Oh my goodness, let me tell you about snowball cookies! These little gems are the epitome of holiday cheer, with their soft, buttery texture that just melts in your mouth. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s rolled in a cloud of powdered sugar, giving you that sweet, snowy finish. They’re a staple at my holiday gatherings and trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked! Not only are they super easy to whip up, but they also bring a delightful crunch from the walnuts that perfectly contrasts the sweetness. Let’s dive into making these irresistible treats!
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
How to Prepare Snowball Cookies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your snowball cookies bake evenly and come out just right. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than cookies that are doughy in the middle! So, let that oven do its thing while you prepare the dough.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, grab that softened unsalted butter and the powdered sugar. You’re going to cream them together until it’s all smooth and fluffy. I usually use a hand mixer, but a sturdy wooden spoon works just fine too! Keep mixing until it looks like a lovely pale yellow cloud—this will give your cookies that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Yum!
Incorporating the Remaining Ingredients
Once your butter and sugar are perfectly creamed, it’s time to add in the vanilla extract. Mix that in, and then gently fold in the all-purpose flour, salt, and those delightful chopped walnuts. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything is combined, and you’ll be good to go! The dough should be soft and a bit sticky, which is exactly what we want.
Forming the Cookies
Now the fun part! Grab a teaspoon or a small cookie scoop and form the dough into small balls—about one inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a little space to breathe (you don’t want them to stick together!). I usually leave about 2 inches between each cookie. Trust me, they’ll expand just a bit while baking!
Baking the Cookies
Pop those cookies in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re ready when they’re lightly golden around the edges. They might look a tad underbaked in the center, but don’t worry—they’ll firm up as they cool. You want that melt-in-your-mouth softness, after all!
Rolling in Powdered Sugar
Once your cookies have cooled for about 5 minutes on the baking sheet, it’s time for the final touch—rolling them in powdered sugar! Just take each warm cookie and gently roll it in a bowl of powdered sugar until it’s completely coated. This not only adds sweetness but also makes them look beautiful and festive. Let them cool completely on a wire rack, and then you’re ready to enjoy your snowball cookies!
Tips for Success with Snowball Cookies
Now that you’re on your way to making these delightful snowball cookies, let me share some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature before you start. This helps it cream beautifully with the powdered sugar, creating that light, fluffy texture we’re after.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour and walnuts, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, and we want that melt-in-your-mouth softness!
- Space Them Out: When placing the dough balls on the baking sheet, give them enough space—about 2 inches apart. This allows them to spread out nicely without merging into one giant cookie.
- Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. Ovens can vary, and you want to catch them just as they turn lightly golden on the edges. They may look a little soft in the middle; that’s okay!
- Cool Before Rolling: Allow your cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before rolling them in powdered sugar. If they’re too hot, the sugar will just melt away, and we want that lovely snowy finish!
- Store Them Right: Once they’re cooled and rolled in powdered sugar, store your snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for several days—if they last that long!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating the most scrumptious snowball cookies that everyone will adore. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information for Snowball Cookies
Now, if you’re like me, you might be curious about the nutritional breakdown of these delightful snowball cookies. Here’s a quick glance at what you’re getting in each cookie—because even indulgence can come with a bit of knowledge!
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on the ingredients used, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy your cookies, and savor every bite—after all, they’re a treat worth indulging in!
FAQs About Snowball Cookies
I know you might have some questions about making these delightful snowball cookies, so let’s clear up a few common ones!
How should I store my snowball cookies?
Once your cookies have cooled completely and you’ve rolled them in powdered sugar, place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week—if they last that long, of course!
Can I substitute walnuts in the recipe?
Absolutely! If walnuts aren’t your thing or you have a nut allergy, feel free to swap them out for pecans or even leave them out entirely. You can also add chocolate chips for a fun twist!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour. It works like a charm and still gives you that lovely texture.
What happens if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough feels too crumbly and isn’t holding together, don’t panic! You can add a teaspoon or two of cold water or milk to help bind it together. Just mix gently until it comes together.
Can I freeze snowball cookies?
Definitely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re completely cooled and rolled in powdered sugar. You can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature and roll them in fresh powdered sugar if you’d like!
Is there a way to make these cookies more festive?
Of course! You can add festive sprinkles or colored sugar on top of the powdered sugar for a holiday touch. You could also experiment with flavors by adding a bit of almond extract instead of vanilla for a different twist!
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, these snowball cookies are perfect for making ahead! You can bake them a few days in advance and store them in an airtight container, or you can mix the dough and freeze it for later baking. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking!
With these FAQs, you should feel ready to tackle any questions that come your way while making these scrumptious snowball cookies. Happy baking and enjoy every snowy bite!
Why You’ll Love Snowball Cookies
- Quick to Prepare: These cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Delightful Texture: With their soft, buttery bite and a crunchy finish from the walnuts, every mouthful is a little piece of heaven.
- Festive Appeal: Rolled in powdered sugar, these cookies not only taste great but look like little snowballs—ideal for holiday gatherings!
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already, so it’s easy to whip these up whenever the craving strikes.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts or even chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic recipe!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good snowball cookie, making them a hit at parties, cookie exchanges, or cozy family gatherings.
- Great for Gift-Giving: Package them up in a cute box or tin, and you’ve got a lovely homemade gift that shows you care.
Snowball Cookies 3 Ways to Bring Joy This Holiday Season
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snowball cookies are soft, buttery cookies rolled in powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar together in a bowl.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Stir in the flour, salt, and chopped walnuts until combined.
- Form dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Let cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can substitute walnuts with pecans.
- For a variation, add chocolate chips.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: snowball cookies, holiday cookies, butter cookies
