If you’re looking for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that feels like a warm hug in cookie form, the Snowball Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These tender, buttery delights are packed with finely chopped walnuts and blanketed in a generous dusting of powdered sugar, creating a luscious, snowy exterior that practically begs to be eaten. Perfectly crumbly yet rich, these cookies offer a wonderful balance of texture and flavor that will keep you coming back for more whether it’s for the holidays, a cozy afternoon, or anytime you just want to spread a little sweetness around.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Snowball Cookies Recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that come together beautifully to create those signature soft, nutty, and sugary bites. Each ingredient plays a unique role in achieving the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives these cookies their delicate crumbly texture.
- ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts: Adds a satisfying crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor that complements the buttery dough.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides rich creaminess and the tender structure that makes these cookies melt on your tongue.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting): Sweetens the dough gently and creates that classic snowball effect when rolled into the finished cookies.
How to Make Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking. Having everything ready makes the process smooth and ensures your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, finely chopped walnuts, and salt. This dry mixture brings together the backbone of the cookie’s structure and nutty goodness. Setting it aside lets you prepare the rich buttery mixture without any haste.
Step 3: Cream Butter, Vanilla, and Sugar
Using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl until the texture is creamy and smooth. This step is crucial because it incorporates air and helps your cookies achieve that light, tender feel.
Step 4: Combine with Dry Ingredients
Set your mixer to low and gradually add the flour and walnut mixture to the creamy butter blend. Mixing gently ensures everything combines perfectly without overworking the dough, so your cookies stay nice and tender.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, just until the bottom edges start to lightly brown—this is the sweet spot where the cookies are fully cooked but still soft and crumbly.
Step 6: Dust and Cool
After a few minutes of cooling, when you can handle the cookies gently, roll each one in extra powdered sugar for that iconic snowball appearance. Place them on a cooling rack to finish cooling completely—the powdered sugar creates a delicate sweet coating that is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the powdered sugar coating is classic, you can get creative by adding a light dusting of cinnamon or cocoa powder alongside it for a spicy or chocolatey twist. For special occasions, a drizzle of melted white chocolate adds an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cocoa, fresh brewed coffee, or a cozy spiced tea. For holiday gatherings, serve alongside seasonal fruit like cranberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your snowball cookies on a festive platter with sprigs of evergreen or holly for a seasonal vibe. You can also stack them in a decorative jar tied with a ribbon for gifting. Individual clear bags tied with twine make charming party favors everyone will cherish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your baked snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their tender texture. They stay fresh for up to a week, letting you enjoy their delicate flavor well beyond baking day.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls or fully baked cookies. For dough, shape into balls and freeze on a tray before transferring to a sealed bag—bake fresh when ready. For baked cookies, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container to keep them cozy for up to three months.
Reheating
To refresh frozen baked cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature and then warm gently in a low oven for a few minutes to regain that just-baked softness and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully in the Snowball Cookies Recipe, offering their own unique flavor and crunch. Just be sure to chop them finely for the best texture.
Why do Snowball Cookies have that crumbly texture?
The combination of softened butter and flour with minimal mixing creates a tender, crumbly dough that melts in your mouth. The walnuts also add a slight bite that balances the softness perfectly.
Is it necessary to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
Rolling the warm cookies once after baking is essential to get that classic snowball look. If you want an extra thick coating, a second dusting after they cool completely is a nice optional touch.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that works for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for best results.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Using softened but not melted butter and chilling the dough briefly before baking can help maintain the cookie shape so they stay perfectly round and puffy like traditional snowballs.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Snowball Cookies Recipe will soon become a beloved tradition in your kitchen. With such simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be amazed at the delicious results that come together so quickly. Whether for a cozy snack or sharing with loved ones, these cookies spread joy in every buttery, nutty bite. Go ahead and bake a batch—you won’t regret it!
Print
Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and melt-in-your-mouth treats coated with powdered sugar. These classic cookies are made with finely chopped walnuts and a tender dough that bakes into perfectly round, crisp-on-the-outside and soft-on-the-inside delights, ideal for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, finely chopped walnuts, and salt. Stir well and set this mixture aside.
- Prepare Dough: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Then, turn the mixer to low speed and gradually add the flour mixture until all ingredients are evenly combined and form a soft dough.
- Shape Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion the dough into 1-inch balls. Place each ball onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 8 to 10 minutes or until the bottom edges are lightly browned, indicating they are perfectly cooked through.
- Cool and Coat: Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes until you can handle them without breaking. Then roll each cookie in additional powdered sugar to coat them evenly. Place the cookies on a rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use softened butter to ensure a creamy dough texture.
- Chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft to roll easily.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Be careful not to overbake to maintain the tender texture of the cookies.
