Snowball cookies are one of those magical treats that dance around the holidays, bringing warmth and joy with every bite. These delightful, buttery cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture that just screams comfort. I remember making them with my grandma every Christmas; we’d roll them in powdered sugar until they looked like little snowballs, and the whole kitchen would smell like buttery goodness! There’s something so festive about these cookies that makes them perfect for sharing with family and friends. They’re not just cookies; they’re little bites of nostalgia that remind me of cozy gatherings, laughter, and holiday cheer. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll want to keep the tradition going all season long!
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (I love using walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for that lovely aroma
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, to enhance the sweetness
How to Prepare Snowball Cookies
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these Snowball cookies! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of buttery goodness in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those cookies to bake evenly!
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. I usually go for about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer, but you can also use a wooden spoon if you’re feeling strong!
- Once it’s all fluffy and creamy, add in the vanilla extract. Oh, the smell of vanilla wafting through your kitchen is heavenly!
- Now, it’s time to gradually mix in the sifted flour, salt, and finely chopped nuts. Do this gently until just combined—you don’t want to overmix, or the cookies might lose that tender texture.
- Next, scoop out the dough and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. This is where the fun begins! You can make them a bit smaller or larger depending on your preference.
- Place those little balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between them for spreading.
- Bake in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just lightly golden. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture!
- Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. Do this while they’re still warm for the best coating! Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
And there you have it—a batch of Snowball cookies that’s sure to warm your heart and home!
Why You’ll Love These Snowball Cookies
- They’re incredibly easy to make—perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- With their buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re a true crowd-pleaser.
- These cookies are a fantastic holiday treat, bringing festive cheer to any gathering.
- They’re versatile! You can switch up the nuts or even add a pinch of cinnamon for a little twist.
- They look adorable dusted in powdered sugar—who can resist those little snowball treats?
- These cookies can be made ahead of time and stored, so you can enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.
- They’re great for sharing! Perfect for cookie platters or gifts during the holiday season.
Tips for Success with Snowball Cookies
Making perfect Snowball cookies is all about those little details! Here are my top tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right:
- Use room temperature butter: This is key for that light and fluffy texture. If your butter is too cold, it won’t cream properly, and if it’s too warm, your cookies might spread too much!
- Don’t skip the chilling: If you find the dough a bit sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before rolling. This helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
- Measure carefully: For the flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, which we definitely don’t want!
- Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies at the 10-minute mark. They’re done when the edges are just golden; they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.
- Roll while warm: For the best powdered sugar coating, roll your cookies in the sugar while they’re still warm. This helps the sugar stick better and creates that beautiful snowy appearance!
- Experiment with nuts: While walnuts and pecans are traditional, feel free to try almonds or hazelnuts for a different flavor. Just make sure they’re finely chopped!
- Storage is key: Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness. If you want to freeze them, make sure they’re fully cooled first!
With these tips, you’re set to make the most delightful Snowball cookies that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Nutritional Information for Snowball Cookies
So, you’re probably curious about what’s packed into these delicious little bites! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for one Snowball cookie, based on standard ingredients. Keep in mind, these values can vary slightly depending on the specific brands and types of ingredients you choose.
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 2g
These little cookies are not just a treat; they’re a delightful balance of flavors that won’t derail your day! Enjoy them in moderation, and you’ll be all set to indulge during the holidays (or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up)!
FAQ About Snowball Cookies
Got questions? No worries! Here are some common queries I hear about Snowball cookies, along with my answers to help you out.
Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! If you or someone you know has a nut allergy, you can simply leave them out. The cookies will still be deliciously buttery and delightful. You could even substitute with some chocolate chips for a fun twist!
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Great question! You’ll want to keep an eye on the edges. They should be lightly golden but still soft in the center. Remember, they’ll continue to firm up a bit as they cool, so don’t worry if they look a tad underbaked when you pull them out!
Can I freeze Snowball cookies?
Yes, indeed! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely, then layer them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for about 2 months in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving!
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep those Snowball cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and tasty for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, the freezer is your best friend!
Can I use different extracts besides vanilla?
Absolutely! While vanilla is a classic choice, you can experiment with almond extract or even a hint of coconut extract for a unique flavor profile. Just be cautious with the quantity; a little goes a long way!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Snowball Cookies
Once you’ve made your delicious Snowball cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store them properly and some tips if you ever need to reheat them.
To store your leftover Snowball cookies, simply place them in an airtight container. I usually layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially if you’ve rolled them in powdered sugar. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week, but trust me, they’ll probably be gone long before that!
If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. They can last up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. No need to reheat—these cookies taste amazing straight from the fridge, especially with that lovely powdered sugar coating!
So, whether you’re saving them for later or sharing them with loved ones, these storage tips will help keep your Snowball cookies as delightful as the day you baked them!
Serving Suggestions for Snowball Cookies
Now that you’ve baked up a batch of these delightful Snowball cookies, you might be wondering what to serve with them or how to elevate your cookie experience! Let me share some ideas that will make your treats even more scrumptious and enjoyable.
- A warm cup of cocoa: There’s just something magical about pairing these buttery cookies with a rich, hot chocolate. The sweetness of the cookies and the warmth of the cocoa create a cozy combination that’s perfect for chilly days.
- Freshly brewed coffee or tea: Whether you prefer a robust coffee or a soothing herbal tea, these cookies are perfect for dipping! The crunch of the powdered sugar and the warm beverage together is simply divine.
- Fruit preserves or jams: Spread a little raspberry or apricot jam on the cookies for an added layer of flavor. The tartness of the fruit beautifully complements the buttery sweetness of the cookies!
- Whipped cream: For a more indulgent treat, serve your Snowball cookies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side. It adds a lovely creaminess that makes every bite feel special.
- Holiday platter: Arrange your Snowball cookies on a festive platter alongside other holiday cookies and treats. This makes for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress your guests!
- Ice cream: If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or hazelnut ice cream. Crumble the cookies over the top for a delightful dessert that’s both crunchy and creamy.
Whatever you choose, these Snowball cookies are sure to shine and bring joy to your table. Happy indulging!
For more delicious recipes, check out this Snowball cookies recipe for a delightful twist!
Print
Snowball cookies: 7 Comforting Treats for Holiday Joy
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snowball cookies are delightful, buttery treats rolled in powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Extra powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour, salt, and chopped nuts, mixing until just combined.
- Form the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm.
- Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- These cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen.
- Feel free to substitute different 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: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Snowball cookies, butter cookies, holiday cookies