Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’re dreaming of cookies that melt in your mouth and leave a buttery, nutty warmth behind, this Snowball Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These classic delightfully soft, powdery treats are not only incredibly easy to whip up but also perfect for every occasion, from cozy afternoons with tea to festive cookie trays. The rich butter, light vanilla, and the gentle crunch of finely chopped nuts come together beautifully, giving you that signature snowy look with a generous dusting of powdered sugar. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to master these meltaways and make them a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Snowball Cookies Recipe. Their quality and balance ensure the cookies come out tender, flavorful, and just the right amount of crumbly, with that irresistible snowy finish.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup or 226g): This provides the rich, creamy base that makes these cookies so tender and flavorful, so make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Sifted powdered sugar (1/2 cup or 65g): Adds just the right touch of sweetness plus a silky texture to the dough, and more later for the snowball coating.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon or 5ml): Elevates the flavor with a warm, aromatic note that ties everything together beautifully.
• Sifted all-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups or 315g): The backbone of the cookie structure, sifted to ensure lightness and avoid any lumps in the dough.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance all the flavors in the cookie.
• Finely chopped nuts (3/4 cups or 87g): Walnuts or pecans work best here for a delicate crunch and a nutty richness that perfectly complements the buttery dough.

How to Make Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by sifting the powdered sugar and flour separately to remove any lumps—this ensures your dough stays smooth and your cookies come out with that delicate crumb. Next, finely chop your nuts using a food processor or by hand—this is key to avoiding any overwhelming chunks while still getting that lovely texture in each bite.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat them together until everything melds into a light, creamy mixture. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies a lighter bite rather than a dense, heavy feel.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients and Nuts

Gently add the sifted flour and salt to your butter mixture. Stir just until a dough begins to form—the goal here is to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough. Finally, fold in the finely chopped nuts until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving your snowballs their signature delightful crunch.

Step 4: Shape and Bake

Using a medium cookie scoop or a spoon, portion out about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough each and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on a parchment- or silicone-lined baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each to allow for slight spreading. Bake these beauties in a preheated oven at 400° F for about 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely until the bottoms just begin to brown—the smell alone will have you ready to sneak a bite!

Step 5: Add the Snowball Finish

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool completely on the baking sheet. Once cooled, it’s time for the magic dusting: roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar. This final coat not only shapes the look of classic snowball cookies but also adds a perfect sweet contrast and that melt-in-your-mouth powdery texture that everyone loves.

How to Serve Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While classic powdered sugar is the star garnish, you can sprinkle a little finely grated orange zest or a tiny pinch of cinnamon on top to add a subtle twist that wakes up the senses without overpowering the traditional flavors. Presentation-wise, a light dusting right before serving keeps that fresh “just snowed” look.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming cup of black tea, rich coffee, or a glass of cold milk. They also make a wonderful companion to dessert wines or spiced hot cocoa, especially during the holiday season when cozy vibes are a must. For a more decadent spread, serve alongside dark chocolate bark or candied nuts.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Snowball Cookies Recipe into a charming gift by stacking them in a clear jar tied with a ribbon, adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or mistletoe for a festive touch. Alternatively, arrange them on a rustic wooden platter interspersed with pine cones and fairy lights to turn your dessert table into a snowy wonderland everyone will talk about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your cooled snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They hold up wonderfully for up to a week, maintaining their tender texture and that irresistible powdered sugar coating.

Freezing

Snowball cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, making them an excellent make-ahead treat for holidays or last-minute guests.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature. Avoid microwaving as these delicate cookies are best savored cool or just slightly warmed to keep their signature texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts or pecans?

Absolutely! Almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios can work beautifully, just be sure to finely chop them to maintain the delicate texture that makes snowball cookies so special.

Why do the cookies need to be completely cooled before rolling in powdered sugar?

If the cookies are warm, the powdered sugar will melt and create a sticky mess instead of that lovely snowy coating. Cooling ensures the sugar stays on the surface to give you that perfect finish.

Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend of your choice. Just make sure it’s a blend that works well for baking to maintain the right texture.

What makes these cookies melt in your mouth?

The high ratio of butter and the gentle mixing method keep the dough tender, while the light dusting of powdered sugar adds to that signature melt-away sensation when you bite into them.

Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough?

Definitely! Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can give your Snowball Cookies Recipe a warm, festive note that’s perfect for the holiday season or whenever you want to mix things up.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Snowball Cookies Recipe—the way they crumble gently with the first bite, the buttery and nutty harmony in every mouthful, and the snowy sugar that makes them look as good as they taste. I genuinely encourage you to try this recipe for yourself; it’s simple, rewarding, and absolutely worth every happy crumb. Your cookie jar and your guests will thank you!

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