There’s something truly magical about baking snowball cookies that fills the kitchen with warmth and joy. These little delights, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, are the *perfect* combination of buttery goodness and nutty crunch, all rolled in a snowy coat of powdered sugar. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! I remember the first time I made these for a holiday gathering; the joy on everyone’s faces as they took their first bite was priceless. This snowball cookies recipe is not just delicious, it’s easy, making it a go-to treat for any festive occasion or just a cozy night in. You’ll want to keep this one close!
Ingredients List
To whip up these delightful snowball cookies, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Start with 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; this makes the creaming process a breeze and gives the cookies their rich texture. Next, grab 1/2 cup of powdered sugar for that sweet touch. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to add a warm, inviting flavor. You’ll also need 2 cups of all-purpose flour for the base, along with 1 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work wonderfully here!). A pinch of 1/4 teaspoon salt helps balance the sweetness, and of course, you’ll want some extra powdered sugar for rolling those cookies in once they’re out of the oven. Trust me, it’s all worth it!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture. If you skip this step, the cookies can turn out flat or too chewy, and nobody wants that! So, let that oven warm up while you get the dough ready.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Now, grab a mixing bowl and cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. The creaming process is crucial because it incorporates air into the mixture, giving your cookies that delightful, tender texture. You want it to be smooth and creamy, like a fluffy cloud of sweetness!
Mixing Ingredients
Next, add in the vanilla extract and mix it in well. Then, gradually mix in the flour, salt, and chopped nuts. I find it best to add the flour in batches—this helps prevent a cloud of flour from exploding everywhere! Mix just until everything is combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely don’t want that!
Forming the Dough
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to form it into balls! Take about a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to create 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They don’t spread much, but you want to give them a little room to breathe while they bake!
Baking Cookies
Pop those cookie balls into your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re done when the bottoms are lightly golden. They might look a bit soft when you take them out, but don’t worry—after cooling, they’ll firm up just right!
Rolling in Powdered Sugar
After letting the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, it’s time for the fun part! Roll each cookie in extra powdered sugar until they’re generously coated. This step is so important because it gives them that signature snowball look, plus it adds a delightful sweetness. Allow them to cool completely before serving, but trust me, it’ll be hard to resist sneaking a taste before they’re fully cooled!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings!
- Delightful flavors that combine buttery sweetness with a nutty crunch.
- Versatile for any occasion, whether it’s holiday parties, potlucks, or cozy evenings at home.
- There’s something so satisfying about rolling them in powdered sugar for that snowy finish.
- Great for sharing, but good luck not eating them all yourself!
Tips for Success
To ensure your snowball cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—this helps with the creaming and overall texture. If you’re looking for a twist, try using different nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for a unique flavor! You can also add chocolate chips for a delightful surprise inside. For storage, keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to make them ahead, they freeze beautifully—just layer them between parchment paper and store in a sealed bag. Trust me, these little tips make all the difference!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick overview of the estimated nutritional values for each snowball cookie based on typical ingredients. Each cookie contains approximately 100 calories, with about 8g of fat (including 5g of saturated fat), 1g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find around 4g of sugar and 50mg of sodium per cookie. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a good idea of what to expect! Enjoy these delicious treats in moderation!
FAQ Section
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! You can switch out the chopped walnuts or pecans for your favorite nuts. Almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts can create a deliciously unique flavor in your snowball cookies. Just be sure to chop them finely to ensure even distribution throughout the dough. Each nut brings its own character, so feel free to experiment!
How do I store leftover cookies?
To keep your snowball cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week, but I bet they won’t last that long! If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just layer them between parchment paper in a sealed bag, and they’ll be ready to enjoy whenever you need a sweet treat.
Can I add chocolate chips?
You can definitely add chocolate chips to your snowball cookie dough for an extra burst of flavor! Just mix in about half a cup with the other ingredients, and you’ll have a delightful chocolatey twist on this classic recipe. The chocolate pairs beautifully with the buttery cookies, making them even more irresistible. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Serving Suggestions
These snowball cookies are delightful on their own, but they can shine even brighter when paired with the right accompaniments! I love serving them alongside a steaming cup of coffee or rich hot chocolate—there’s just something about the combination that feels so cozy. For a festive touch, you can present them on a beautiful platter with fresh berries or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for dipping. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a charming dessert experience. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out strawberry cheesecake cookies or peppermint snowball cookies.
Print
Snowball Cookies Recipe: 5 Delicious Easy Treats
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy snowball cookies recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and chopped nuts. Mix until combined.
- Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For a variation, add chocolate chips.
- Use different nuts for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: snowball cookies recipe, delicious easy treats