Easy and Tasty Italian Wine Cookies

Who says you can’t enjoy your wine in cookie form? Simple, quick, and delicious, this recipe for Italian Wine Cookies is a fun twist on classic cookies that you can whip up in no time.

Perfect for pairing with an afternoon coffee, serving at a dinner party, or just indulging in as a little sweet pick-me-up, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Get your apron on, because you’re about to bake up something unforgettable.

What are Wine Cookies?

Wine cookies, also known as "Ciambelline al Vino," are a traditional Italian treat often served at festive gatherings, enjoyed with coffee, or paired with, you guessed it, a glass of wine. Their roots trace back to the rustic, simple kitchens of Italy, where frugality met flavor in the most delightful way.

Made with basic pantry staples, these cookies have a slightly sweet, crisp texture and a subtle wine flavor that makes them irresistible. Do yo want to know the best part? They’re so easy to make, think of them as the perfect dessert for any time of day.

Pro Tips for the Best Wine Cookies

• While it’s tempting to grab any bottle of wine, using a crisp white wine can really elevate the flavor. Avoid overly sweet wines as they can throw off the balance of the cookies.
• Don’t skip the chilling step. Refrigerating the dough for 30 minutes helps it firm up, making it easier to shape into those cute little rings and giving the cookies that perfect, delicate texture.
• After rolling your dough balls into snakes and shaping them into rings, generously coat them with granulated sugar to give the cookies a sweet outer layer.
• Every oven is different, so start checking your cookies around the 20-minute mark. You want them to be golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. If you bake them too long, they might become too crunchy.

Can I Use Red Wine Instead of White Wine?

Yes, you absolutely can! While the traditional recipe calls for white wine, red wine will give the cookies a deeper, richer flavor. The color of the cookies might be slightly darker, but they will still taste amazing.

Can I Make These Wine Cookies Without Baking Powder?

The baking powder gives the cookies a bit of lift, creating a light, airy texture. If you skip it, you’ll end up with denser cookies, but they will still be delicious. Just keep in mind the texture may change a bit.

How Sweet are Wine Cookies?

These cookies are lightly sweet, with a subtle hint of wine flavor. If you prefer them sweeter, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste. Just remember, the wine adds some natural sweetness, so you might not need too much extra.

More Italian Cookies to Try!

Rose del Deserto

Italian Walnut Cookies

Traditional Chewy Amaretti Cookies

Sweet Glazed Taralli

Italian Canestrelli

How to Store Leftovers

Wine cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they store really well too. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.

If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Simply thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll be just as delicious as the day they were baked.

How to Make Wine Cookies

Step 1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and baking powder. Stir them together with a spoon to ensure they’re well mixed.

Step 2. Pour in the white wine and vegetable oil, and stir everything together. The mixture will begin to come together into a dough. Keep mixing until it’s smooth and easy to handle.

Step 3. Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead it by hand for a few minutes until it forms a smooth, elastic ball. If it feels too sticky, add a little extra flour, but try to keep it soft.

Step 4. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the dough firm up and makes it easier to shape.

Step 5. Once the dough has chilled, take small portions (about 15g each) and roll them into little balls.

Step 6. Then, roll each ball into a "snake" shape and twist it into a ring.

Step 7. Dip the rings into granulated sugar to coat them generously.

Step 8. Place the sugared rings on a baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.

Step 9. Bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Once baked, let the cookies cool slightly and serve with your favorite drink or just enjoy them as they are , crunchy, sweet, and wine-infused!