Snowball Cookies
Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that melt in your mouth with every bite. Perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion, these buttery, nutty cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them their signature snowy appearance.
With their rich, tender texture and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite at your table.
The addition of finely chopped pecans adds a lovely crunch that perfectly complements the softness of the dough.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
People will love Snowball Cookies because they’re the perfect balance of buttery richness and a delightful nutty crunch.
These cookies are light, melt-in-your-mouth, and rolled in powdered sugar, making them irresistibly sweet.
The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the satisfying texture of the pecans, creates a comforting and familiar treat.
They’re quick to make and ideal for sharing with family and friends, making them a go-to favorite for holidays and gatherings!
Key Ingredients:
Butter: Provides a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the signature snowball coating.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic essence.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough for a tender texture.
Chopped pecans: Adds a nutty crunch and depth of flavor to each bite.
Snowball Cookies
Ingredients ( Servings 36 )
2 Sticks of butter softened
½+ 1 C. Powdered sugar divided
2 tsp.Vanilla extract
Pinchof salt
2 ¼C.All purpose flour
1 C.Finely chopped pecans
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Add the butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and flour to a mixing bowl. Blend until a smooth dough forms.
Fold the chopped pecans into the dough mixture.
Wet your hands and form the dough into 36 evenly sized balls of dough.
Place the balls of dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes.
Allow the cookies to cool completely.
Place the cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl.
Roll the cookies in the powdered sugar and serve.
Enjoy!
Notes:
Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing to ensure the dough comes together smoothly.
Chilling the Dough: If the dough is too soft to shape, you can chill it for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Pecans: You can substitute the chopped pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, or skip them for a nut-free version.
Coating the Cookies: For an extra touch, you can roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time once they have cooled completely for a more substantial coating.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should be slightly golden on the bottom when done but not browned on top. This ensures they stay soft and delicate.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 90 calories | Total Fat: 7 grams | Saturated Fat: 3.5 grams | Trans Fat: 0 grams | Cholesterol: 15 mg | Sodium: 40 mg | Total Carbohydrates: 7 grams | Dietary Fiber: 0 grams | Sugars: 3 grams | Protein: 1 gram
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Butter is the traditional choice for this recipe and provides a rich flavor.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different flavor.
Make sure to finely chop them to match the texture of the original recipe.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make these cookies gluten-free.
Look for a gluten-free flour mix that is suitable for baking and follow the recommended measurements on the package.
How should I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
To maintain their freshness, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
You can also place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I freeze the dough for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the dough for these cookies.
Form the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or bag.
When you’re ready to bake, simply bake the frozen dough balls, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I halve the recipe if I don’t need as many cookies?
Yes, you can halve the recipe to make a smaller batch of cookies.
Simply divide all the ingredients by half to adjust the quantities accordingly.
Can I add chocolate chips or other mix-ins to the dough?
Absolutely! You can customize these cookies by adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or other mix-ins to the dough.
Just fold them in gently after mixing in the pecans.
Can I omit the powdered sugar coating?
While the powdered sugar coating adds sweetness and a nice finish to the cookies, you can omit it if you prefer less sweetness or want to reduce the sugar content.
The cookies will still taste delicious without it.
How long will these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
However, they are best enjoyed within the first few days after baking for optimal texture and flavor.
Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor?
Yes, you can enhance the flavor of these cookies by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
Start with a small amount, such as 1/2 teaspoon, and adjust to taste. These warm spices complement the buttery richness of the cookies nicely.