Oh, snowball cookies! There’s something so magical about these little treats that just scream the holiday season. They’re buttery, nutty, and dusted with a generous coating of powdered sugar—it’s like a cozy hug in cookie form! I remember the first time I made them with my family; we’d gather around the kitchen, laughter filling the air as we rolled the dough into perfect little balls. It’s such a fun activity, and the smell that wafts through the house while they bake? Absolutely irresistible! These cookies are not just a delightful treat; they hold a special place in my heart and on my holiday dessert table. Trust me, once you try these snowball cookies, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your own home too!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the most delightful snowball cookies. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering that buttery, nutty flavor you’ll love!
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing)
- 1/2 cup packed powdered sugar (this gives a sweet, melt-in-your-mouth texture)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted for a lighter cookie)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (I love using walnuts or pecans for that perfect crunch)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that warm, comforting flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling (because who doesn’t love that snowy finish?)
How to Prepare Snowball Cookies
Prepping Your Oven and Ingredients
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). It’s super important to have it nice and warm before popping those cookies in! While the oven is heating up, I like to clear off my countertop and gather all my ingredients. Having everything within reach makes the process so much smoother, trust me!
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Now, let’s cream that softened butter and powdered sugar together in a large bowl. I usually mix them on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy—this takes just a few minutes. The texture is key here; you want it airy to help those cookies rise beautifully! If you’re using a hand mixer, it’s a great arm workout, too!
Combining Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together your sifted flour, salt, and chopped nuts. This step is crucial to ensure the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. You don’t want a clump of nuts in one cookie and none in another, right? So give it a good mix!
Forming the Cookies
Once your dry ingredients are ready, gradually add them to the butter mixture. Mix until just combined; don’t overdo it! Now comes the fun part—shaping the dough into 1-inch balls! I like to use a small cookie scoop, but your hands work just as well. Just make sure to handle the dough gently to keep those cookies tender and delicious!
Baking Instructions
Place the cookie balls on a lined baking sheet, giving them some space to spread. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re just lightly golden on the bottom. Once they’re done, take them out and let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. This step is so satisfying—watching those cookies turn into snowy delights!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time: You can whip these up in just 40 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings!
- Rich, buttery flavor: Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering that delightful taste you crave during the festive season.
- Fun to make: Rolling the dough into little balls is a great activity to do with family or friends.
- Versatile: You can easily switch up the nuts or even add a hint of cocoa for a chocolatey twist!
- Beautiful presentation: The snowy powdered sugar coating makes these cookies look as good as they taste—perfect for sharing!
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and save some for later; they freeze beautifully and are ready whenever you need a sweet treat!
- Kid-approved: They’re always a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a great addition to any holiday cookie platter!
Tips for Success
Making snowball cookies is a breeze, but here are some of my favorite pro tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!
- Choose the right nuts: While I love walnuts and pecans, you can really mix things up! Try using hazelnuts for a unique flavor, or go for almonds for a lighter crunch. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend well into the dough.
- Don’t skip the creaming step: It’s super important to cream the butter and powdered sugar until it’s fluffy. This helps create an airy texture that makes your cookies melt in your mouth. If it feels a bit too thick, a tiny splash of milk can help loosen it up!
- Chill the dough: If you find the dough a little too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps firm it up, making it easier to roll into those perfect little balls.
- Watch your baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. You’re looking for a light golden color on the bottom. If they start to brown too much, they can taste dry, and nobody wants that!
- Rolling in powdered sugar: For an extra festive touch, roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice—once while they’re still warm and again once they’ve cooled completely. This gives that gorgeous snowy effect and adds an extra layer of sweetness!
- Don’t overmix: When combining the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want them to be soft and tender!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be on your way to making the most delicious snowball cookies ever. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Curious about what goes into these delightful snowball cookies? Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per cookie. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes, but this will give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2g
So, there you have it! These snowball cookies are a delightful treat that packs a rich flavor without going overboard on calories. Enjoy them guilt-free during the holidays or any time you need a little sweetness in your day!
FAQ Section
Got questions about snowball cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I get, along with my answers to help you along your cookie-making journey.
Can I use different nuts in snowball cookies?
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are my go-to favorites, feel free to experiment with hazelnuts, almonds, or even pistachios for a unique twist. Just make sure to chop them finely so they blend nicely into the dough.
How should I store snowball cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about a week! If you want to keep them longer, just pop them in the freezer—trust me, they freeze beautifully!
Can I make snowball cookies in advance?
Yes, you can! These cookies actually get better as they sit. You can prepare the dough ahead of time, shape it into balls, and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just bake straight from the freezer—no thawing needed!
What if my dough is too sticky?
If you find your dough is a bit sticky to work with, don’t panic! Just chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This will make it easier to roll into those perfect little balls without making a mess!
What common mistakes should I avoid?
One common pitfall is overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients. This can lead to tougher cookies, and we want them soft and tender! Also, keep an eye on your baking time—overbaking can dry them out. Look for that light golden color on the bottom!
Can I add flavors to the dough?
Absolutely! If you want to jazz things up a bit, consider adding a touch of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough. It adds a lovely layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery taste of the cookies.
What should I do if I don’t have powdered sugar?
If you find yourself without powdered sugar, you can quickly make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it’s fine and powdery. Just make sure to sift it before using to ensure it’s nice and smooth!
With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to mastering snowball cookies in no time. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your snowball cookies properly is key to keeping them fresh and delicious! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay tasty at room temperature for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long!
If you want to keep them around for longer, you can freeze them! Just layer the cookies in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. They’ll freeze beautifully for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Reheating snowball cookies isn’t really necessary since they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. However, if you want to warm them up a bit, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will give them that cozy, freshly-baked feel without overdoing it!
So there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can keep your snowball cookies delicious and ready to enjoy whenever the craving hits!
Print
Snowball cookies: 7 Magical Reasons to Bake Them Now
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snowball cookies are buttery, nutty 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 rolling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar together in a bowl.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, salt, and chopped nuts.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let them cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Try different nuts for varied flavor.
- 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: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: snowball cookies, dessert recipes, holiday cookies
