balls for 15-20 minutes before baking if your kitchen is warm. The dough should hold its shape when rolled into balls.
Q: Can I roll them in powdered sugar while they're still hot?
A: It's best to let them cool for about 5 minutes first. If they're too hot, the sugar will melt into the cookie. If they're completely cool, the sugar won't stick as well—slightly warm is perfect.
Q: Why are my cookies crumbly and falling apart?
A: You may have overbaked them or not creamed the butter and sugar long enough. These cookies should be tender and just lightly golden, not browned. Also make sure you're mixing the dough thoroughly so the butter is evenly distributed.
Tips and Techniques
For extra flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes before chopping and adding to the dough. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them—they’re very delicate when hot. For a professional look, roll them in powdered sugar twice—once when slightly warm and again after they’ve cooled completely.
Ingredient Substitutions
- pecans: walnuts or almonds
- butter: margarine or butter-flavored shortening
- vanilla extract: almond extract
Equipment Needed
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Medium mixing bowl
- Cookie sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Shallow bowl or plate for powdered sugar coating
Historical Context
Also known as Russian Tea Cakes, Snowballs, or Butterballs, these cookies have been a Southern wedding and holiday staple for generations. The tradition of coating them in snowy white powdered sugar makes them especially popular at Christmas and winter weddings.
