Ah, snowball cookies! Just saying the name brings back such warm, cozy memories. I remember baking these delightful little treats every holiday season with my grandma. The way the powdered sugar dusts the cookies, making them look like they’ve just come from a winter wonderland, always made my heart sing. They’re not just any cookies; they’re festive morsels of joy that seem to melt in your mouth! The combination of buttery goodness and crunchy nuts is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for those bustling holiday gatherings or just a sweet treat for yourself. Trust me, once you try making these snowball cookies, you’ll find yourself making them again and again, not just during the holidays but all year long!
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
Gather these simple ingredients to create the most delightful snowball cookies! Make sure to measure everything out before you start, so you can breeze through the preparation. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (I love using walnuts or pecans, but you can choose your favorite!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
These ingredients come together to create those irresistible little bites of joy. Just imagine the buttery aroma filling your kitchen as they bake! Now, let’s get ready to make some magic happen!
How to Prepare Snowball Cookies
Making snowball cookies is a delightful and straightforward process, perfect even for beginner bakers! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of these festive treats ready in no time. Let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a crucial step because you want those cookies to bake evenly!
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar together until it’s nice and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla: Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until it’s well combined. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen!
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix it just until everything is combined—don’t overdo it! A little flour streak is okay.
- Fold in the nuts: Gently fold in your chopped nuts. This is where the magic happens! The nuts add that delightful crunch that pairs so well with the buttery flavor.
- Shape the cookies: Now, it’s time to shape the dough! Roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them some space to spread.
- Bake: Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re lightly golden around the edges.
- Cool and dust: Once out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. While they’re still warm, roll the cookies in additional powdered sugar for that snowy finish!
And there you have it! Those lovely snowball cookies are now ready to be devoured. Just wait until you take your first bite—pure bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re incredibly easy to make—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a delightful combination of buttery and nutty flavors.
- These cookies are a holiday classic, adding a festive touch to any gathering.
- The powdered sugar coating makes them look like little snowballs, instantly elevating your dessert table.
- They can be made ahead of time and stored, making them a stress-free treat for busy days.
- Versatile enough to customize with different nuts or flavor extracts to suit your taste!
Trust me, once you make these snowball cookies, they’ll become a beloved favorite in your home, just like they are in mine!
Tips for Success with Snowball Cookies
To make sure your snowball cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips I’ve picked up along the way!
- Use room temperature butter: It’s key to achieving that fluffy texture when creaming with powdered sugar. Cold butter can make it tough to mix!
- Don’t overmix: When combining the flour and salt, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want them melt-in-your-mouth tender!
- Roll while warm: Dust the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm; it helps the sugar stick better and gives that lovely snowy appearance.
- Check your oven: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You want them to be lightly golden, not browned!
- Experiment with nuts: Feel free to switch up the nuts based on your preference. Almonds or hazelnuts can add a fun twist!
With these little tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking the best snowball cookies ever! Enjoy every bite!
Variations on Snowball Cookies
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up with your snowball cookies, I’ve got some fun variations to try! Each one brings a unique twist to the classic recipe, and you can easily customize them based on what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.
- Nutty Delight: Swap out the walnuts or pecans for chopped almonds or hazelnuts for a different crunch.
- Cocoa Twist: Add a couple of tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey version!
- Almond Bliss: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a fragrant and nutty flavor that’s simply divine.
- Coconut Snowballs: Mix in some shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the buttery base.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
These variations will keep your snowball cookies exciting and allow you to experiment with new flavors. Enjoy the baking adventure!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your delightful snowball cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible! To store them, simply place the cookies in an airtight container. They’ll keep at room temperature for up to a week, but trust me, they might not last that long because they’re just too good!
If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them! Just wrap each cookie tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature.
Reheating isn’t really necessary since they’re best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for just a few seconds—careful not to overdo it! Enjoy your snowball cookies whenever the craving strikes!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for each snowball cookie. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on specific ingredients used, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
These tasty treats are a delightful indulgence, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ About Snowball Cookies
Can I use different nuts in snowball cookies?
Absolutely! While I love walnuts and pecans, you can swap them out for almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios for a unique flavor and crunch. Just make sure they’re chopped finely for the best texture!
Why are they called snowball cookies?
These little treats are called snowball cookies because of their round shape and the generous dusting of powdered sugar that resembles freshly fallen snow. They definitely add a festive touch to any holiday table!
How do I keep my snowball cookies from spreading too much?
To prevent spreading, make sure your butter is softened but not too warm when you cream it with sugar. Also, chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help them hold their shape better.
Can I make snowball cookies ahead of time?
Yes! These cookies store really well. You can make them a few days in advance and keep them in an airtight container. They also freeze beautifully, so feel free to make a big batch and enjoy them later!
What’s the best way to roll them in powdered sugar?
Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm for the best coating. It helps the sugar stick better! You can even do a second roll after they cool for an extra snowy finish!
Snowball Cookies: 7 Melt-in-Your-Mouth Variations to Love
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snowball cookies are small, round cookies made with nuts and coated 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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts.
- Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For a different flavor, try adding almond extract.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: snowball cookies, nut cookies, holiday cookies
