These Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Often enjoyed during the holiday season, these cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, resembling snowballs, and they’re incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these classic cookies for any festive occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups powdered sugar, divided (1/2 cup for dough, 1 cup for rolling)
- ¾ cup finely chopped pecans
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter and ¼ teaspoon of salt together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add ½ cup of powdered sugar and continue to mix until light and fluffy. This step helps create the soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Pecans
Stir in the vanilla extract and the chopped pecans. Make sure the pecans are finely chopped, as this will help distribute their nutty flavor evenly throughout the dough.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flour
Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough comes together. The dough will be thick but should hold together when you shape it. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a teaspoon of water to help it come together.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon-sized scoop or your hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. The cookies won’t spread much, so you don’t need to worry about them being too close together.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are just starting to turn golden on the bottoms. The tops of the cookies should remain pale. Avoid overbaking to ensure a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 7: Roll in Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, roll each one in the remaining 1 cup of powdered sugar. Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely. Once they have cooled, you can give them a second roll in powdered sugar for an extra snowy coating.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your Snowball Cookies are ready to enjoy! They can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Cooking Notes:
- Nuts: Pecans add a lovely nutty flavor, but you can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts if you prefer.
- Texture: Be sure to finely chop the nuts for the best texture. Larger pieces may cause the dough to crumble more easily.
- Storage: These cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Variations:
1. Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies:
Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
2. Coconut Snowball Cookies:
Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical flavor that complements the buttery dough.
3. Spiced Snowball Cookies:
Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced version of these classic cookies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I freeze the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can freeze the dough balls before baking. Once shaped, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, let them thaw slightly at room temperature and then bake as directed.
Q: Do I have to use pecans?
No, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. Just make sure they’re finely chopped to ensure a smooth texture in the cookies.
Q: Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm helps the sugar stick to the surface. A second roll after they’ve cooled creates a thick, snowy layer that makes them look like perfect little snowballs.
These Snowball Cookies are a holiday favorite for a reason: they’re buttery, sweet, and delightfully simple to make. The powdered sugar coating gives them a beautiful snowy appearance, making them perfect for festive gatherings or as a gift. Whether you’re making them for a holiday cookie tray or just to enjoy with a cup of tea, this classic recipe is sure to become a go-to. Try them today and enjoy these melt-in-your-mouth treats!
