Ah, snowball cookies! Just saying the name makes me think of cozy holiday afternoons spent baking with my family. These little buttery delights, rolled in powdered sugar, are a staple in my kitchen every winter. I remember the first time I made them; I was so excited to see the magic happen as the dough transformed into these sweet, melt-in-your-mouth treats. Their delicate texture and lovely nutty flavor make them irresistible! Trust me, once you take a bite of these snowball cookies, you’ll be hooked. They’re not just cookies; they’re a warm hug in dessert form!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best snowball cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!)
- 1 cup powdered sugar, packed (this gives the cookies that sweet coating)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (for that perfect buttery texture)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work beautifully)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because every cookie deserves a little flavor magic)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
With these simple ingredients, you’re on your way to creating a batch of these delightful snowball cookies that will make your taste buds dance!
How to Prepare Snowball Cookies
Making snowball cookies is a breeze, and I can’t wait for you to dive into this delightful process! Let’s get started with some simple steps that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush it!
- Next, add in the vanilla extract and mix until well combined. The smell is already heavenly, isn’t it?
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and chopped nuts. This helps to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender cookies!
- Now, it’s time to form the dough into small balls—about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to overbake!
- Once they’re out, roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar to give them that classic snowball look. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying!
And just like that, you’ve created a batch of heavenly snowball cookies that are sure to bring smiles to everyone around!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for those last-minute holiday cookie cravings!
- Delightful buttery flavor that melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more.
- Roll them in powdered sugar for that beautiful, snowy finish—so festive!
- Customizable with your choice of nuts for an extra layer of flavor.
- Ideal for sharing at parties, family gatherings, or just because you deserve a treat!
- They store well, so you can enjoy them for days (if they last that long!).
- These cookies have a nostalgic charm that brings back warm memories of baking with loved ones.
Tips for Success
Making the perfect snowball cookies is all about those little details! Here are my tried-and-true tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right every time:
- Use softened butter: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. It should be at room temperature to create that light, fluffy texture when creamed with the sugar.
- Don’t skip the chilling: If the dough feels too sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes before shaping it into balls. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Watch your baking time: Ovens can be sneaky! Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly golden but not brown. Trust your instincts!
- Roll in powdered sugar twice: For an extra snowy finish, roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar right after baking, then give them another roll once they’ve cooled completely. More sweetness, more fun!
- Experiment with nuts: If you want to mix things up, try using different types of nuts or even toasted coconut for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
- Store them properly: Keep your snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week—if you can resist eating them all before then!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a snowball cookie pro in no time! Happy baking!
Variations on Snowball Cookies
One of the things I love most about snowball cookies is their versatility! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to inspire your baking:
- Nutty Alternatives: While walnuts and pecans are classic choices, why not experiment with other nuts? Try using almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a delightful twist!
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. They’ll still be just as delicious!
- Chocolate Snowballs: For a chocolatey delight, mix in some cocoa powder with the flour or add finely chopped chocolate to the dough. Wow, can you imagine the decadence?
- Coconut Snowballs: Add shredded coconut to your dough for a tropical flair. You can also roll the cookies in powdered sugar mixed with coconut for an extra-special finish!
- Spiced Version: If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Fruit Infusion: Add a bit of zest with some finely grated lemon or orange peel. It brightens the cookies and adds a fresh flavor that’s just delightful!
These variations can take your snowball cookies from classic to extraordinary! Don’t hesitate to get creative and make them your own. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your snowball cookies properly is essential to keep them fresh and delicious! Once your cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. This way, they stay nice and pretty!
Your homemade snowball cookies can be stored at room temperature for about a week, but trust me, they’re usually gone way before then! If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the freezer. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those frozen treats, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat them—these cookies are perfect just as they are, soft and sweet! If you really want to bring that powdered sugar back to life, give them a quick roll in some fresh sugar right before serving. Yum!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to indulging in these delightful snowball cookies, it’s always good to know what you’re enjoying! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect per cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Enjoy these sweet treats in moderation as part of your festive celebrations! They might be rich in flavor, but they’re also a reminder to cherish those warm moments spent baking with loved ones.
FAQ Section
Can I use margarine instead of butter for snowball cookies?
While I always recommend using unsalted butter for the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine in a pinch. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the taste and texture of your snowball cookies.
What type of nuts are best for snowball cookies?
You can’t go wrong with walnuts or pecans, but feel free to experiment! Almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts can add a fun twist. Each nut brings its own unique flavor, so choose your favorite!
How can I make my snowball cookies more festive?
To add a festive touch, try rolling your cookies in colored powdered sugar or adding some holiday sprinkles right after baking. You could also infuse the dough with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
Can I freeze snowball cookies?
Absolutely! Snowball cookies freeze well. Just make sure they’re completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months!
Why did my snowball cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to using melted butter instead of softened butter. Make sure it’s at room temperature, and if your dough feels too soft, chilling it for about 30 minutes can help maintain their shape while baking.
For more tips on baking cookies, check out this cookie baking guide from King Arthur Baking.
Print
snowball cookies: 7 Tips for Perfectly Soft Treats
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snowball cookies are buttery cookies rolled in powdered sugar, often made with nuts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the butter and powdered sugar in a bowl.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and nuts.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture.
- Form the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar and let them cool.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use different nuts for varied flavor.
- Can be made gluten-free with almond flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: snowball cookies, butter cookies, holiday cookies
