Oh, let me tell you about snowball cookies! These little gems are the epitome of buttery goodness, rolling in powdered sugar like a winter wonderland. They’re sweet, melt-in-your-mouth delights that are especially popular during the holidays. I mean, who can resist a cookie that’s practically dressed for a festive party? They’re super easy to whip up, making them a go-to treat for gatherings or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you try these snowball cookies, you’ll be dreaming of them all year round. They’re perfect for sharing, or you know, just keeping for yourself (no judgment here!).
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful snowball cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the base of our buttery flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing!
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This adds the sweetness and helps create that lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of your cookies, giving them structure. Don’t skip on sifting it for a light texture!
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans): Feel free to choose your favorite! They add a nice crunch and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that warm, comforting aroma and taste that ties everything together.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting: This is the finishing touch that makes them look as good as they taste!
Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can swap the nuts for something else you love or even leave them out entirely if you prefer. Just make sure to keep the measurements consistent for the best results!
How to Prepare Snowball Cookies
Getting these snowball cookies from your kitchen to your mouth is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be rewarded with buttery, sweet bites that everyone will love. So, let’s dive in!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect bake!
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Trust me, the fluffier, the better!
- Add the vanilla: Pour in the vanilla extract and mix it in well. The aroma will be heavenly!
- Combine dry ingredients: Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, salt, and chopped nuts. Mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender cookies!
- Shape the dough: Now, here’s where the fun begins! Scoop out small portions of dough, about 1 inch in diameter, and roll them into little balls. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; they’ll taste amazing regardless!
- Prepare for baking: Place the formed balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space in between each cookie since they’ll spread slightly.
- Bake: Pop them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. Keep an eye on them!
- Cool and dust: Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. The warmth will help the sugar stick beautifully!
And there you have it! You’re just a few steps away from enjoying these delightful snowball cookies. Happy baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: These snowball cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking or a spontaneous sweet craving!
- Delightful Flavor: The buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with the sweetness of powdered sugar creates a taste sensation that’s simply irresistible.
- Festive Treat: Their charming appearance and delightful flavor make them a staple for holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or cozy nights by the fire.
- Versatile: You can easily customize them with different nuts or even chocolate chips, so they’re never boring!
- Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are a hit with everyone, making them a great treat to share with friends and family.
Tips for Success with Snowball Cookies
To make your snowball cookies truly shine, here are some pro tips! First, ensure your butter is softened to room temperature—this is crucial for that airy texture we’re after. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with dense cookies. Next, keep an eye on your baking time; ovens can vary, so check for that light golden color on the bottoms around the 15-minute mark. And don’t skip the cooling step! Letting them rest on the baking sheet briefly before rolling in powdered sugar allows the sugar to cling better. Trust me, these little tweaks will make a big difference!
Variations of Snowball Cookies
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these classic snowball cookies! Here are some creative variations to try that’ll keep everyone guessing and coming back for more:
- Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Fold in some mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist. It adds a delightful chocolatey surprise in every bite!
- Different Nuts: Swap out the walnuts or pecans for other nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios for a unique flavor and crunch.
- Coconut Snowballs: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical flair. You can even roll them in coconut instead of powdered sugar for a fun finish!
- Spiced Snowballs: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Matcha Snowballs: Incorporate a bit of matcha powder into the dough for a beautiful green hue and a hint of earthy flavor. It’s a lovely twist!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own signature version of snowball cookies. The possibilities are endless, and each variation is a delicious adventure waiting to happen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your snowball cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay tasty for about a week, but trust me, they’re usually gone long before that! If you want to keep them for longer, these cookies freeze beautifully. Just wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for a bit. No need to reheat—just roll them in some extra powdered sugar, and they’re ready to delight again!
Nutritional Information for Snowball Cookies
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of these delightful snowball cookies! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is just a general guideline. Typically, each cookie contains:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Fiber: 1g
So, while they’re a sweet treat, you can definitely enjoy them without guilt—especially during the holidays! Just remember, moderation is key. Happy indulging!
FAQ about Snowball Cookies
Can I use different types of nuts in snowball cookies?
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are traditional, you can use any nuts you love. Almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios can add a delightful twist to the flavor and texture!
Why are my snowball cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be because the butter was too warm or you overmixed the dough. Make sure to use softened butter, not melted, and mix just until everything is combined to keep them nice and round!
Can I make snowball cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! These cookies actually taste even better after a day or two. You can bake them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Just remember to roll them in powdered sugar right before serving for that fresh look!
What’s the best way to store snowball cookies?
Keep your snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to store them longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each cookie tightly and they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months!
Can I add chocolate chips to snowball cookies?
Oh, definitely! Adding mini chocolate chips brings a lovely chocolatey surprise to each bite. Just fold them in with the nuts for a delightful twist on the classic recipe!
Snowball Cookies 3: Indulge in Buttery Bliss Today
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snowball cookies are small, 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
- Extra powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and nuts to the mixture.
- 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 the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let them cool for a few minutes, then roll in powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: snowball cookies, cookie recipe, holiday treats
