Wedding cookies are more than just a dessert—they are a symbol of love, celebration, and togetherness. Across cultures, especially in Indian and traditional households, wedding cookies are prepared with extra care, rich ingredients, and a whole lot of affection. These classic wedding cookies are known for their buttery texture, delicate sweetness, and melt-in-mouth feel, making them perfect for weddings, receptions, festive gifting, and special family occasions.
This detailed recipe will guide you step by step to make traditional, eggless classic wedding cookies at home, just like the ones served at weddings or packed in elegant sweet boxes.
Why Are Wedding Cookies So Special?
Wedding cookies stand apart from everyday biscuits. What makes them special is:
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Rich use of butter or ghee
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Perfect balance of sweetness (not too sweet)
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Soft, crumbly, melt-in-mouth texture
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Elegant look suitable for gifting
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Long shelf life when stored properly
These cookies are often served with tea or coffee, gifted to guests, or included in wedding sweet hampers.
Ingredients for Classic Wedding Cookies (Eggless)
Dry Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour (maida)
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½ cup powdered sugar (sifted)
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¼ cup cornflour (for softness)
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon baking powder
Fat & Flavor
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¾ cup unsalted butter (soft, at room temperature)
(You can replace half the butter with ghee for a richer flavor) -
1 teaspoon vanilla essence
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½ teaspoon cardamom powder (optional, for Indian aroma)
Optional Add-ins
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2 tablespoons milk (only if dough feels dry)
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Chopped cashews or almonds for topping
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Silver sugar balls or tutti-frutti for decoration
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Classic Wedding Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Sugar
Grind regular sugar into a fine powder if not using ready powdered sugar. Sift it well to avoid graininess—this step is crucial for that melt-in-mouth texture.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl:
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Add soft butter
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Add powdered sugar
Using a whisk or hand beater, cream them together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process helps incorporate air, making the cookies soft and delicate.
Step 3: Add Flavoring
Mix in:
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Vanilla essence
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Cardamom powder (if using)
Blend gently until well combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together:
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All-purpose flour
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Cornflour
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Baking powder
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Salt
Sifting ensures even mixing and a smooth cookie texture.
Step 5: Make the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Mix gently using a spatula or your hands.
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Do not knead like bread dough
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Bring everything together to form a soft, smooth dough
If the dough feels dry or crumbly, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk only if needed.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) for 10 minutes.
Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Shape cookies as:
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Small balls (flatten lightly)
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Oval shapes
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Fork-pressed designs
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Traditional round wedding cookies
Decorate the top with chopped nuts or sugar balls if desired.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes.
The cookies should remain light in color
The base should be just lightly golden
Do not overbake—this ruins the soft texture
Step 8: Cooling Is Important
Remove the tray from the oven and let cookies rest for 5 minutes.
They will be soft at first but firm up as they cool.
Transfer carefully to a wire rack and cool completely.
Texture & Taste
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Texture: Soft, crumbly, melt-in-mouth
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Taste: Mildly sweet, buttery, rich
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Aroma: Vanilla with optional cardamom warmth
Perfect with tea, coffee, or as a festive sweet.
Storage & Shelf Life
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Store in an airtight container
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Keeps fresh for 10–12 days at room temperature
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Can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks
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Ideal for wedding gifting and bulk preparation
Tips for Perfect Wedding Cookies
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Always use soft butter, not melted
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Sift dry ingredients for smooth texture
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Do not overmix or overbake
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Cornflour is key for softness—don’t skip it
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Cookies harden after cooling, so bake lightly
Variations You Can Try
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Nankhatai-Style: Replace vanilla with nutmeg & more cardamom
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Pistachio Cookies: Add finely chopped pistachios
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Rose Flavor: Add a few drops of rose essence
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Chocolate Wedding Cookies: Replace 2 tbsp flour with cocoa powder
Serving Ideas
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Wedding sweet boxes
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Engagement & reception snacks
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Festive tea-time cookies
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Return gifts for guests
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Diwali or Christmas cookie platters
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why are my wedding cookies not melt-in-mouth?
Possible reasons:
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Butter not creamed properly
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Too much flour
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Overbaking
Always measure ingredients accurately and bake lightly.
Q2. Can I make these cookies without oven?
Yes, you can bake them in:
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A heavy kadhai with salt (on low flame)
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Covered cooker without whistle
Time may vary slightly.
Q3. Can I use ghee instead of butter?
Yes. You can:
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Replace butter fully with ghee (cookies will be richer)
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Or use 50% butter + 50% ghee for best balance
Q4. Are these cookies eggless?
Yes, this is a 100% eggless wedding cookie recipe.
Q5. Can I reduce sugar?
You can reduce sugar slightly, but too little sugar will affect texture and taste.
Q6. Why do cookies break easily?
They are delicate by nature. Let them cool completely before handling.
Q7. Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, wrap the dough and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before baking.
Disclaimer
This recipe is shared for home cooking and informational purposes only. Results may vary depending on ingredients, oven type, temperature accuracy, and preparation methods. Always check for allergies before serving, especially when gifting. Adjust ingredients according to personal taste and dietary needs.
