Oh my gosh, can we just talk about Snowball Cookies for a minute? These little powdered sugar-dusted wonders have been my holiday obsession ever since I was a kid helping my mom roll them in sugar. There’s something magical about that first bite – the way they practically dissolve on your tongue with their buttery richness and subtle nutty crunch. Every December, my kitchen counter disappears under a blizzard of powdered sugar as I make batch after batch for cookie exchanges. Honestly, if your holiday dessert table doesn’t include these melt-in-your-mouth treasures, you’re missing out on one of life’s simplest joys!
Why You’ll Love These Snowball Cookies
Trust me, these aren’t just any cookies—they’re little bites of holiday magic! Here’s why they’ll steal the show at your next gathering:
- Easiest recipe ever: No fancy equipment or fussy steps—just mix, roll, and bake!
- That melt-in-your-mouth texture: The combo of butter and powdered sugar creates clouds of deliciousness.
- Festive perfection: Those snowy sugar coats make them look like edible ornaments.
- Nutty goodness: Toasted walnuts or pecans add the perfect crunch in every bite.
- Holiday nostalgia: One taste and you’ll be transported to cozy winter memories.
Seriously, these cookies disappear faster than wrapping paper on Christmas morning!
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these little snowballs of joy—and a few key tips to make sure they turn out perfect:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (Leave it out for 30 minutes—you want it cool but squishable!)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar plus extra for coating (Trust me, you’ll need that extra for the snowy magic)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (The good stuff makes all the difference)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (Spoon it lightly into measuring cups—no packing!)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (Just enough to make the flavors pop)
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (Toast them first for maximum nutty goodness!)
See? Simple ingredients with big payoff. Now let’s turn them into something magical!
How to Make Snowball Cookies
Alright, let’s get to the fun part – turning that simple ingredient list into clouds of buttery perfection! Don’t let the elegance fool you – these cookies couldn’t be easier to make. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a blizzard of sweet treats in no time.
Mixing the Dough
First, grab that softened butter and powdered sugar – this is where the magic starts! Cream them together until they’re light and fluffy, about 2 minutes with a hand mixer. You’ll know it’s right when the mixture looks almost like whipped frosting. That’s when you add the vanilla – just a teaspoon, but oh what a difference it makes! Now slowly mix in the flour and salt until the dough comes together (it’ll be thick – that’s perfect!). Finally, gently fold in those toasted nuts. The dough should hold together when squeezed – if it’s crumbly, just work it with your hands briefly.
Shaping and Baking
Here comes my favorite part – rolling time! Scoop about a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form 1-inch balls. Pro tip: keep a little bowl of water nearby to dampen your hands – it prevents sticking! Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about an inch apart (they don’t spread much). Bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes until just golden on the bottoms – don’t overbake! They’ll still be soft when you take them out but firm up as they cool.
Coating with Powdered Sugar
Now for the snowy transformation! Let the cookies cool just enough to handle (about 5 minutes) – careful, they’re fragile when hot! Pour some powdered sugar into a shallow bowl and gently roll each warm cookie to coat. This first coating will soak in a bit. After they’ve cooled completely (about 30 minutes), give them another roll in sugar – this creates that beautiful snowy finish. Warning: you WILL get powdered sugar everywhere, and it’s totally worth it!
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
Here’s the inside scoop for cookie perfection every time:
- Butter matters: Soften it to room temp—too cold and your dough won’t cream properly; too warm and it’ll spread.
- Chop those nuts finely: Big chunks make rolling tricky, and you want that nutty crunch in every bite.
- Double the sugar: That second coating after cooling? It’s what gives them that iconic snowy look.
- Store smart: Keep them in an airtight container with parchment between layers—they’ll stay fresh for days!
Follow these, and you’ll have cookies so good, they’ll vanish faster than holiday wrapping paper!
Snowball Cookies Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are my favorite twists on this classic:
- Nut-free magic: Swap walnuts for shredded coconut—it gives the same wonderful texture!
- Citrus sparkle: Add 1 tablespoon lemon or orange zest to the dough for a sunny holiday surprise.
- Chocolate lovers: Roll the cooled cookies in cocoa powder mixed with powdered sugar—so decadent!
The best part? You really can’t mess these up—every variation turns out delicious!
Storing and Serving Snowball Cookies
These cookies are almost too pretty to eat—almost! Store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to keep them fresh for up to a week. For serving, arrange them on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh mint or rosemary—it’s like a winter wonderland on your table! Pro tip: bring them out with coffee or tea for the ultimate holiday treat.
Snowball Cookies Nutrition Information
Let’s be real – we don’t eat Snowball Cookies for their health benefits! But for those curious, each little powdered sugar cloud contains about 120 calories, with 8g of butter-rich fat and 10g of carbs. The walnuts add a nice protein boost (1.5g per cookie). Remember – these are estimates, and your exact nutrition may vary slightly based on size or substitutions. Now go enjoy that buttery goodness guilt-free – it’s the holidays after all!
Snowball Cookies FAQs
Q: Can I freeze Snowball Cookies?
Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just let them cool completely after the second sugar coating, then store in an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months frozen. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy – no need to re-sugar!
Q: Can I use different nuts?
You sure can! While walnuts and pecans are classic, I’ve had great success with almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamias. Just make sure to toast them first for maximum flavor. For nut allergies, try shredded coconut or leave them out entirely – the cookies will still be delicious!
Q: Why do my cookies crumble?
Oh no! This usually happens if the dough got overmixed or the butter was too soft. Next time, mix just until combined and make sure your butter is cool to the touch (about 65°F). If the dough seems dry, you can add a teaspoon of cold water to help it bind.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
Yes! The dough actually benefits from chilling. Shape the balls, then refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since they’ll be going in cold. The baked cookies also keep well for about a week stored properly.
Share Your Snowball Cookies Experience
Did you make these snowy delights? I’d love to hear how they turned out! Snap a pic of your powdered sugar masterpiece and share it below – let’s make this a blizzard of cookie love! You can find more delicious recipes on our Pinterest page.
Irresistible Snowball Cookies: 5 Secrets for Perfect Holiday Treats
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snowball Cookies are a classic holiday treat, known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture and powdered sugar coating. These buttery, nutty cookies are perfect for festive gatherings or as a simple dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Stir in the chopped nuts.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool slightly.
- Roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated. Let them cool completely, then roll in powdered sugar again before serving.
Notes
- Store Snowball Cookies in an airtight container for up to a week.
- For a nut-free version, omit the nuts or replace them with shredded coconut.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
