Snowball cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to any occasion. With their soft, buttery texture and a dusting of powdered sugar, these bite-sized wonders melt in your mouth. They are simple to make and perfect for sharing, whether during the holidays, at a family gathering, or as a sweet indulgence for yourself.
Why We Love This Best Snowball Cookies Recipe
This best snowball cookies recipe stands out for its combination of simplicity and taste. The ingredients come together effortlessly, making it a go-to recipe for bakers of all skill levels. These cookies offer a perfect balance of sweetness and nuttiness, thanks to the inclusion of nuts, which enhance their flavor and add a delightful crunch. Additionally, the snowy appearance makes them not only delicious but also visually appealing, perfect for festive occasions or as edible gifts. They are easy to portion, and their small size encourages you to enjoy one more without guilt.
Ingredients for Best Snowball Cookies Recipe
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear soft but will firm up while cooling.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat completely. For best results, let them cool completely and then roll them again in powdered sugar before serving.
How to Serve Best Snowball Cookies Recipe
Snowball cookies are perfect for various occasions, from casual family gatherings to elegant holiday parties. Serve them on a beautiful platter, dusted with additional powdered sugar for a festive touch. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making for a cozy afternoon snack. For a more colorful presentation, consider adding some seasonal decorations, like vibrant napkins or decorative plates. You can also pack them in clear gift bags tied with ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Their small size makes them an ideal treat for dessert tables or dessert bars, offering guests a subtle sugar rush without overwhelming them.
These cookies are also great for meal prep. You can batch bake them and keep them on hand for unexpected guests or an impromptu sweet tooth moment. Sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar just before serving to refresh their snowy appearance.
Expert Tips for Best Snowball Cookies Recipe
For the best snowball cookies, start with room-temperature butter. This ensures proper creaming, which contributes to a light texture. When measuring flour, aerate it first by stirring it in the container and then spooning it into your measuring cup before leveling it off. This prevents overly dense cookies.
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can enhance the texture and flavor of the cookies. If you prefer a stronger nut flavor, toast the nuts lightly in a dry skillet before chopping and adding them to the dough. This steps up their aroma and taste significantly.
Experiment with the type of nuts you use—almonds or hazelnuts can provide a unique twist on traditional snowball cookies. Lastly, be sure not to overbake them; they should be a light golden color on the bottom but soft to the touch. Remember that they will continue to firm up as they cool.
How to Store Best Snowball Cookies Recipe
To keep your snowball cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture. If you need to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Layer the cookies with parchment paper in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking, and seal tightly. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar again if desired. This way, you can have a delightful treat available at any time.
Variations of Best Snowball Cookies Recipe
While the classic snowball cookie recipe is delightful on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. For instance, try adding different types of nuts like macadamias or pistachios for a unique flavor. You can also incorporate chocolate chips or chunks into the dough for a luxurious twist. Utilizing flavored extracts, like almond or hazelnut, can elevate the taste profile and introduce new depth.
To make the cookies more vibrant, consider rolling them in colored sugar instead of powdered sugar before baking. This adds a pop of color and a bit of extra sweetness. For a seasonal variation, you might infuse the dough with coconut flakes or sprinkles of orange zest for a holiday feel. Finally, if you’re looking to make them a little healthier, experiment with using almond flour or coconut flour in place of some of the all-purpose flour. Each variation offers a new experience while keeping the essential charm of the snowball cookie intact.
FAQ about Best Snowball Cookies Recipe
If you’re wondering about the best snowball cookies recipe, you’re not alone. Many people have questions about this beloved treat. One common question is, "Can I use margarine instead of butter?" While butter gives the best flavor and texture, margarine can work in a pinch if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Another frequent query is, "How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?" Chilling the dough can help maintain their shape while baking.
If you’re curious about making these cookies in advance, the best snowball cookies recipe allows for freezing. You can freeze the unbaked dough balls and bake them fresh whenever you desire. Finally, you may ask whether you need to adjust the sugar if you add extra ingredients. Generally, it’s a good idea to taste the dough before baking; you can always adjust the sugar to suit your preferences as needed.
Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Use room temperature for easier mixing
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting Additional powdered sugar is for rolling after baking
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour Aerate before measuring
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) Toast nuts for enhanced flavor if desired
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet with space in between each cookie.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- The centers may appear soft but will firm up while cooling.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat completely.
- For best results, let them cool completely and then roll them again in powdered sugar before serving.
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