The aroma of freshly baked snowball cookies fills the kitchen like an embrace from a long-lost friend. These little treats are round and sweet, dusted with powdered sugar that resembles fluffy winter snowflakes. They melt in your mouth and bring joy at every bite—perfect for sharing or indulging alone while binge-watching your favorite series.
As I took my first bite of these delightful morsels, memories flooded back from childhood Christmases spent with family. It was always a race to see who could devour the most before dinner was even served. Snowball cookies have become a staple at our family gatherings, evoking warmth and laughter that linger long after the last crumb has vanished.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These snowball cookies are super easy to make and require minimal ingredients
- They deliver a buttery flavor with a hint of nuttiness that is simply irresistible
- Their charming appearance makes them ideal for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift
- Plus, they are so versatile; you can experiment with different nuts!
I remember one holiday when my brother decided to sneak a batch into his backpack for school—only to share them with his friends during recess! Everyone raved about them, and we laughed at how quickly they disappeared.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use soft butter for better incorporation into the dough; it adds rich flavor.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for sweetness and that signature snowy finish.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of our cookie dough; sifting it keeps everything light.
- Chopped Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans): Opt for fresh nuts for the best flavor; they add delightful crunch.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash will elevate the cookie’s flavor profile wonderfully.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweet flavors beautifully!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare yourself for some cookie magic! Grab your mixing bowl and let’s get started on these delightful treats.
Mixing the Dough: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. The mixture should have a pale yellow hue that promises buttery goodness.
Add Flour and Nuts: Gradually mix in all-purpose flour and salt until fully combined. Stir in chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough—this adds texture that makes each bite an adventure!
Shape the Cookies: Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets. Leave space between them because these beauties spread out just enough to breathe during baking.
Baking Time!: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden on the bottom but still soft on top. The aroma wafting through your home will make you feel like a culinary genius!
Dusting with Sugar: Remove from oven and allow them to cool slightly on sheets. While they’re still warm but not hot, roll each cookie in powdered sugar generously—it’s like giving each one its personal snowfall!
Remember to let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container—if they last that long! Enjoy every nibble as you reminisce about family gatherings or dream up future cookie escapades!
You Must Know
- These snowball cookies are not just delightful; they melt in your mouth
- Their buttery texture and sweet dusting of powdered sugar create a unique experience
- Perfect for holiday gatherings, they bring joy with every bite, making them a beloved treat in any household
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, cream the butter and sugar well before adding dry ingredients. This ensures a light dough that bakes evenly and achieves that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out nuts based on personal preference or omit them entirely for a nut-free version. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also add a cozy twist to these classic cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them warm, pop them into the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best snowball cookies, ensure your butter is at room temperature so it creams smoothly
- Avoid overmixing once you add flour to maintain that tender texture
- Also, let the cookies cool slightly before rolling in powdered sugar for a flawless finish
Cooking these snowball cookies always reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and sweet aromas. Every batch sparked joy and delighted everyone who tasted them.
FAQ
What can I use instead of nuts in snowball cookies?
You can substitute nuts with chocolate chips or dried fruits for variety.
How do I prevent snowball cookies from spreading too much?
Chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.
Can I freeze snowball cookies?
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months without losing quality.
Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies, a perfect blend of buttery goodness and crunchy nuts, dusted with powdered sugar for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt; mix until combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts and vanilla extract until evenly distributed.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden on the bottom but soft on top.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly, then roll them in additional powdered sugar while warm. Let them cool completely before storing.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit nuts or swap with chocolate chips or dried fruit.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help maintain shape.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg