Oh, let me tell you about snowball cookies! These little treasures are pure magic in every bite—think buttery goodness that practically melts in your mouth! I remember the first time I had them at my grandma’s holiday party. The kitchen was filled with laughter, and the scent of fresh-baked cookies wrapped around us like a warm hug. She’d always have a plate piled high with these powdered sugar-dusted delights, and I could never resist sneaking one… or five! Now, I whip up these cookies every chance I get, especially during the holidays, to share that same joy and warmth with my own family. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these delightful snowball cookies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, for that lovely flavor
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for a light texture
- 1 cup chopped nuts (I love using walnuts or pecans, but feel free to choose your favorite!)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, to enhance the sweetness
Make sure your butter is nice and soft—it helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all adore. And don’t skimp on the powdered sugar, as it gives these cookies their signature snowy look! Ready to get baking?
How to Prepare Snowball Cookies
Now that you’ve got your ingredients all lined up, let’s dive into making these delicious snowball cookies! Trust me, it’s easier than you think, and the results are so worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and get that perfect golden hue.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins!
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix it in thoroughly. The aroma will be delightful!
- Gradually add the sifted flour, chopped nuts, and salt to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is just combined—don’t overdo it!
- Now, it’s time to shape the dough! Use your hands to roll small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re lightly golden on the bottom. Keep an eye on them; you want them to stay soft!
- Once they’re done, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This will help them firm up a bit.
- Finally, while they’re still warm, roll each cookie in the additional powdered sugar until they’re nicely coated. The finishing touch!
And there you have it! Your snowball cookies are ready to be enjoyed. Just be prepared for them to disappear quickly!
Why You’ll Love Snowball Cookies
- Buttery flavor: These cookies are packed with rich, buttery goodness that makes each bite a delight.
- Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be whipping these up in no time!
- Perfect for holidays: Whether it’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy weekend, these cookies bring festive cheer to any occasion.
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture: Seriously, they’re so tender and light, you’ll feel like you’re eating a cloud!
- Versatile with nut options: You can switch up the nuts based on your preference—walnuts, pecans, or even almonds—each brings its own unique twist!
Tips for Success with Snowball Cookies
Making perfect snowball cookies is all about the little details! Here are my top tips to ensure your cookies turn out just right:
- Use room temperature butter: Softened butter is a must! It helps create that fluffy texture when creamed with the sugar. If your butter is too cold, the cookies won’t spread properly.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Once you add the flour, mix until everything is just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we definitely want them to be light and tender!
- Roll them small: Keep your cookie balls about one inch in diameter. This helps them bake evenly and ensures that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all love.
- Let them cool slightly: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. This helps the sugar stick better!
- Watch the baking time: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your cookies. You want them to be lightly golden on the bottom but still soft to the touch.
- Experiment with nuts: Feel free to mix it up with different nuts or even omit them if you prefer a nut-free version. Just remember, the nuts add a wonderful crunch and flavor!
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making a delightful batch of snowball cookies that everyone will adore. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying snowball cookies, it’s always nice to know what you’re indulging in! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for one cookie:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2g
These values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, especially the type of nuts or butter. But don’t worry, these cookies are all about joy and indulgence! Enjoy them in moderation, and you’ll be golden!
FAQ About Snowball Cookies
Got some questions about making these delightful snowball cookies? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you out:
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! You can definitely switch up the nuts based on your preference. Walnuts and pecans are my go-to, but almonds or even hazelnuts can add a delicious twist. Just chop them up and fold them into the dough!
How do I store leftovers?
To keep your snowball cookies fresh and tasty, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about a week. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before you pop them in the container!
Can I freeze snowball cookies?
Yes, you can! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to freeze them solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll last for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature and roll them in powdered sugar again if you like!
What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
No powdered sugar? No problem! You can make your own by blending granulated sugar until it’s fine and fluffy. Alternatively, you can skip the sugar coating altogether and just enjoy the cookies as they are—they’re still delicious!
How do I avoid overbaking?
Keep a close eye on your cookies while they bake! They should be lightly golden on the bottom but still soft to the touch. Remember, they’ll continue to cook a little even after you take them out of the oven. If you’re unsure, take them out earlier rather than later!
With these answers in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to tackle snowball cookies like a pro. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your snowball cookies properly is essential to keep them fresh and tasty! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper in between to prevent them from sticking together, especially if you’ve rolled them in powdered sugar. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for about a week—if they last that long!
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, or if you just can’t resist making a double batch, freezing is a great option! Just freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them at room temperature. If you like, roll them in a bit more powdered sugar before serving for that fresh, snowy look!
As for reheating, snowball cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, so you don’t really need to reheat them. If you do prefer them warm, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds—be careful not to go overboard! You want them to be soft and inviting, not a melted mess!
With these storage tips, you’ll be able to savor your snowball cookies for days to come! Enjoy every last bite!
Imprimer
Snowball Cookies: 7 Steps to Irresistible Sweet Bliss
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Snowball cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats rolled in powdered sugar.
Ingrédients
- 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 together the softened butter and powdered sugar.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add flour, chopped nuts, and salt. Mix until combined.
- Shape dough into small balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Can be made ahead of time and frozen.
- Use your choice of nuts for different flavors.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 15 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 2g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 12g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: snowball cookies, butter cookies, holiday cookies
