When you bake snowball cookies the whole kitchen turns into winter magic. theyre little round bites all covered in white sugar that melt on your tongue and remind you of cozy nights with family by the fire. these tasty balls of butter and nuts always feel special at christmas or any get together cause everyones eyes light up when they see em.
The idea of snowball cookies goes way back. folks all over the world made versions of them for years, some call them Russian tea cakes, others call them Mexican wedding cookies. no matter the name the basics are the same: a buttery dough with chopped nuts rolled in sugar. its funny to think how one simple cookie has traveled so far and become a holiday hit everywhere.
People cant get enough of these cookies when the holidays hit full swing, theyre everywhere on dessert tables at parties and homes. having a go-to snowball cookie recipe is key so you can whip up a batch when friends drop by or when youre just craving something sweet and buttery. in this post youll find a simple recipe, tips that helped me out a ton, and some fun twists to try.
What Are Snowball Cookies?
Snowball cookies are small round treats that feel light and crumbly when you bite into them. theyre made from butter, flour, sugar and nuts, then rolled in a dusting of confectioners sugar so they look like little snowballs. the outside is sweet and powdery, the inside has a mild nut flavor and a soft texture that almost melts.
Theyre simple but fancy enough to look good on a plate at parties, and people love how they bring back memories of holidays past. despite the fancy names theyre pretty easy to make, and once youve got the hang of the dough youll be rolling them out in no time.
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
To make about 24 cookies, you need:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (softened)
- Confectioners sugar: 1 cup (plus extra for dusting)
- Nuts: 1 cup (finely chopped pecans or walnuts)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Optional: almond extract, lemon zest, or chocolate chips
Directions: How to Make Snowball Cookies
Preparation
Preheat youre oven to 350°F (175°C). get a baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Mixing Ingredients
In a big bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until it looks light and fluffy. dont overdo it or the cookies will be tough. then add the vanilla and mix a bit more.
Slowly stir in the flour and salt until you cant see white spots, then fold in the chopped nuts. try not to stir too much, or the dough can get dense.
Shaping Cookies
Pinch a small amount of dough and roll it into balls about 1 inch wide. place them on the baking sheet leaving some space so they can spread a little.
Baking Instructions
Bake in the middle of the oven for 12–15 minutes, until the bottoms are just turning golden but the tops still look pale.
Cooling and Dusting
Let the cookies sit on the sheet for 5 minutes, then carefully roll them in extra sugar while theyre warm. Transfer to a wire rack and dust again once theyre fully cool.
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
- Choosing the right nuts: pecans and walnuts are the usual pick, but try almonds or hazelnuts for a new taste.
- Chill the dough: if its too soft, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to make rolling easier.
- Rotate for even baking: move the sheet half way through bake time so all cookies get the same heat.
- Storage: keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temp for up to a week.
- Fun add-ins: mix in some lemon zest, almond extract, or mini chocolate chips.
Snowball Cookies Recipe Variations
Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the flour and toss in a handful of chocolate chips. you get a chocolaty twist on the classic.
Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies
Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend that has xanthan gum so the cookies dont fall apart.
Nut-Free Options
Leave out the nuts or use pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead for a seed-based crunch.
Serving and Presentation Suggestions
- Ideal serving: pair with a cup of hot cocoa or tea for a perfect afternoon snack.
- Creative display: arrange on a festive tray, sprinkle more sugar on top, or put in clear bags as gifts.
- Pairings: they go great with coffee, milk, or a spiced cider at holiday parties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Whats the difference between snowball cookies and Russian tea cakes? Theyre almost the same, just different names in different places.
- Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, once totally cool, layer them with parchment in an airtight box and freeze up to 3 months.
- Whats a butter substitute? You can use coconut oil or margarine, just soften it first.
- How do I keep them fresh? Store in a sealed container at room temp, or put them in the fridge for longer life.
- Can I add chocolate? Sure, chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate is a tasty addition.
Conclusion
Snowball cookies are a simple treat that always brings a smile. theyre buttery, nutty, and sweet all at once. next time youre in the mood for something special, give this recipe a try and share the warm feelings with friends or family.
snowball cookies recipe
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper (optional)
- 1 electric mixer or whisk
- 1 measuring cups and spoons
- 1 cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or leave it ungreased.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and ½ cup of powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy using an electric mixer or whisk.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts and salt.
- Using your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet.
- While still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely, then roll them in powdered sugar again before serving.
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