PERFECT SNOWBALL COOKIES RECIPE EASY

There’s a certain magic I associate with the first snowfall of the year, a quiet anticipation that always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen, filled with the aroma of toasted nuts and buttery goodness as she prepared her famous Christmas baking. Among the many treats she’d make, her Snowball Cookies always held a special place in my heart (and stomach!). I’m going to guide you through creating these delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that will bring just as much joy to your home.

What Makes These Snowball Cookies So Special?

Let’s be honest, there are a lot of cookie recipes out there. So, what sets these Snowball Cookies apart? It’s all about the texture and flavor. They’re incredibly tender, almost dissolving in your mouth with a delicate, nutty flavor and a generous coating of powdered sugar that resembles a fresh blanket of snow. They are seriously addictive!

These cookies are also surprisingly easy to make. Don’t let their elegant appearance fool you; they require minimal ingredients and equipment, making them perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Plus, they’re a great make-ahead treat, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season.

The Secret Ingredients for Perfect Snowball Cookies

While the ingredient list is short and sweet, each component plays a vital role in achieving the perfect Snowball Cookie. Here’s a breakdown:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for the best flavor control. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature, but not melted. This is crucial for achieving that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, is the key to the cookies’ delicate sweetness and signature coating.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile and adds a warm, comforting note.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
• Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly in this recipe. Be careful not to over-mix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
• Nuts: Finely chopped nuts are essential for adding texture and flavor. Pecans and walnuts are classic choices, but you can experiment with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Snowball Cookies

Now, let’s get down to the baking! Follow these simple steps for Snowball Cookie success:

Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This step is important for incorporating air into the dough, which contributes to the cookies’ tender texture. Use an electric mixer for the best results, but you can also do it by hand with a little elbow grease. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 2: Adding the Vanilla and Salt

Once the butter and sugar are creamed together, add the vanilla extract and salt. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Incorporating the Flour

Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly crumbly.

Step 4: Adding the Nuts

Gently fold in the finely chopped nuts. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough.

Step 5: Chilling the Dough

Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the dough firm up and prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Chilling is a crucial step, so don’t skip it!

Step 6: Shaping the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.

Pro Tip: For uniform cookies, use a small cookie scoop to measure out the dough.

Step 7: Baking the Cookies

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. They should be pale in color. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn easily.

Step 8: Coating in Powdered Sugar

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. While they’re still warm, roll them generously in powdered sugar. Let them cool completely on the wire rack, and then roll them in powdered sugar again. This double coating ensures that they’re completely covered in that signature snowy sweetness.

Troubleshooting Your Snowball Cookies

Even with the best recipes, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Cookies are too flat: This could be due to using butter that was too soft or not chilling the dough long enough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Cookies are too dry: This could be due to over-mixing the dough or adding too much flour. Be careful not to over-mix, and measure the flour accurately.
• Cookies are too hard: This could be due to over-baking. Keep a close eye on the cookies and remove them from the oven when they’re set but not browned.
• Cookies are spreading too much: Chilling the dough helps, but also ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. An oven thermometer can be a lifesaver!

Variations and Additions

Once you’ve mastered the basic Snowball Cookie recipe, you can start experimenting with different variations and additions. Here are a few ideas:

• Different Nuts: Try using different nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts.
• Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
• Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spicy flavor.
• Extracts: Experiment with different extracts like almond extract or peppermint extract.

If you’re looking for other delicious cookie recipes, you might enjoy my Pecan Pie Cookie Bites, which offer a similar nutty flavor with a chewy texture. Or, for a simpler treat, try my Sugar Cookie Bars – they’re always a crowd-pleaser!

And for a truly festive and delicious experience, you can take inspiration from other pecan-based treats. If you love the flavor combination of pecans and pastry, you might find my Pecan Pie Crescent Rolls absolutely irresistible. They offer a delightful blend of flaky pastry and a sweet, nutty filling. For something small and easy, Mini Pecan Pie Bites are an excellent choice.

Don’t forget about other easy options too. For a summery treat that requires no baking, check out my No-bake Strawberry Bars. Alternatively, if you’re a cinnamon lover, you absolutely MUST try Cinnamon Roll Cookie Magic!

Tips for Storing Snowball Cookies

Snowball Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

Snowball Cookies are perfect for serving with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. They’re also a great addition to holiday cookie platters and gift baskets. They make an especially lovely treat when packaged in a beautiful tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. Their delicate, snowy appearance makes them a visually appealing and delicious gift.

Why I Love These Cookies

Beyond the delicious flavor and delicate texture, I love these cookies because they’re so versatile. They can be customized to suit any taste, and they’re always a hit with both kids and adults. More than that, they’re a tradition. They remind me of family, of holidays, and of the simple joys of baking.

There’s something truly comforting about making a batch of Snowball Cookies. The process of creaming the butter and sugar, the aroma of toasted nuts filling the kitchen, and the satisfaction of seeing those perfectly formed, snow-dusted cookies lined up on the baking sheet – it’s all part of the magic.

Final Thoughts

I hope this guide has inspired you to try making your own Snowball Cookies. They’re a simple yet elegant treat that’s sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create some delicious memories! Trust me, these little balls of nutty, buttery goodness are worth every bite. Happy baking!

Lady Maria

Perfect Snowball Cookies

These melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies are a classic holiday treat. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, nuts, and vanilla, they are surprisingly easy to make and are perfect for beginner bakers. The double coating of powdered sugar gives them a signature snowy sweetness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 57 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for coating
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Electric mixer or whisk
• measuring cups and spoons
• Plastic wrap
• baking sheet
• parchment paper
• Cookie scoop (optional)
• wire rack

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
4. Gently fold in the finely chopped nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned. They should be pale in color.
9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
10. While they’re still warm, roll them generously in powdered sugar.
11. Let them cool completely on the wire rack, and then roll them in powdered sugar again.

Notes

For best results, use softened but not melted butter. Chilling the dough is crucial to prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to 2 months. Variations: Try using different nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts. Add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough. Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough. Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough. Experiment with different extracts like almond extract or peppermint extract.