If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday treat, snowball cookies are a must-try. These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth delights are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them their signature “snowy” appearance. Perfect for Christmas, tea parties, or a nostalgic snack, snowball cookies are quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Snowball Cookie Recipe
- Buttery and Delicious: Rich, tender, and packed with flavor.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps that even beginners can follow.
- Perfect for Gifting: Their snow-like coating makes them festive and appealing.
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
This recipe makes about 24 cookies.
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (90g) chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, for coating
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
5 Steps to Perfect Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. For a snowy effect, roll them in powdered sugar again once they are completely cool.
5 Steps to Perfect Snowball Cookies A Holiday Favorite
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Once completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.
Notes
Pro Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies
- Use Room-Temperature Butter: Softened butter ensures a smooth dough.
- Toast the Nuts: Toasting pecans or walnuts enhances their flavor and crunch.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cookies dense.
- Double Coating: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice gives them their iconic snowy appearance.
Creative Variations
- Almond Snowball Cookies: Substitute chopped almonds and add almond extract for a nutty twist.
- Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Lemon Snowballs: Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for a citrusy kick.
- Spiced Snowballs: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze Snowball Cookies?
How Do I Store These Cookies?
Can I Use Different Nuts?
Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 30mg
External Links for Inspiration
The Ultimate Mojito Recipe – Refreshingly Classic
