There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a snowball cookie, where the outside is dusted with powdered sugar and a surprise of nutty flavor awaits inside. These delectable treats evoke memories of holiday gatherings, where laughter fills the air and cookie trays overflow with sweet delights that leave everyone grinning from ear to ear.
Picture this: a cozy kitchen, the fragrance of warm cookies wafting through as you roll each ball in snowy white sugar. Snowball cookies are not just for the holidays; they’re perfect for any occasion that calls for a little sweetness and cheer. fun Grinch sugar cookies Every bite promises a delightful crunch followed by a melt-in-your-mouth experience that leaves you craving more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These snowball cookies are easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients
- Their buttery flavor combined with a hint of vanilla ensures they’ll be an instant crowd-pleaser
- The visual appeal is undeniable with their snowy coating, making them perfect for festive occasions
- Plus, they can easily be customized with nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste!
I remember the first time I made snowball cookies for my family. My kids’ eyes lit up when they saw the snowy treats, and they couldn’t resist sneaking one (or five) before dinner! delicious chocolate thumbprint cookies.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for easy mixing; it adds richness to the dough.
- Powdered Sugar: Essential for both sweetness and that signature snowy coating; don’t skimp on quality!
- All-Purpose Flour: The base of these cookies; it provides structure and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture. For more inspiration, check out this thick and chewy cookies recipe.
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans work wonderfully here; they add delicious crunch and flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates the flavor profile; always opt for pure vanilla extract over imitation.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances sweetness and enhances all flavors in the cookies.
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). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking while baking.
Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step should take about 3-5 minutes.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually mix in flour, salt, and chopped nuts until fully combined. The dough will be soft but should hold its shape when rolled.
Shape Cookies: Using your hands, roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each ball as they will spread slightly while baking.
Bake Until Golden: Bake the cookies for 15-18 minutes until they are lightly golden at the bottom. You want them to be set but not overly browned.
Coat in Powdered Sugar: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before rolling each cookie in powdered sugar while still warm. This creates that dreamy snowball effect!
Let these delightful snowball cookies cool on wire racks entirely before serving or storing them away (if there are any left!). Christmas fruitcake cookies.
Now that you have your snowball cookies ready to go, you can enjoy their buttery goodness at any gathering or simply indulge yourself during cozy nights at home. Happy baking!
You Must Know
- Snowball cookies are not just delicious; they’re also perfect for holiday gifting
- The delightful texture and sweet, nutty flavor are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite
- Plus, they’re easy to make, making them a go-to recipe for any baker
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Gather all ingredients before starting to ensure smooth preparation. Mix the dough well, then chill it for at least 30 minutes. This helps in rolling perfect balls and enhances flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different nuts or even chocolate chips in your snowball cookies. festive peppermint swirl cookies You can also roll them in colored sugar for a festive look that’s very Instagram-worthy.
Storing & Reheating
Store your snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If they last longer, freeze them for future snacking; just thaw before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use finely chopped nuts for better integration into the dough, enhancing texture without overpowering flavor
- Ensure your butter is at room temperature; this ensures a creamier texture and uniform mixing
- Don’t skip chilling the dough; it’s crucial for keeping their shape during baking
Making snowball cookies has become a cherished tradition in my home. Family members eagerly ask when I’ll whip up another batch, and the smell of baking always brings smiles.
FAQ
What can I use instead of nuts in snowball cookies?
Try using crushed pretzels or coconut flakes as nut alternatives for extra crunch. For more inspiration, check out this coconut macaroon recipe recipe.
How long do snowball cookies last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about one week.
Can I freeze snowball cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just place them in a sealed bag after cooling completely.
Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of snowball cookies, where a soft, buttery exterior is dusted with powdered sugar, revealing a nutty surprise inside. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies evoke the warmth of holiday gatherings and are sure to bring smiles to all who taste them. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and customizable ingredients, they’re an irresistible treat that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Gradually mix in flour, salt, and chopped nuts until fully combined; the dough should be soft but shapeable.
- Roll tablespoon-sized portions of dough into balls and place them on prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden at the bottoms.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before rolling each cookie in powdered sugar while still warm. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: For added flavor, use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation. Experiment with different nuts or chocolate chips for unique variations. To enhance the presentation, roll cookies in colored sugar for festive occasions.
