Oh my goodness, let me tell you about snowball cookies! These little bites of bliss are just the ultimate treat, especially around the holidays. They’re soft, buttery, and packed with crunchy nuts, then rolled in a generous coating of powdered sugar that just melts in your mouth. Trust me, every bite feels like a cozy hug! I love making them for family gatherings and cozy nights at home. They’re not just delicious; they’re also super simple to whip up! So, whether you’re baking for a festive occasion or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
Alright, let’s get down to the delicious details of what you’ll need to make these heavenly snowball cookies! It’s all about simple ingredients that come together to create magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: This is the base of our cookies, giving them that rich, buttery flavor. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming!
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Plus, it’s what we’ll use to coat the cookies later!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must-have for that warm, comforting flavor. It really elevates the cookies!
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the cookie dough, giving it structure and that lovely crumb.
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Feel free to use whichever nut you prefer!
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors—you won’t even taste it, but it makes a difference!
- Additional powdered sugar for coating: You can never have too much powdered sugar! This is what gives the cookies their signature snowy look.
And there you have it! Gather these ingredients, and you’re on your way to making the most delightful snowball cookies ever!
How to Prepare Snowball Cookies
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these snowball cookies! I promise, it’s easier than it sounds and oh-so-rewarding! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that will have everyone coming back for more.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your cookies bake evenly. You don’t want them to be raw in the middle but overcooked on the edges! So, go ahead and get that oven warmed up while you prepare your cookie dough.
Creaming the Butter and Sugar
Next, let’s cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together. In a large mixing bowl, beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes. It’s my favorite part because you get that lovely texture that makes the cookies so tender! The butter should be pale in color and airy. This step is crucial because it helps to incorporate air into the dough, giving your cookies that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Adding Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add in the rest of the ingredients! Start by mixing in the teaspoon of vanilla extract, and then gradually add the flour, salt, and the finely chopped nuts. I like to do this in parts, mixing gently until everything is just combined. You want to avoid overmixing, as that can lead to tougher cookies. Just until you can’t see any flour specks is perfect!
Shaping the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, it’s shaping time! Grab a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form small balls—about 1 inch in diameter works well. Don’t worry about making them perfectly round; they’ll look charming any way! Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them—about 2 inches apart should do, as they’ll spread a tad while baking.
Baking the Cookies
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake those beauties for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they’re done when the bottoms are lightly golden, but the tops should still be pale. Trust me, the heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen will be a sign that they’re almost ready!
Coating in Powdered Sugar
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, let them cool for just a couple of minutes—this is key! While they’re still warm, roll them in a bowl of powdered sugar. This not only gives them that signature snowball look but also helps the sugar stick better. Wow, the contrast of the warm cookie with the sweet powdered sugar is just divine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for these snowball cookies! First off, they’re incredibly quick to whip up—seriously, you can have a batch ready in just about 30 minutes! That’s perfect for when you have unexpected guests or just need a sweet little pick-me-up.
Plus, the ease of making them is a huge win! With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel like a baking pro in no time. And the taste? Oh wow, it’s like a hug from grandma! Buttery, nutty, and dusted with that dreamy powdered sugar, each bite is pure bliss.
These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a cozy family night, or just a sweet treat to enjoy with your morning coffee. They’re versatile too—everyone loves them, from kids to grandparents! Honestly, once you try them, I guarantee they’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire. You’ll be making them again and again!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your snowball cookies turn out absolutely perfect! I’ve got some handy tips that I swear by, and they’ll help you get the best results every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: This might seem obvious, but fresh ingredients make a world of difference. Make sure your butter is soft but not melted, and check that your nuts are fresh for the best flavor and crunch!
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the dough, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until everything is combined, and you’ll be golden!
- Chill the Dough (if needed): If your dough feels too soft to shape, don’t hesitate to pop it in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Perfectly Round Balls: For uniformly shaped cookies, use a cookie scoop or measure out the dough with a tablespoon. This makes shaping a breeze and helps them bake evenly!
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies! It’s better to check them a minute or two early. You want them just lightly golden on the bottoms.
- Roll in Sugar Twice: For an extra sweet touch, roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar right after baking, then give them a second roll once they’ve cooled completely. It gives them that irresistible snowy appearance!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making snowball cookies that are not just good, but absolutely fantastic! Happy baking!
Variations of Snowball Cookies
Now, let’s talk about some fun variations that can take your snowball cookies to the next level! While the classic recipe is utterly delicious, sometimes it’s nice to mix things up a bit and cater to different tastes. Here are a few delightful twists to consider:
- Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Swap out the nuts for a cup of mini chocolate chips! The melty chocolate adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the buttery cookie.
- Pecan Snowballs: Instead of walnuts, use pecans for a sweeter, milder flavor. They bring a lovely crunch and a slightly different nutty profile that’s equally delicious!
- Coconut Snowballs: Mix in 1/2 cup of sweetened shredded coconut into the dough for a tropical twist! The coconut adds a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness that’s just divine.
- Spiced Snowballs: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor. It’s perfect for the holiday season and brings a cozy aroma to your baking!
- Almond Snowballs: Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty flavor that complements the cookies wonderfully. You can also use finely chopped almonds instead of walnuts or pecans.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Just ensure your nuts are also certified gluten-free!
Feel free to get creative and combine these ideas! The beauty of snowball cookies is their versatility, so you can easily customize them to suit your cravings or the preferences of your loved ones. Happy experimenting!
Nutritional Information for Snowball Cookies
So, you’re probably wondering about the nutritional breakdown of these delightful snowball cookies! Here’s the estimated information per cookie, which is super handy if you’re keeping an eye on your intake:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 2g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and how you prepare them. For instance, if you swap out the nuts for chocolate chips, that will change the fat and sugar content. But hey, it’s all about balance, right? Enjoy these treats in moderation, and you’ll be all set for cookie bliss!
Storage Instructions
Alright, so you’ve made these scrumptious snowball cookies and now you want to keep them fresh for as long as possible! The good news is that storing them is super easy! First, let them cool completely on a wire rack. This step is crucial because if you store them while they’re still warm, they can get a bit soggy, and nobody wants that!
Once they’re cooled, place your cookies in an airtight container. I love using a sturdy plastic or glass container with a tight seal. You can layer them between sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together, which also helps keep that delightful powdered sugar intact! They should last for about a week at room temperature, but trust me, they’ll probably be gone much sooner!
If you find yourself with leftover cookies (which, let’s be honest, is a rarity), you can freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure they’re fully cooled, then pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to two months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. No reheating needed—just dive in and savor that snowy goodness!
With these storage tips, you can enjoy your snowball cookies for days to come. Happy munching!
Imprimer
Snowball Cookies: 7 Reasons They Bring Pure Joy
- Temps Total: 30 minutes
- Rendement: 24 cookies 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Snowball cookies are a delightful treat made with nuts and coated 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 finely chopped 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 the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add flour, salt, and nuts, mixing until combined.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool slightly, then roll in powdered sugar while warm.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Can substitute nuts with chocolate chips for variation.
- 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: 4g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 10g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 2g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: snowball cookies, dessert, holiday cookies
