Oh, snowball cookies! Just the thought of them brings back the warmest memories of baking with my grandma during the holidays. These little bites of joy are sweet, buttery, and coated in a generous layer of powdered sugar, making them look like delightful little snowballs! Honestly, every time I take a bite, I’m transported back to her cozy kitchen, filled with laughter and the smell of freshly baked cookies. They’re so easy to whip up, and trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked! Whether you’re making them for a festive gathering or just because you need a sweet treat, snowball cookies are always a hit. Let’s dive into the magic of making these delightful cookies together!

Ingredients List

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (this makes mixing super easy!)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling them in later!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that lovely aroma and flavor)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (the base of our cookies)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance the sweetness)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great, but feel free to swap!)
• Additional powdered sugar for coating (the more, the merrier!)

How to Prepare Snowball Cookies

Preheat and Cream

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want your cookies to bake evenly. While that’s warming up, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins! Creaming helps to incorporate air into the butter, making your cookies tender and delicious.

Mix and Combine

Now it’s time to add in the vanilla extract. This little ingredient adds a delightful depth of flavor. Next, gradually mix in the flour and salt. I like to add the flour in parts to avoid a cloud of flour dust! Just mix until everything is combined; you don’t want to overwork the dough, or your cookies might turn out tough. Just a gentle hand here, folks!

Incorporate Nuts

Once your dough is well mixed, it’s time to fold in those chopped nuts! I’m a big fan of walnuts or pecans, but feel free to use whatever nuts you love or have on hand. Folding in the nuts not only adds a lovely crunch but also brings a nice earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cookies.

Shape and Bake

Now, let’s get shaping! Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a ball, about 1 inch in diameter. Place these little beauties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They need room to spread. Bake for 10-12 minutes, just until the bottoms are lightly golden. You want them to stay soft and tender, so don’t overbake!

Cooling and Coating

Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This is the perfect time to prepare your additional powdered sugar for coating. While they’re still warm, roll each cookie in the powdered sugar until they’re beautifully coated. This step is crucial because the warm cookies help the sugar stick better. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. I promise, the aroma will draw everyone in!

Tips for Success

Alright, friends, let’s make sure your snowball cookies turn out perfectly every single time! Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way that will help you avoid common pitfalls and elevate your cookie game.

• Soften the Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start. If it’s too cold, it won’t cream well with the sugar, and your cookies might end up dense instead of fluffy. If you’re short on time, you can cut the butter into smaller pieces and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to soften up!
• Don’t Overmix: When you’re mixing in the flour, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies. Just mix until you see no more flour streaks, and then stop. Your dough will be much happier!
• Watch the Oven: Every oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be set but still soft when you take them out. If you see them browning too much, it’s time to pull them! Remember, they’ll continue to cook a bit while cooling.
• Roll While Warm: Don’t wait too long to roll your cookies in powdered sugar! Doing it while they’re still warm helps the sugar stick better, giving you that lovely, snowy finish. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
• Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to get creative with the nuts you use. If you’re not a fan of walnuts or pecans, try almonds or even toasting the nuts for an extra layer of flavor. Just remember to chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most delightful snowball cookies! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of these delightful snowball cookies! Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. But here’s a general idea of what you can expect per cookie:

• Calories: 100
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 30mg
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g
• Protein: 1g

So, as you enjoy these scrumptious treats, you’ll know a bit about what you’re indulging in! Just remember, balance is key, and these cookies are all about that sweet, buttery goodness. Enjoy every bite!

FAQ Section

Can I make snowball cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! If you or someone you’re baking for has a nut allergy, you can easily make snowball cookies without nuts. Just skip that ingredient entirely, and you’ll still have deliciously buttery cookies. If you’d like to add some texture, consider incorporating mini chocolate chips or even shredded coconut for a fun twist!

How do I store leftover snowball cookies?

To keep your snowball cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week, but I doubt they’ll last that long! If you want to keep them even fresher, you can place a piece of wax paper between layers of cookies to prevent them from sticking together. Just remember, they’re best enjoyed within the first few days when they’re still nice and soft!

Can I freeze snowball cookies?

You can definitely freeze snowball cookies! Just let them cool completely after baking, then place them in a single layer in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature, and if you’d like, roll them in powdered sugar again for that fresh, snowy look. Freezing doesn’t change their flavor much, so you can enjoy that buttery goodness anytime!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Delicious: These snowball cookies are sweet, buttery, and melt-in-your-mouth good—perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth!
• Super Simple to Make: With just a few easy steps, even beginner bakers can whip these up without a hitch. You’ll feel like a pro in no time!
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy get-together, these cookies are a delightful treat that everyone will love.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the nuts or add other fun ingredients like chocolate chips or coconut to make them your own!
• Great for Any Occasion: Snowball cookies aren’t just for the holidays—make them for birthdays, bake sales, or just because you deserve a treat!
• Fun to Make with Kids: This recipe is a fantastic way to involve little ones in the kitchen. They’ll love rolling the dough into balls and dusting them with powdered sugar!

For more festive ideas, check out our Christmas dessert recipes!

Snowball Cookies: 5 Steps to Sweet, Melt-in-Your-Mouth Joy

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

Deliciously sweet and buttery snowball cookies coated in powdered sugar.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• Additional powdered sugar for coating

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Gradually add flour and salt, mixing until combined.
5. Fold in the chopped nuts.
6. Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
7. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden.
9. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes.
10. Roll the warm cookies in additional powdered sugar before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Make sure the butter is softened for easy mixing.
• You can use a mixer for a smoother dough.
• Don’t overbake; the cookies should be soft.
• Feel free to substitute nuts based on your preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: snowball cookies, cookie recipe, dessert recipe