Ah, snowball cookies! Just the name brings back a flurry of sweet memories from my childhood. These delightful, buttery treats rolled in powdered sugar have always been a family favorite during the holidays. I remember helping my grandma in the kitchen, her laughter ringing as we rolled the dough into little balls, dusting them in that snowy powdered sugar like a winter wonderland! The smell of warm cookies wafting through the house was simply irresistible. Trust me, as soon as you take that first bite, the melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavor will have you hooked. Snowball cookies are not just a treat; they’re a hug in cookie form, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying all by yourself. Let’s dive in and make some magic together!
Ingredients List
- 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
How to Prepare Snowball Cookies
Making snowball cookies is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until it’s nice and smooth. I love this step because the butter gets all fluffy and fragrant!
- Next, add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well. The aroma of vanilla will just make your mouth water!
- Now, it’s time to gradually add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and your chopped nuts. Mix until everything is combined. You want to be careful not to overmix—just until it all comes together.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each ball, as they will spread a little while baking.
- Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want them to be lightly golden but not browned!
- Once they’re done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This is the hard part—waiting! But trust me, it’s worth it.
- While they’re still warm, roll the cookies in additional powdered sugar until they’re fully coated. Let them cool completely, and then you can roll them one more time for that extra snowy finish!
And voila! You’ve got yourself a batch of delightful snowball cookies that are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- Deliciously buttery with that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Perfect for festive occasions, family gatherings, or just because you deserve a treat!
- They can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.
- Every bite feels like a cozy hug, making them ideal for sharing with loved ones.
Nutritional Information
When indulging in snowball cookies, it’s nice to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy these treats in moderation, and they’ll surely bring a smile to your face!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your snowball cookies turn out perfectly every time? Here are some of my top tips to achieve that light, melt-in-your-mouth texture! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—this helps create that fluffy consistency when you cream it with the powdered sugar. If it’s too cold, the dough can end up dense. Also, don’t overmix once you add the flour; just mix until combined for the best results.
Another little secret? Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping the balls. This helps them hold their shape while baking! You can also experiment with different nuts; pecans give a lovely flavor, but walnuts are a classic choice too! And, if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some chocolate chips for a delightful twist. Trust me, your cookie game will thank you!
Variations
If you’re in the mood to switch things up a bit with your snowball cookies, I’ve got some fantastic ideas for you! One of my favorites is to add chocolate chips—just fold in about a cup before shaping the dough. It gives a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite! You could also try using different types of nuts; almonds or hazelnuts can add a unique flavor twist. For a fun seasonal touch, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice kick. The possibilities are endless, and each variation is just as delicious as the classic!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your snowball cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy them longer, they freeze beautifully! Just layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat them; they’re best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, just like a cozy little hug on a plate!
FAQ Section
Can I use margarine instead of butter? While butter gives the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine in a pinch. Just keep in mind that the taste might not be as rich!
How should I store leftover snowball cookies? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you have extras, they freeze really well for up to three months!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and you’ll have delicious snowball cookies that everyone can enjoy.
What nuts can I use in the recipe? I love walnuts and pecans, but feel free to get creative! Almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts can add a delightful twist to your snowball cookies.
Can I add chocolate chips? Yes! Adding chocolate chips is a fantastic variation. Just fold in about a cup with the nuts for a chocolatey surprise in each bite!
Print
Snowball Cookies: 7 Irresistible Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snowball cookies are delightful, 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
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and chopped nuts, mixing until combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar and let them cool completely.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a variation, add chocolate chips.
- These cookies freeze well for later enjoyment.
- 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: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: snowball cookies, powdered sugar cookies, nut cookies
