Oh my goodness, snowball cookies are an absolute must during the holidays at my house! I can still remember the first time I tried them; they were soft, buttery little bites coated in a generous dusting of powdered sugar that made them look like tiny, delicious snowballs. Trust me, there’s something so magical about that melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with the crunch of the chopped nuts. Every holiday season, my family gathers around to make these delightful cookies together, laughing and sharing stories while the sweet aroma fills the kitchen. It’s such a fun tradition, and I just love how these snowball cookies bring everyone together. They’re perfect for sharing or for indulging all on your own—just don’t forget to keep some for later, because they disappear quickly!
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies 2
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus additional for coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (I love using walnuts or pecans!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Snowball Cookies 2
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and warm for those cookies!
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and the 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes—don’t rush it, let that fluffiness happen!
- Next, add in the vanilla extract. I love this part because it makes the whole kitchen smell heavenly! Mix until it’s well combined.
- Now, gradually add the 2 cups of all-purpose flour and the 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix just until everything comes together. Don’t overmix; we want those cookies to be tender!
- Time to fold in the chopped nuts! I like to use walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. Gently mix them in until evenly distributed.
- Now, it’s time to form the dough into small balls. Aim for about 1 inch in diameter—think of them as little snowballs! Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, giving them a bit of space to spread.
- Pop those beauties into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. Keep an eye on them—every oven is a little different!
- Once they’re baked to perfection, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, while they’re still warm, roll them in additional powdered sugar. This is where they get that signature snowy look!
- Finally, let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before serving. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, they’re worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—just 15 minutes of hands-on time, and you’re well on your way to cookie heaven!
- So easy to make that even your little helpers can join in on the fun!
- Delightfully buttery and soft, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that will leave you craving more.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy nights at home—everyone loves these little treats!
- Versatile enough to customize with your choice of nuts or even a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
- They stay fresh for days when stored properly, so you can enjoy them at your leisure.
Tips for Success
Ah, the secret to perfect snowball cookies! I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that I can’t wait to share with you. Follow these tips, and your cookies will be a hit every time!
- Dough Consistency: Make sure your butter is truly softened before mixing. It should be at room temperature, which helps create that fluffy texture. If it’s too hard, your cookies might turn out dense.
- Don’t Overmix: When you add the flour, mix just until it’s combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, and we definitely want soft and tender snowballs!
- Baking Time: Keep a close watch on the cookies as they bake. Depending on your oven, they might need a minute or two more or less than the suggested time. They’re done when they’re lightly golden on the bottom but still soft to the touch.
- Rolling in Powdered Sugar: For that glorious snowy finish, roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar right after they come out of the oven. If you wait too long, the sugar won’t stick as well. But if you want an extra layer of sweetness, feel free to roll them again once they’re completely cooled!
- Cooling Properly: Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack after baking. This prevents them from becoming soggy and helps maintain that delightful texture.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the best snowball cookies ever! Trust me, your friends and family will be raving about them!
Variations of Snowball Cookies 2
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these snowball cookies! Here are some of my favorite variations that add a little twist to the classic recipe:
- Nutty Surprise: Switch up the nuts! Instead of walnuts or pecans, try using almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a different flavor profile. Each nut brings its special crunch!
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in some mini chocolate chips or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar into the dough. The melted chocolate will add a rich creaminess that pairs beautifully with the buttery cookies.
- Coconut Bliss: Add shredded coconut to the mixture for a tropical twist! Just half a cup will do, and it’ll give your cookies a delightful chewiness.
- Spiced Up: Want to add a little warmth? Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra layer of flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s one designed for baking to keep that soft texture intact!
- Festive Touch: For a little holiday cheer, toss in some red and green sprinkles before rolling the cookies in powdered sugar. It’ll make them look so festive and fun!
Feel free to get creative and combine different ideas! The beauty of these snowball cookies is that they’re versatile and can easily adapt to your taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
So, let’s talk about what’s in these delightful snowball cookies! Just a heads up, this is an estimate per cookie, so keep that in mind while you indulge. Each little snowball packs a tasty punch while still being a treat you can enjoy without too much guilt!
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 2g
So there you have it! These snowball cookies are not only delicious but also relatively simple in terms of ingredients, making them a delightful addition to your holiday festivities. Enjoy every bite, and remember, it’s all about balance!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to keep those lovely snowball cookies fresh for as long as possible. After you’ve baked and enjoyed your cookies, you’ll want to store any leftovers (if there are any!) properly. Here’s how I do it:
- Airtight Container: Make sure to store your snowball cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them from drying out and helps maintain their soft, buttery goodness. You can use a cookie tin or a plastic container—whatever you have on hand!
- Layering: If you’re stacking your cookies, place a piece of parchment paper between each layer. This prevents them from sticking together, and trust me, you want to keep that cute snowball shape intact!
- Room Temperature: These cookies can be stored at room temperature for up to a week. Just place them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later (or if you simply can’t resist making a big batch), snowball cookies freeze beautifully! Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months!
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen snowball cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No need to reheat them—they’re deliciously soft and ready to go straight from the freezer!
FAQ About Snowball Cookies 2
I know you might have some burning questions about these delightful snowball cookies, so let’s dive into the most common ones I hear! I want to make sure you have all the info you need to create the best batch possible!
Can I make these snowball cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s one that’s suitable for baking to keep those soft and tender textures we love.
How do I adjust the recipe for nut allergies?
No worries at all! You can simply leave out the nuts entirely, or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a bit of crunch without the allergens. The cookies will still be delicious!
What’s the best way to freeze snowball cookies?
Freezing these cookies is super easy! Just wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. So simple!
How can I achieve the perfect texture?
Great question! The key is to ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps create that light and fluffy texture. Also, avoid overmixing the dough when you add the flour. You want to mix just until combined for the best results!
Can I add flavor variations to the dough?
Totally! Feel free to get creative with flavors. You can add a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty twist or even a bit of citrus zest for a bright, fresh flavor. The possibilities are endless!
How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, snowball cookies can last up to a week—if they last that long! If you freeze them, they’ll keep for about two months. Just remember to enjoy them while they’re fresh for the best taste!
If you have more questions or tips, feel free to drop a comment! I love hearing from fellow cookie enthusiasts!
Final Thoughts
Alright, my friends, it’s time for you to dive into the world of snowball cookies! I can’t wait for you to experience that soft, buttery goodness and the joy of rolling them in powdered sugar. Seriously, give this recipe a try—whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies are bound to put a smile on your face!
After you’ve whipped up a batch, I’d love to hear all about your experience! Did you try any fun variations? How did your cookies turn out? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts; I’m always excited to connect with fellow bakers! And if you loved this recipe, don’t forget to rate it! Your feedback means the world to me and helps others discover the joy of making these delightful treats.
Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet aroma of snowball cookies!
Imprimer
Snowball Cookies 2: Bake Magical Bites of Joy Today
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
These snowball cookies are soft, buttery, and coated in powdered sugar.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional 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.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts.
- Form the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Let them cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar.
- Allow to cool completely and serve.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- These cookies freeze well.
- Adjust the amount of nuts to your preference.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 50mg
- La graisse: 9g
- Graisses Saturées: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 12g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 20mg
Mots-clés: snowball cookies, cookie recipe, holiday treats
