Oh, let me tell you about these *Snowball Christmas Cookies*! They’re the ultimate holiday treat, and every time I make them, it brings back the sweetest memories of baking with my grandma in her cozy kitchen. The way the buttery goodness melts in your mouth, combined with the crunch of nuts and that heavenly dusting of powdered sugar—pure bliss! These cookies are like little bites of winter magic, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a warm cup of cocoa while wrapped up in a blanket. Trust me, once you make these festive delights, they’ll become a cherished tradition in your home too. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into creating these delightful snowball cookies that are sure to bring joy to your holiday season!
Ingredients for Snowball Christmas Cookies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these delightful cookies! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for that lovely flavor
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted if you like
- 1/4 teaspoon salt to enhance the sweetness
- 1 cup chopped nuts (I love using walnuts or pecans, but you can choose your favorite!)
Make sure your butter is nice and soft—this helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all adore! And don’t skimp on the powdered sugar; it’s what gives these cookies their snowy finish. Now that you’ve got everything lined up, you’re ready to start baking these scrumptious Snowball Christmas Cookies!
How to Prepare Snowball Christmas Cookies
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making these delightful Snowball Christmas Cookies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of buttery goodness ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want those cookies to bake perfectly!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until it’s nice and smooth. I usually use a hand mixer for this—it makes the job so much easier!
- Now, add in the vanilla extract and mix it well. Ah, the aroma of vanilla is just heavenly, isn’t it?
- Gradually blend in the all-purpose flour and salt. It might feel a bit stiff at first, but keep mixing until everything is combined. You want a nice dough!
- Next, stir in those chopped nuts. This is where the magic happens! The crunchiness adds such a lovely texture to the cookies.
- Using your hands (or a small cookie scoop), shape the dough into small balls. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter—this size is just perfect!
- Place the cookie balls on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving some space in between for spreading.
- Bake them in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until they’re lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you don’t want to overbake!
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, while they’re still warm, roll each cookie in the remaining powdered sugar for that signature snowy look!
- Finally, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Just try not to eat them all before they cool down!
And there you have it! Your Snowball Christmas Cookies are ready to bring joy to your holiday gatherings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for last-minute holiday baking!
- Buttery and melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone adores.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts or add-ins like chocolate chips.
- Great for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings—watch them disappear!
- Simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Trust me, these Snowball Christmas Cookies will become a festive favorite in no time!
Tips for Success with Snowball Christmas Cookies
Want to make the best Snowball Christmas Cookies? Here are some of my tried-and-true tips that will help you nail it every time!
- Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not just slightly soft. Let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before mixing. This will ensure a creamy texture when you cream it with the sugar.
- Don’t Overmix: When adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them melt-in-your-mouth tender!
- Nut Preferences: Feel free to adjust the quantity of nuts based on your liking. If you’re not a huge nut fan, you can reduce them or swap in mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
- Cooling Time: Be patient while cooling! Letting them sit on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack helps them firm up and keeps that snowy coating intact.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to cookie perfection! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Variations for Snowball Christmas Cookies
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up, there are plenty of fun variations you can try with your Snowball Christmas Cookies! Here are a few ideas that I absolutely love:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Stir in a handful of mini chocolate chips for a rich, sweet twist.
- Fruity Surprise: Add some dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a burst of flavor and a chewy texture.
- Spiced Up: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
- Coconut Dreams: Toss in some shredded coconut for a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the buttery base.
Feel free to get creative—these cookies are so versatile, and you can make them your own!
Nutritional Information for Snowball Christmas Cookies
Each delightful Snowball Christmas Cookie is a bite-sized treat that packs a flavor punch! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one cookie, based on typical ingredients:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 20mg
Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy these cookies as part of your festive celebrations!
FAQ About Snowball Christmas Cookies
If you’ve got questions about making these delightful Snowball Christmas Cookies, you’re in the right place! Here are some common queries I often hear:
How should I store my Snowball Christmas Cookies?
These cookies are best kept in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but trust me, they probably won’t last that long!
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
You can, but the flavor and texture might not be quite the same. Butter gives these cookies that rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality we all love!
What if I don’t have nuts?
No worries! You can skip the nuts altogether or substitute with chocolate chips or even some crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet combo!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, roll it into balls, and then freeze them. Just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Snowball Cookies, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. They’ll still be delicious!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—I love chatting about cookies!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Snowball Christmas Cookies is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for about a week, though I doubt they’ll last that long with how tasty they are!
If you want to keep them for a longer time, you can also freeze them. Just layer the cookies between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll be good for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. No need to reheat them—these cookies are delightful right out of the freezer too!
Trust me, you’ll want to have some on hand for those surprise holiday guests or for a cozy night in!
For more festive recipes, check out this collection of Christmas cookies!
Print
Snowball Christmas Cookies: 10 Tips for Festive Bliss
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These are delightful snowball cookies perfect for the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 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)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together the butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually blend in the flour and salt.
- Stir in the chopped nuts.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Roll the warm cookies in the remaining powdered sugar.
- Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- For variation, add chocolate chips or dried fruit.
- Adjust the amount of nuts to your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Snowball Christmas Cookies, holiday cookies, festive treats