Oh, let me tell you about the sheer joy of making snowball cookies! These delightful little treats, also known as powdered sugar cookies, bring a sprinkle of happiness to any occasion, especially during the holidays. There’s something magical about rolling those buttery dough balls in powdered sugar, creating a snowy appearance that just screams festive cheer! Every time I bake these cookies, I’m transported back to my childhood, where I’d help my grandma in the kitchen, and we’d have flour flying everywhere, giggling as we tried to make the perfect little snowballs. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why snowball cookies are a beloved classic for so many families. They’re not just cookies; they’re a delicious tradition that warms the heart and fills the belly!
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up the most delightful snowball cookies you can imagine!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature – This will give your cookies that rich, buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – You’ll use this both in the dough and for rolling the cookies later.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The backbone of your cookie dough, creating that lovely texture.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) – Choose your favorite for that added crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla makes everything better, trust me!
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting – This is what gives your snowball cookies their signature snowy look.
How to Prepare Snowball Cookies
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making those scrumptious snowball cookies! I promise you, it’s easier than it seems, and you’ll be rewarded with cookies that melt in your mouth. Ready? Let’s go!
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for perfectly baked cookies, so don’t skip this step!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s fluffy and light. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be super creamy, so take your time here!
- Next, add in that heavenly teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well. Can you smell that? Yum!
- Gradually, sift in the all-purpose flour and fold in the chopped nuts. Mix until everything is just combined. You don’t want to overwork the dough; a gentle touch is key.
- Now, here comes the fun part! Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. If you find the dough a bit sticky, dampen your hands slightly to make rolling easier.
- Place those adorable cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to spread out as they bake.
- Pop them in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you’re looking for a light golden color on the bottom but a soft, pillowy top.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This is crucial because they’ll be delicate right out of the oven!
- While they’re still warm, roll each cookie in a generous amount of powdered sugar. This is where the magic happens! The warm cookies soak up the sugar, creating that snowy finish.
- Finally, allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love Snowball Cookies
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for last-minute baking or when you need a sweet treat fast!
- Deliciously buttery flavor paired with a delightful crunch from the nuts—every bite is pure bliss!
- Festive appearance that adds a sprinkle of holiday magic to any gathering or celebration.
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes them irresistible, you’ll be reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
- Versatile enough to customize with different nuts or flavorings, making them your own signature treat!
- A nostalgic recipe that brings back fond memories of family baking traditions—just like my grandma used to make!
Tips for Success with Snowball Cookies
Alright, my fellow bakers, let’s talk about how to make these snowball cookies truly shine! I’ve had my share of baking adventures, and I want to share some of my top tips to ensure your cookies come out perfectly every time.
- Use room temperature butter: It’s super important for the butter to be softened properly. This helps create that fluffy texture when creaming with sugar. If it’s too cold, your cookies won’t have that delightful melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Don’t overmix the dough: When you add the flour and nuts, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be tender and crumbly!
- Chill the dough (if needed): If your dough feels too soft or sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This makes rolling those little snowballs a breeze and helps them maintain their shape while baking.
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cookies. You want them lightly golden on the bottom but still soft on top. If you bake them too long, they’ll lose that tender texture.
- Roll in powdered sugar twice: For an extra snowy finish, roll the cookies in powdered sugar right after they come out of the oven while they’re still warm, and then again once they’ve cooled completely. This gives them that signature look and extra sweetness!
- Experiment with nuts: While walnuts and pecans are classic choices, don’t be afraid to mix it up! Try adding some chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a fun twist on flavor.
With these tips in your back pocket, I just know you’ll be crafting the most amazing snowball cookies that everyone will rave about. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Snowball Cookies
Now, I know you’re curious about the nutritional side of these delightful snowball cookies! It’s always helpful to know what you’re indulging in, right? Here’s a general estimate of the nutritional values per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. So, while you’re enjoying these little bites of joy, you can feel good knowing they’re a sweet treat you can share with friends and family!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made a batch of these delightful snowball cookies, you’ll want to know how to keep them fresh and delicious! Trust me, they won’t last long, but just in case you have some leftovers (or you’re planning ahead for a special occasion), here’s how to store and reheat them perfectly.
To store your snowball cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. I recommend layering them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if they even last that long!
If you want to keep them for longer, you can absolutely freeze these little gems! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll be good for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat; they’re delightful served at room temperature!
Should you want to warm them up a bit for that fresh-baked taste, you can pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them, or they might lose that lovely melt-in-your-mouth quality. A quick warm-up will bring back that buttery goodness!
With these storage tips, you can savor your snowball cookies for days to come. Happy snacking!
FAQ About Snowball Cookies
Got questions about snowball cookies? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my trusty advice to help you navigate your baking adventure.
Can I use different nuts in my snowball cookies?
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are classic choices, feel free to experiment with almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture, so have fun with it!
How should I store leftover snowball cookies?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them wrapped individually. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can! If you want to prep ahead, make the dough and chill it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just roll them into balls and bake when you’re ready for that fresh cookie goodness!
Why are my snowball cookies too dry?
Oh no! If your cookies come out dry, it might be due to overmixing the dough or using too much flour. Make sure to measure accurately and mix just until combined for that perfect texture!
Can I roll the cookies in something other than powdered sugar?
Of course! While powdered sugar is traditional, you can try rolling them in cinnamon sugar for a spicy twist or even crushed candy canes for a festive flair. The possibilities are endless!
Variations of Snowball Cookies
Now, let’s get creative with these snowball cookies! While the classic recipe is absolutely delightful, there are so many fun ways to switch things up and make them uniquely yours. Here are some of my favorite variations that you can easily try out!
- Nutty Delight: While walnuts and pecans are traditional, why not experiment with different nuts? Try using slivered almonds for a delicate crunch or even macadamia nuts for a rich, buttery flavor. Each nut brings its own personality to the cookie!
- Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Add some mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious chocolatey twist. The chocolate melts into the cookies, creating pockets of gooey goodness that pair beautifully with the butter and nuts.
- Coconut Bliss: Mix in some shredded coconut for a tropical flair! The coconut adds a lovely chewiness and a hint of sweetness that makes these cookies even more irresistible.
- Spiced Up: Give your snowball cookies a warm, cozy touch by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough. This is especially lovely during the fall and winter months, adding that extra layer of flavor!
- Lemon Zest: For a refreshing citrus twist, incorporate some lemon zest into the dough. It brightens up the cookies and adds a zingy flavor that’s oh-so-delicious!
- Double the Powdered Sugar: After rolling them in powdered sugar, dip them in melted chocolate and then roll them again in powdered sugar for a decadent treat that looks stunning and tastes heavenly!
With these fun variations, you’ll never get bored of making snowball cookies! Each twist brings something new to the table, so feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combination. Happy baking and enjoy the delicious adventure!
Serving Suggestions for Snowball Cookies
Now that you’ve baked up a batch of these scrumptious snowball cookies, let’s talk about how to elevate your cookie experience even more! There’s something magical about pairing treats with the right accompaniments, and I’ve got some delightful ideas for you!
- Hot Cocoa or Coffee: Nothing beats enjoying snowball cookies with a warm mug of hot cocoa or a rich cup of coffee. The creamy flavors of your drink complement the buttery cookies perfectly, creating a cozy moment you won’t want to miss!
- Festive Platter: Arrange your snowball cookies on a beautiful platter alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread men or peppermint bark. This creates a stunning dessert table that will have everyone oohing and aahing at your baking prowess!
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two snowball cookies. The contrast of warm, buttery cookies with cold, creamy ice cream is pure bliss!
- Fruit Compote: Serve your cookies with a dollop of fruit compote or preserves. The fruity sweetness cuts through the richness of the cookies, adding a refreshing pop of flavor!
- Whipped Cream: A light swirl of whipped cream on the side or on top of your cookies can add an extra layer of creaminess that pairs beautifully with their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Milk or Plant-Based Milk: A classic pairing! A glass of cold milk (or your favorite plant-based alternative) is always a hit with cookies. It’s the ultimate comfort food combo!
With these serving suggestions, you can create an unforgettable cookie experience that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So grab those snowball cookies, set the scene, and enjoy every delightful bite!
Print
Snowball Cookies 2: 5 Reasons They’re a Festive Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snowball cookies are tasty, buttery treats rolled in powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and chopped nuts, mixing until combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm.
- Allow them to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for later use.
- Experiment with different nuts for a unique flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: snowball cookies, powdered sugar cookies, holiday cookies
