These delightful snowball cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering, holiday celebration, or simply a cozy afternoon snack. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, buttery flavor make them irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to prepare, making them a favorite among bakers of all skill levels. Enjoy these cookies as a sweet gift or serve them at your next family gathering to impress your loved ones!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick instructions, these cookies come together effortlessly.
- Melt-In-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of butter and finely chopped nuts creates a soft and tender cookie that practically dissolves in your mouth.
- Versatile Options: Feel free to substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans based on your preference or dietary needs.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These cookies are ideal for holidays, parties, or just enjoying at home with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Customizable Coating: Roll them in powdered sugar for sweetness or cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your snowball cookies, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or medium bowl
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or medium bowl: A stand mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar effortless, while a medium bowl works just as well if you prefer mixing by hand.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking and easy transfer of your cookies in and out of the oven.
- Wire rack: Cooling your cookies on a wire rack helps prevent sogginess by allowing air circulation around them.
Ingredients
These easy snowball cookies are a holiday favorite dessert recipe that melts in your mouth.
For the Cookies
- 2 cups flour (white, spelt, whole wheat pastry, or Bob’s gf work)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (or almonds or pecans)
- 1 cup butter (or coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Optional additional powdered sugar (or cocoa powder, for rolling)
How to Make Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures an even bake for your snowball cookies.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a medium bowl or stand mixer, combine 1 cup butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Beat until creamy.
- In another bowl, stir together 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture until it forms a dough.
Step 3: Shape and Bake
- Shape the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly browned.
Step 4: Coat the Cookies
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven.
- While warm, roll each cookie in an extra bowl of powdered sugar (or cocoa powder) to coat thoroughly.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your delicious homemade snowball cookies!
How to Serve Snowball Cookies
Serving snowball cookies can be a delightful experience, especially during the holiday season. These melt-in-your-mouth treats can be paired with various accompaniments to enhance their flavor and presentation.
With Hot Beverages
- Coffee: The rich flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of snowball cookies beautifully.
- Tea: A warm cup of herbal or black tea provides a soothing contrast to the buttery cookies.
- Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a cozy pairing with creamy hot chocolate for a sweet treat.
On Festive Platters
- Mixed Nuts: Add a variety of nuts for a crunchy texture that balances the softness of the cookies.
- Dried Fruits: Include apricots or cranberries for a pop of color and tangy sweetness.
- Chocolate Truffles: Create an elegant dessert tray by combining these cookies with chocolate truffles.
As Party Favors
- Gift Bags: Package snowball cookies in decorative bags tied with ribbons for a charming party favor.
- Cookie Jars: Fill clear jars with these cookies, making them perfect gifts for friends and family during the holidays.
How to Perfect Snowball Cookies
To make your snowball cookies even better, consider these helpful tips that ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This helps create a smooth dough that will hold together well.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender and light.
- Chill the Dough if Needed: If your dough feels too soft, chill it for 30 minutes before shaping to make rolling easier.
- Bake Until Just Lightly Browned: Keep an eye on them; you want them to be tender, not overbaked.
- Roll While Warm: Coating the cookies in powdered sugar right after baking ensures it sticks well and gives them that classic look.
Best Side Dishes for Snowball Cookies
While snowball cookies are delicious on their own, pairing them with certain side dishes can elevate your dessert spread. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese which pair nicely with sweet desserts.
- Mini Muffins: Bite-sized muffins offer a variety of flavors that complement snowball cookies well.
- Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing side that contrasts with the rich cookies.
- Pudding Cups: Creamy pudding adds another layer of indulgence beside your snowball treats.
- Ice Cream Scoops: Cold vanilla or chocolate ice cream makes for a delightful contrast to warm cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making snowball cookies can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the outcome. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Boldly ignore ingredient measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to cookies that don’t hold their shape. Always use precise measurements for flour and butter.
- Boldly skip chilling the dough: If you don’t chill the dough, the cookies may spread too much during baking. Allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Boldly rush the baking time: Overbaking or underbaking can ruin your cookies. Keep an eye on them and bake until they are lightly browned, usually around 20 to 25 minutes.
- Boldly overlook rolling in sugar: Rolling warm cookies in powdered sugar is crucial for that snowy appearance and extra sweetness. Don’t skip this step!
- Boldly substitute ingredients without testing: Using untested substitutes can result in a different texture or flavor. Stick with the recommended ingredients for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store snowball cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Snowball Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Snowball Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and heat for about 5-10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until soft.
- Stovetop: Place them in a covered pan on low heat for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Snowball Cookies?
Snowball cookies are small, buttery treats rolled in powdered sugar that melt in your mouth. They’re perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Can I make Snowball Cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free flour blends as a substitute for regular flour. Just ensure the blend you choose works well for baking.
How do I customize my Snowball Cookies?
You can add different nuts, like almonds or pecans, or even incorporate cocoa powder into the dough for chocolate-flavored cookies. Get creative!
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 40-50 delicious snowball cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
These easy snowball cookies are a delightful treat that everyone loves. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture makes them irresistible, and they offer plenty of customization options. Try adding different nuts or flavors, and enjoy this festive dessert with family and friends!
Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 40 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful charm of Snowball Cookies, a classic treat that promises to melt in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for any occasion—from festive gatherings to cozy afternoons—these buttery confections are incredibly easy to make, making them a hit among bakers of all skill levels. With their soft texture and sweet flavor, Snowball Cookies are not only a delicious dessert but also an ideal gift for loved ones. Customize them by rolling in powdered sugar for extra sweetness or cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. Experience the joy of baking and sharing these delightful cookies that everyone will adore!
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour (white, spelt, whole wheat pastry, or gluten-free blend)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (or almonds or pecans)
- 1 cup butter (or coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Optional: additional powdered sugar or cocoa powder for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a medium bowl or stand mixer, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- In another bowl, mix the flour and chopped nuts, then gradually incorporate into the creamed mixture until combined.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until lightly browned.
- While warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar or cocoa powder before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 20g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 12mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
