Italian Wedding Cookies

Italian Wedding Cookies

Desserts are one of my favorite things in life, and that is truly not an exaggeration. Put a dessert in front of me and my mood instantly boosts by at least 50 percent. Growing up my mom, like any good parent, restricted my dessert intake. I was only allowed to have once piece of candy any given day, and she attempted to cook only healthy, fresh foods, but that didn't stop me from developing my love of dessert.

Personally I blame my Grandmother on my Dad's side. She is well known for her sweet tooth, especially chocolate, just like me. Walking into my grandparent's house the first place every grandchild heads is the bottom drawer of the fridge where they know there will be a fresh bag of York peppermint patties, or dove chocolates, and sometime both. Every once and a while, typically around the holidays there will be a box of Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, which never lasts very long once discovered.

Among my friends and family it is known that I have to finish almost every meal, with the exception of breakfast, with a dessert or sweet of some sort, even if its just a Hershey kiss. I am also know for claiming that I have two stomachs, one for "real" food, and once for dessert. While I know that this is not  anatomically correct I really do feel this is an accurate statement. Time and time again I will feel full from the lunch or dinner I have just eaten, but I will have plenty of room for dessert. I think that the switch from savory to sweet is the key. 

As I write this blog, with dessert clearly in my mind, it is a struggle. Currently I have a pact with myself that I am not allowed to keep any sweets in my dorm room until I go home for Easter, where I will inevitably be given candy and chocolate to bring back. I'll be honest. It is not going that well considering I ate a whole pint of ice cream last night... but I mean technically I didn't "keep" it in my room because it never even had a chance of making it from the bag to the freezer. 

Since the title of this post is about Italian Wedding cookies, I guess I should start explaining how to make them. Italian wedding cookies are one of the most common Italian desserts. My immediate family doesn't typically make them, but they are very common for large parties and events, such as weddings. They are rather simple to make and are easy to make in bulk. 

Ingredients
For the cookie dough:

• 2 1/4 cups flour 

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 3 large eggs

• 1/2 sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 

• 1.5 teaspoons almond extract

To make the frosting:

• 2 cups powdered sugar

• 2 to 3 tablespoons milk

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions: 
To make the cookie dough-Mix the baking powder, salt, and flour in a small bowl and set aside-Using a electric mixer, combine the eggs, sugar, butter, and extract on medium speed for about 2 minutes until light and fluffy-Add the flour/baking powder and combine slowly just until mixed.-Using a tablespoon, roll the dough into balls and place onto a parchment lined baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.-Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour-When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350F, and then bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

Before the icing dries, you can add colorful sprinkles to the cookies 

Italian Wedding Cookies

ENJOY!!