Keebler Danish Wedding Cookies Recipe : Classic Delight
Craving something sweet, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious? Let me introduce you to one of my all-time favourite holiday treats, Keebler Danish Wedding Cookies. These classic cookies are buttery, tender, and rolled in a generous layer of powdered sugar, making every bite heavenly. Whether you’re baking for Christmas, a wedding, or to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these cookies are the perfect bite-sized indulgence.
They’re also incredibly easy to make at home! With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you’ll be able to recreate that nostalgic Keebler flavour right in your own kitchen.
Dough Preparation
Making these cookies is incredibly simple, but the key lies in properly creaming the butter and sugar to achieve the perfect texture. Follow along step by step:
Mixing the Ingredients
Start by creaming together butter and powdered sugar in a large mixing bowl. I prefer to use my stand mixer for this because it produces exceptionally fluffy butter, but a hand mixer works just as well. Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, add the vanilla extract for a rich flavour.
Next, slowly mix in the all-purpose flour a little at a time. The dough will start to come together and form a soft, yet not sticky, consistency. At this stage, fold in the finely chopped nuts, pecans or walnuts work beautifully here, giving the cookies their signature nutty crunch.
If your dough feels sticky, don’t worry! Just pop it into the fridge for 20–30 minutes to chill. This makes it much easier to roll into perfect little cookie balls later.
Shaping the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape the cookies into those classic bite-sized rounds.
- Scoop the Dough – Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, take about a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form smooth balls.
- Place on Baking Sheet – Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the dough balls about 1 inch apart. They won’t spread much while baking, so you can fit quite a few per tray.
- Bake Until Golden – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Don’t overbake; these cookies are meant to be soft and delicate.
Once baked, allow them to cool for just a few minutes on the tray. They need to be warm but not hot for the next step: rolling in powdered sugar!
Coating the Cookies
The signature look (and taste!) of Keebler Danish Wedding Cookies comes from their powdered sugar coating. This is what gives them that soft, snowy appearance and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
Rolling in Sugar
- First Roll (Warm) – While the cookies are still slightly warm, gently roll each one in powdered sugar. The warmth helps the sugar stick to the cookie’s buttery surface.
- Cooling on a Rack – Place the sugar-coated cookies on a wire cooling rack to finish cooling completely.
- Second Roll (Optional but Recommended) – Once cooled, roll them in powdered sugar a second time for that extra snowy coating. This step makes them look just like the classic Keebler version and adds a touch more sweetness.
Serving and Decoration
These cookies are versatile and elegant, perfect for any special occasion, or even as a little treat with your morning coffee.
Suggested Ways to Serve
- Holiday Platters – Arrange them on festive cookie trays with shortbread, gingerbread, and sugar cookies.
- Wedding or Shower Treats – Package them in pretty tins or boxes as edible favours.
- Everyday Snack – Pair with tea, coffee, or even hot cocoa for a cozy indulgence.
Decoration Ideas
While the powdered sugar is the traditional coating, you can also add a fun twist:
- Dust lightly with cinnamon sugar for warmth.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate before rolling for an extra indulgence.
- Add a sprinkle of edible glitter for wedding or holiday events.
These little cookies are beautiful in their simplicity, but adding a decorative touch makes them stand out even more on dessert tables.
Storage Instructions
One of the things I love most about Keebler Danish Wedding Cookies is that they store beautifully, making them perfect for holiday baking in advance.
How to Keep Cookies Fresh
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat, to maintain the perfect powdered sugar coating.
Freezing Danish Wedding Cookies
Yes, you can absolutely freeze them!
- Place cooled cookies in a single layer inside a freezer-safe container.
- Add a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and give them a light dusting of fresh powdered sugar to restore that just-baked look.
Keebler Danish Wedding Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When making Keebler Danish Wedding Cookies at home, it’s best to have the right tools ready. Here’s what I always use:- Mixing Bowls – For combining dry and wet ingredients.
- Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – To cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Baking Sheets with Parchment Paper – Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Cookie Scoop or Spoon – Helps form uniform cookie balls.
- Wire Cooling Rack – Allows cookies to cool evenly before rolling them in sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What are Keebler Danish Wedding Cookies?
Keebler Danish Wedding Cookies are buttery shortbread-style cookies made with finely chopped nuts and coated in powdered sugar. They are often enjoyed on holidays, at weddings, and on special occasions.
2. Can I use almonds instead of pecans or walnuts?
Yes! While the original recipe typically uses pecans or walnuts, you can substitute almonds, hazelnuts, or even a mix of nuts for a slightly different flavour.
3. Why do my cookies fall apart after baking?
These cookies are naturally delicate. If they’re too crumbly, it could be due to not creaming the butter and sugar properly or adding too much flour. Be sure to measure your flour accurately and cream your butter until it is light and fluffy.
4. Should I roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re warm or cooled?
For the best coating, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm. Then, once they’ve cooled, roll them again for that signature snowy coating.
5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before rolling into balls.
6. How long do Danish Wedding Cookies last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
7. Are Danish Wedding Cookies the same as Mexican Wedding Cookies?
Yes! These cookies are known by various names around the world, including Mexican Wedding Cookies, Russian Tea Cakes, Italian Wedding Cookies, and Snowball Cookies. The ingredients are nearly identical, with only small regional variations.
Conclusion
There you have it, my homemade Keebler Danish Wedding Cookies recipe! These cookies are buttery, nutty, and coated in a snowy layer of powdered sugar that makes them taste just like the classic Keebler version we all grew up with.
I love making them during the holidays, but honestly, they’re too good to reserve for just once a year. With a simple ingredient list and quick baking time, you can whip up a batch anytime you’re craving something sweet and nostalgic.
Whether you serve them at a family gathering, gift them for weddings, or keep them in your cookie jar for everyday snacking, these little powdered sugar gems are guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your butter, flour, and nuts, then roll, bake, and coat your way to cookie bliss!
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
