Snowball Cookies
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of the holidays, look no further than snowball cookies. These little bites of joy are packed with flavor and coated in a sweet dusting of powdered sugar. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a warm cup of tea, these cookies will melt in your mouth and leave you craving more. Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that will have your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked cookies!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 15-20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 100 calories, 7g fat, 10g carbohydrates, and 1g protein. This is for one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts gently.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden on the bottom.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Additionally, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. Chopped dried fruits can replace nuts for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Pairings
Snowball cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. They also make an excellent addition to holiday cookie platters alongside other treats such as gingerbread and biscotti.
Storage and Reheating
Store snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and re-coat with powdered sugar if desired.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not using room temperature butter can affect the texture.
- Allowing cookies to cool completely before coating in sugar is crucial.
- Using too much flour can make the cookies dry.
- Not baking long enough results in a doughy center.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for better shaping.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform sizes.
- Experiment with different nuts for varied flavors.
- For a festive touch, add a splash of almond extract.
FAQs
Can I make snowball cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it. Bake the cookies just before serving for the freshest taste.
What can I use instead of nuts?
If you have nut allergies, feel free to omit them or substitute with seeds, like sunflower seeds, for a similar crunch.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading?
Ensure your butter is not too soft. Chilling the dough briefly before baking can also help maintain their shape.
Can I flavor snowball cookies?
Absolutely! Add citrus zest or spices like cinnamon to the dough for a unique twist.
Why are my cookies dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can lead to a dry texture. Measure carefully and watch the baking time closely.
Conclusion
Snowball cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. With their tender texture and sweet flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy making and sharing this classic recipe with friends and family!
Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar plus extra for dusting
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts gently.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden on the bottom.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
