Oh, snowball cookies! Just saying the name makes me feel all warm and cozy inside. These delightful little treats are like a hug in cookie form, and they have a special place in my heart, especially during the holiday season. There’s something about their snowy, powdered sugar coating that just screams festive cheer, don’t you think? While they’re often associated with Christmas baking, I believe these buttery, nutty cookies deserve to be enjoyed year-round! They’re incredibly simple to whip up, which is perfect for those of us who might find ourselves in a bit of a baking frenzy (guilty as charged!). Plus, they’re so versatile! You can customize them with your favorite nuts or even add a hint of chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous. Trust me, once you take a bite and feel that buttery crumb melt in your mouth, you’ll be hooked. So, let’s dive into the magic of making snowball cookies that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re incredibly simple to make, so you won’t need to be a baking pro to whip these up!
- The prep time is just 15 minutes—perfect for those last-minute holiday cravings!
- Every bite is a delightful mix of buttery goodness and nutty flavor that melts in your mouth.
- They’re versatile—feel free to switch up the nuts or even add chocolate chips for a fun twist!
- These cookies are a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering or cozy afternoon tea.
- They can be made ahead of time and stored, making them a stress-free treat for busy days.
Quick and Easy Preparation
With just a few simple steps, you’ll find that making snowball cookies is a breeze! The short ingredient list means you probably have everything you need right in your pantry. Plus, it takes mere moments to mix everything together, and before you know it, you’ll have a tray of delicious cookies ready to bake. Trust me; this is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a baking superstar without the hassle!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a holiday party, a cookie exchange, or just a cozy night in, snowball cookies fit right in! They bring that festive spirit to any gathering, and their delightful appearance makes them perfect for sharing. But don’t worry, they’re just as enjoyable for casual snacking—grab a few with your morning coffee, and you’ll be smiling all day! These cookies truly make every moment a little sweeter.
Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for making those dreamy snowball cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming. This gives the cookies that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that signature snowy coating. Don’t skip this one!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our cookies. It provides structure while keeping them tender.
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans): Choose your favorite! They add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery goodness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that delicious, aromatic flavor. It really enhances the overall taste!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A little pinch to balance the sweetness and bring out all the flavors.
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling: This is the final touch that makes these cookies look like little snowballs. Trust me, you’ll want to roll them generously!
How to Prepare Snowball Cookies
Making snowball cookies is not just easy; it’s downright fun! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be basking in the warm, buttery aroma in no time. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and become perfectly golden. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step—imagine biting into a cookie that’s half-baked and gooey on the inside. Yikes!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. This is where the magic happens! The creaming process incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that light, melt-in-your-mouth texture. I usually mix for about 2-3 minutes, so it’s nice and creamy.
Step 3: Mix in the Vanilla
Next, add in that glorious teaspoon of vanilla extract. This step is crucial because it adds a warmth and depth of flavor that makes these cookies truly irresistible. Give it a quick stir to blend it in, and you’ll start to smell that sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to mix in the dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour and salt to your creamed mixture. I like to do this in two additions, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to over-mix; you want your cookies to stay tender and not tough!
Step 5: Fold in the Nuts
Once your dough comes together, gently fold in the chopped nuts. Whether you’re using walnuts or pecans, this step adds that delightful crunch that pairs so well with the buttery base. Just use a spatula to incorporate them without overworking the dough!
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Now, take small portions of dough and roll them into little balls—about 1 inch in diameter works perfectly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a bit of space to spread. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they’re just slightly golden on the bottom. They might not look super brown on top, but that’s okay!
Step 7: Rolling in Powdered Sugar
Once your cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, while they’re still warm, roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar. This final touch not only makes them look like little snowballs but adds that sweet finish that you’ll love. Let them cool completely on a wire rack, and then enjoy your delicious creations!
Tips for Success
To ensure your snowball cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened. If it’s too cold, your cookies might end up dense rather than light and crumbly. Also, don’t skip the chilling step if your dough feels too soft—just pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. When rolling them in powdered sugar, do it while they’re still warm; it helps the sugar stick better, giving you that beautiful snowy finish. And remember, every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. If they start to brown too quickly, you might want to rotate the baking sheet halfway through! Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your snowball cookies is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious. They’ll stay good at room temperature for about a week, but if you want to enjoy them longer, you can pop them in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you’ve got a big batch or just want to save some for later, feel free to freeze them! Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent sticking, and they can last up to a month in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy a cookie (or two!), there’s no need for reheating—these cookies are delightful at room temperature. But if you prefer them a bit warm, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful, as you don’t want them to get too hot! Enjoy your sweet treats whenever the craving hits!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the nutritional content of these delightful snowball cookies? Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect per cookie. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g (Saturated Fat: 4g, Unsaturated Fat: 3g)
- Carbohydrates: 10g (Sugar: 3g, Fiber: 1g)
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
These cookies pack a rich, buttery flavor, making them a perfect indulgence for special occasions or a sweet treat any time. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation, and you’ll be good to go!
FAQ Section
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! While walnuts and pecans are my go-to nuts for snowball cookies, you can definitely switch things up. Almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts can bring a unique flavor and texture to your cookies. Just be sure to chop them finely so they blend nicely into the dough. You might even experiment with a mix of nuts to create your own signature version of these delightful treats!
How long can I store snowball cookies?
Your delicious snowball cookies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for about a week. They’ll stay fresh and tasty, but if you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, where they can last for up to two weeks. If you’ve made a big batch (or just want to save some for later), feel free to freeze them! Layer them with parchment paper in between, and they can last in the freezer for up to a month. Just thaw and enjoy whenever the craving strikes!
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If you find your dough is too crumbly, don’t panic! This can happen sometimes, especially if the butter was too cold or if you overmixed the flour. A simple fix is to add a teaspoon of milk or water to the dough. Just mix it in gradually until the dough comes together nicely. If it’s still too dry, try adding another teaspoon. Just be careful not to overdo it; you want the perfect balance for those melt-in-your-mouth cookies!
For more tips on baking cookies, check out this stuffed cookie recipes page for inspiration!
Print
Delicious Snowball Cookies for Cozy Moments of Joy
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snowball cookies are a classic holiday treat made with butter, flour, and nuts, 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).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until slightly golden.
- Let them cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be frozen for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: snowball cookies, holiday cookies, dessert recipes