The sweet aroma of buttery goodness envelops your kitchen as you prepare to make snowball cookies. Picture these delightful little treats rolling around in powdered sugar like a snowy winter wonderland—who knew dessert could be so whimsical? As you anticipate that first bite, your taste buds tingle with excitement at the thought of the melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty flavor.
These little bites of happiness have been a staple in my family’s holiday traditions. I remember my grandmother bustling about the kitchen, her laughter ringing like jingle bells as she rolled each cookie in powdered sugar. The joy these cookies bring is undeniable—perfect for sharing at gatherings or indulging during quiet afternoons at home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These snowball cookies are simple and quick to prepare, making them ideal for novice bakers.
- Their buttery flavor combined with crushed nuts creates a delicious contrast that delights every palate.
- Visually stunning with their snowy coating, these cookies are sure to impress guests at any event or festive gathering.
- Perfect for holidays but versatile enough for year-round enjoyment, they always hit the spot.
I once brought a batch of these snowball cookies to a family reunion. The smiles and gasps of delight were priceless as everyone devoured them!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing; it helps create that rich flavor we all love.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweet ingredient gives our cookies their signature snowy appearance—don’t skimp on the dusting!
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of our cookie dough; use quality flour for the best results.
- Chopped Nuts (Walnuts or Pecans): Choose your favorite! They add a lovely crunch and flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: This magical ingredient enhances the overall flavor profile; opt for pure vanilla if possible.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out all those wonderful flavors we’re working with.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect golden color.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. You’ll notice it lightens in color and gets all airy—just like your spirits when you smell those baking cookies!
Add Dry Ingredients: Gently mix in all-purpose flour, salt, and chopped nuts into your creamed mixture. Stir until everything is well combined; you want to see no floury patches left behind.
Form Cookie Balls: Roll tablespoons of dough into small balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet. Make sure they have space between them because they will spread just a tad while baking.
Bake and Cool: Bake those delightful orbs in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden on the bottom. Remove them and let cool slightly before rolling them in more powdered sugar.
Final Dusting and Serve!: Once cooled completely, give those little beauties another generous roll in powdered sugar—because who doesn’t love an extra layer of sweetness? Serve them on a festive plate and watch everyone swoon!
And there you have it! With just a few simple steps and some quality ingredients, you’ve created delicious snowball cookies that will have friends and family coming back for seconds (or thirds). Enjoy every bite as you share these wonderful treats!
You Must Know
- These snowball cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion.
- Their buttery texture and sweet, nutty flavor will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, so get ready to impress your friends and family with minimal effort.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming the butter and sugar together until fluffy, then mix in the nuts. Roll the dough into balls and bake until lightly golden. This method ensures even baking and maintains a rich flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out walnuts for pecans or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth. You can also dip them in chocolate after baking for an indulgent twist that will elevate these cookies.
Storing & Reheating
Store snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them crispy again, pop them in a low oven for a few minutes before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter for easy creaming and better texture.
- Don’t skip the cooling time; it helps flavors develop.
- A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely finish that makes them look as good as they taste.
Sharing my first experience making snowball cookies brings back fond memories of holiday gatherings filled with laughter and crumbs everywhere. Friends couldn’t resist their charm, asking for seconds—and thirds!
FAQ
Can I use other nuts in snowball cookies?
Yes, pecans or almonds work beautifully as alternatives to walnuts.
What can I substitute for powdered sugar?
You can blend granulated sugar into a fine powder if needed.
How do I avoid dry snowball cookies?
Ensure your butter is softened properly; this keeps them moist and chewy!
Delightful Snowball Cookies Recipe for Any Occasion
Indulge in the delightful taste of snowball cookies, a buttery treat rolled in powdered sugar that melts in your mouth. Perfect for any occasion!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the flour, salt, and chopped nuts until fully combined.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into small balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom. Allow cooling slightly before rolling in powdered sugar.
- After they cool completely, give them another generous dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute walnuts or pecans with almonds for a unique twist.
- For added warmth, sprinkle cinnamon into the dough before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (about 15g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
