Snowball Cookies
These delicate snowball cookies, dusted with powdered sugar, will melt in your mouth and transport you to a winter wonderland.
More holiday desserts to try; Chocolate Peppermint Bark Cookies, Chocolate Donut Reindeer, and Peppermint Candy Oreos.
These little spheres of delight, dusted with a snowy coating of powdered sugar, have the power to transport you to a winter wonderland with every bite. Whether you call them Russian tea cakes, butterball cookies, or simply snowball cookies, this classic recipe is a staple during the holiday season.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the joy of making these delightful treats, share why you’ll love them, provide a reworked recipe for you to try, offer variations to spice things up, discuss storage options, and address common questions about these delectable snowball cookies.
Snowball Cookies
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Snowball cookies are more than just a festive treat; they’re a sensory experience. Here are a couple of reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
1. Melt-in-Your-Mouth Perfection
The combination of softened butter, chopped pecans, and powdered sugar creates a cookie that melts in your mouth. Each bite is a symphony of textures, with the crunch of pecans giving way to the soft, buttery center.
2. Winter Wonderland Aesthetics
These cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re also a sight to behold. The snowy exterior, achieved by rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar, adds a touch of winter magic to your dessert table. They make for a perfect addition to holiday gatherings, cookie exchanges, or as a sweet gift for friends and family.
How to Make the Recipe
Creating these snowball cookies is a breeze, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers. Here’s a simplified version of the recipe, omitting specific measurements and cooking times for a more flexible approach:
Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Pecans
- Salt
- Vanilla
- All-purpose flour
Instructions:
- Prepare and Mix Ingredients: Soften the butter and combine it with powdered sugar and vanilla in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and gradually mix in the flour until a thick dough forms. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Shape the Dough: Use a heaping tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop to form 1-inch-sized dough into round balls.
- Baking: Place the shaped dough on parchment-lined baking sheets and bake until golden. While baking, prepare a bowl of powdered sugar.
- Powdered Sugar Coating: Once out of the oven, use tongs to roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar. Allow them to cool before giving them a final roll in powdered sugar just before serving.
Variations for the Recipe
Give your snowball cookies a unique twist with these variations:
1. Chocolate Bliss: Add a chocolatey surprise by incorporating mini chocolate chips into the dough. The combination of pecans and chocolate creates a delightful flavor profile.
2. Citrus Zest Delight: Infuse a burst of citrusy freshness by adding lemon or orange zest to the dough. The zingy citrus notes complement the rich, buttery taste of the cookies.
Can They Be Stored or Made Ahead?
Absolutely! These snowball cookies are a great make-ahead option for busy bakers. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for longer storage, up to three months. Keep in mind that powdered sugar may absorb into the cookies over time, so a final dusting just before serving will restore their snowy appearance.
The Perfect Holiday Treat: Baking Up Snowball Magic
Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ¾ cup pecans chopped, or substitute walnuts
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- powdered sugar additional, to roll
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line your baking sheets with parchment and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar.
- Add in the salt and flour and mix thoroughly. The dough should be thick and pulled away from the sides of the bowl. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Using a heaping tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, shape 1-inch sized dough into round balls.
- Place on the parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 15 minutes.
- While the cookies are baking, place the powdered sugar in a bowl. Once the cookies come out of the oven, use tongs to roll the cookies in the powdered sugar while still hot, then allow them to cool.
- Roll the cooled cookies one more time in the powdered sugar just before serving.
Notes
Common Questions About Snowball Cookies
Q: Can I substitute walnuts for pecans in this recipe? A: Yes, walnuts can be a suitable replacement for pecans, offering a slightly different nutty flavor to your snowball cookies.
Q: How do I prevent the powdered sugar from melting into the cookies over time? A: If storing for an extended period, consider rolling the cookies in powdered sugar again or dusting them just before serving to maintain their snowy appearance.
Q: Are snowball cookies suitable for a Christmas cookie exchange? A: Absolutely! These cookies are not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them a perfect choice for a festive cookie exchange.
With their easy preparation, delightful flavor, and endless variations, snowball cookies are a true baking classic. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of these delicious little snowballs. These bite-sized delights are sure to become a holiday favorite for you and your loved ones.
If you decide to try out these scrumptious Snowball Cookies, please share your experiences with us, and don’t forget to tag us on social media using #snowballcookies and #foodieaholic. We can’t wait to savor your culinary creations!
More holiday recipes to try:
- Gingerbread Christmas Tree Cookies
- Sugar Cookie Truffles Recipe
- Easy Mickey Mouse Pop Tart Gingerbread House
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Food memories are a big part of our family. We love having a big family party and making great food, or heading to Disneyland and trying all the things. Why not allow food to be a happy part of your life. That is what this blog is about. I hope you enjoy our recipes.
