Description
Snowball Cookies
These melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies are buttery, crumbly, and dusted with powdered sugar for a festive, snowy treat perfect for the holidays!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Directions
Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the dough:
In a large bowl, beat together the butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Gradually mix in the flour and salt until well combined. Stir in the chopped nuts if using.
Shape the cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are just lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
Coat in powdered sugar:
While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to coat. Let them cool completely, then roll again for a snowy, festive finish.
Serve and enjoy:
Serve with a hot cup of cocoa or coffee for the perfect holiday treat!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories: 120 kcal per cookie
These sweet, delicate cookies are perfect for gifting, sharing, or adding to your holiday dessert table.
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect snowball cookies every time. First, ensure your butter is truly softened to room temperature for easy creaming. In your large bowl, beat the butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and vanilla for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, creating a tender texture. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough cookies. Gently fold in the nuts. For shaping, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure uniform size, then roll between your palms. This consistency is key for even baking.
Serving Suggestions
While delightful on their own, these cookies can be elevated for any occasion. For a holiday platter, pair them with dark chocolate peppermint bark and spiced gingerbread men. They make exquisite edible gifts; package them in a decorative tin with layers of parchment paper. For serving, dust a plate with a final sprinkle of powdered sugar and garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or cinnamon sticks. They are the perfect accompaniment to a glass of cold milk, a mug of spiced chai, or a dessert wine like Muscat.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Cream softened butter with sugar and vanilla. Mix in flour, salt, and optional nuts until just combined. Shape into 1-inch balls. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden on the bottom. Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar, then roll again once completely cool for a thick, snowy coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies without nuts? Absolutely. Simply omit the nuts for a classic, nut-free version. The cookies will still be wonderfully crumbly and buttery.
How do I store snowball cookies and keep the powdered sugar from melting? Store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Place parchment paper between layers. The sugar may absorb slightly but a light re-dusting before serving fixes this.
Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies? Yes. Freeze shaped dough balls on a tray before transferring to a bag; bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes. Baked cookies freeze well in an airtight container; thaw and re-roll in sugar if needed.
Why are my cookies flat or spreading? This usually means your butter was too warm or you omitted the salt (which strengthens gluten). Ensure your butter is softened but not melted, and accurately measure your flour using the spoon-and-level method.
What’s the best way to coat them in powdered sugar without making a huge mess? Place a generous amount of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll the cookies while they are still quite warm (but cool enough to handle) for the first coat, which acts like a glaze. The second coat on cool cookies will adhere perfectly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using melted or cold butter, as it will compromise the texture. Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour, as this develops gluten and leads to a tough cookie. Ensure you let the cookies cool slightly before the first sugar coating, but don’t wait until they are cold, or the sugar won’t stick properly. Finally, do not overbake; they are done when the bottoms are just lightly golden, not the tops.
Conclusion
Snowball cookies are a timeless, elegant treat that embodies the spirit of holiday baking. Their simple ingredient list yields a complex, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is always a crowd-pleaser. By following this enhanced guide, avoiding common pitfalls, and using the serving ideas, you can master this classic recipe. Whether for gifting, sharing, or enjoying quietly with a warm drink, these snowy delights are sure to become a cherished tradition in your baking repertoire.