Oh my goodness, let me tell you about snowball cookies! These little gems are the epitome of holiday magic, with their buttery, crumbly texture that just melts in your mouth. Every time I make them, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, where my family would gather, laughter filling the air as we rolled the dough into perfect little balls. It’s become a cherished tradition in my home, and trust me, once you taste that sweet, powdery exterior and the nutty goodness inside, you’ll understand why! They’re not just cookies; they’re memories wrapped in a delightful bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or just an afternoon treat, snowball cookies always bring a smile to my face—and they’re so easy to whip up! I can’t wait for you to try them!
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
Before we dive into the baking magic, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need. Trust me, having everything ready makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s nice and soft so it creams easily with the sugar. I usually take it out of the fridge about an hour before I start.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This is what gives our cookies that lovely sweetness and that signature snowy finish!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This helps bind everything together and gives the cookies their crumbly texture.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans): I love using walnuts for a bit of extra flavor, but pecans work beautifully too. Feel free to get creative with your nut choice!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of this adds that warm, comforting flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance everything out and enhance the sweetness.
There you have it! Simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Now, let’s get ready to bake some delicious snowball cookies!
How to Prepare Snowball Cookies
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these delightful snowball cookies! The process is super straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. Follow along, and I promise you’ll have a batch of buttery goodness in no time!
Preheat and Cream
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because starting with a hot oven ensures your cookies bake evenly and get that lovely golden bottom. While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do the trick. You want it to be airy and smooth, a perfect base for our cookies!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of chopped nuts. I usually chop my nuts finely to distribute that nutty flavor throughout the dough. You can use walnuts or pecans, whatever you prefer! Just make sure they’re evenly combined before adding them to the butter mixture.
Form and Bake
Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—keep it gentle! Once your dough is ready, form it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen starts to smell like a cozy holiday gathering!
Cool and Roll in Powdered Sugar
After baking, let those little beauties cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This is important because it helps them set just right. Once they’ve cooled a bit, roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. This step is like adding the finishing touch—a sugary snow that makes them look so inviting! Trust me, this is where the magic happens, and it’s what makes snowball cookies so irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, let me tell you why snowball cookies are a must-make in your kitchen! They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of joy that come together effortlessly. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch in no time!
- Buttery and Flavorful: The combination of butter and nuts creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s hard to resist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are ideal for holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, or just cozy afternoons at home. They always impress!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the nuts or even add chocolate chips for a fun twist. The possibilities are endless!
- Make Ahead: They store wonderfully and freeze well, so you can make them ahead of time and enjoy them later.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s family, friends, or neighbors, everyone loves these sweet, snowy treats!
Seriously, once you try these snowball cookies, you’ll understand why they’re such a beloved tradition in so many homes. They bring warmth, smiles, and a sprinkle of magic to every bite!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to create your snowball cookies, let me share some pro tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time! These little nuggets of wisdom will help you avoid common pitfalls and make your baking experience even more enjoyable.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature. It should be creamy and easy to mix, which helps create that light and fluffy texture. If your butter is too cold, the cookies won’t spread properly, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Don’t Overmix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them to be tender and crumbly!
- Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, so check them a minute or two early. You want the bottoms to be lightly golden, but the tops should still be pale. This ensures they’re perfectly cooked without drying out.
- Let Them Cool: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes is crucial. This helps them set and makes rolling them in powdered sugar much easier!
- Roll Twice for Extra Sweetness: For that extra snowy finish, consider rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once while they’re warm and again once they’ve completely cooled. It gives them that gorgeous, fluffy look and makes them even sweeter!
- Experiment with Nuts: Don’t be afraid to try different nuts! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts can add a unique twist to the flavor. Just remember to chop them finely for the best distribution in each bite.
- Store Properly: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. They also freeze beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a double batch and stash some away for later!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re ready to bake the most amazing snowball cookies ever! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor the delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen!
Nutritional Information
So, if you’re curious about the nutritional side of these delightful snowball cookies, here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in!
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 2g
These little treats are a delicious indulgence, so enjoy them in moderation! With their rich buttery goodness and nutty flavor, they’re definitely worth every bite. Happy baking!
FAQ About Snowball Cookies
Got questions about snowball cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my best tips and tricks to help you make the most of these delightful treats.
Can I use different nuts in the recipe?
Absolutely! While I love walnuts and pecans, feel free to experiment with almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts. Just make sure to chop them finely for that perfect texture in every bite!
How should I store leftover snowball cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft for several days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them—just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
You bet! Snowball cookies actually freeze really well. Just roll them in powdered sugar before freezing, and then you can roll them again after they’ve thawed for that lovely snowy appearance!
What can I substitute for butter?
If you’re looking for a butter alternative, you can try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!
Why are my cookies turning out flat?
Oh no! If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be because your butter was too warm or you overmixed the dough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and mix just until combined. If they’re still flat, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips can take these cookies to another level of deliciousness. Just fold them in after you’ve combined the dry and wet ingredients, and you’ll have a delightful chocolatey twist!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on them! Your cookies are ready when the bottoms are lightly golden, but the tops should still look pale. If they’re browning too much, pull them out a minute early—trust me, they’ll continue to cook a bit as they cool!
Hope these FAQs help you on your snowball cookie journey! If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a batch of those delightful snowball cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! Here’s how to store them properly so you can enjoy them for days (or even weeks) to come.
To store your leftover snowball cookies, simply place them in an airtight container at room temperature. I like to layer them with parchment paper between the layers to prevent any sticking. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about 5-7 days, which is plenty of time for you to savor each bite!
If you want to keep them longer, these cookies freeze beautifully! Just make sure they’re fully cooled before you freeze them. You can place them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. For added protection, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap before placing them in the bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their lovely flavor.
When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie (or two!), there’s no need to thaw them if you’re looking for a quick treat. Just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. This little trick makes them taste freshly baked again! If you prefer them at room temperature, let them sit out for about 30 minutes after removing them from the freezer, and they’ll be perfect.
So, whether you’re storing them for later or enjoying them right away, these snowball cookies are sure to bring joy whenever you indulge!
Print
Snowball Cookies: 7 Irresistible Bites of Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snowball cookies are buttery, crumbly 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and nuts.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture.
- Form the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let them cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Try using different nuts for variation.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: snowball cookies, powdered sugar cookies, nut cookies
