Snowball Cookies

If you’ve ever craved a cookie that’s tender, buttery, and lovingly coated in powdered sugar, then these Snowball Cookies are exactly what you need. This delightful treat captures the essence of cozy winter nights and festive celebrations, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both nostalgic and irresistible. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at holiday baking for the first time, this guide will help you make perfect Snowball Cookies every time, turning a simple recipe into a memorable crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort: Snowball Cookies bring a traditional, cozy flavor that feels like a warm hug with every bite.
• Easy to Make: The simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly cookie recipe.
• Perfectly Melt-in-Your-Mouth: The buttery dough combined with the powdered sugar coating creates an irresistibly soft texture.
• Festive Appeal: Their pretty, snow-like appearance makes them ideal for winter holidays or year-round celebrations.
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the flavors or add-ins to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a few simple but powerful ingredients, each playing an essential role in texture, taste, and the signature look of Snowball Cookies. You’ll find that quality ingredients make all the difference in achieving that perfect buttery softness and sweet snowy finish.

• Unsalted Butter: The base of the dough, providing richness and tenderness without added saltiness.
• Powdered Sugar: Used both inside the dough for sweetness and outside as the snowy coating.
• All-purpose Flour: Creates the structure of the cookie while keeping it light and delicate.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the buttery flavor.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the other flavors.
• Chopped Nuts (optional): Commonly walnuts or pecans, these bring a delightful crunch and contrast.

Variations for Snowball Cookies

One of the best things about Snowball Cookies is how easy they are to customize. Whether you want to switch up the nuts, add a hint of spice, or create a gluten-free version, the basic recipe adapts gracefully to your preferences and pantry staples.

• Nut-Free Version: Simply omit the nuts and use sunflower seeds or small chocolate chips instead for texture.
• Spiced Snowballs: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to infuse cozy flavors.
• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip baked cookies partially in melted dark or white chocolate for an elegant touch.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.
• Citrus Zest: Mix in a little lemon or orange zest into the dough for a fresh, bright aroma.

How to Make Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by creaming the unsalted butter with powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the dough, ensuring a tender crumb. Next, add vanilla extract and mix well before gradually folding in the salt and flour until a soft dough forms. If using nuts, gently mix them in last.

Step 2: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into small balls roughly one inch in diameter, spacing them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The uniform size helps them bake evenly and maintain their classic snowball shape.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft, ensuring that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Coat with Powdered Sugar

While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar, then let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, give them a final dusting for that snowy appearance and irresistible sweetness.

Pro Tips for Making Snowball Cookies

• Use Cold Butter: Keeps the dough from spreading too much, preserving the cookie shape.
• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can make cookies tough, so mix just until ingredients combine.
• Chill the Dough: For even better results, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before shaping to prevent spreading.
• Fresh Powdered Sugar: Use fresh, fine powdered sugar to achieve that perfect soft snow coating.
• Even Sizing: Use a small cookie scoop or measuring spoon for consistent cookie sizes and baking times.

How to Serve Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar creates the iconic snowy effect, but you can add a light sprinkle of finely chopped nuts or a tiny drizzle of melted chocolate to elevate the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Snowball Cookies pair beautifully with warm beverages like hot cocoa, spiced tea, or a rich coffee. They also complement holiday charcuterie boards and dessert platters perfectly, balancing richer flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Snowball Cookies stacked in a decorative tin or laid on a festive platter with greenery accents for holiday charm. You can also package them in clear treat bags tied with ribbon as handmade gifts that feel personal and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, preserving their soft texture and fresh flavor perfectly.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well either before or after baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you like your Snowball Cookies just-baked warm, heat them gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This refreshes their soft and tender crumb wonderfully.

FAQs

What nuts work best in Snowball Cookies?

Walnuts and pecans are the traditional favorites, offering a nice crunch and mild flavor, but you can substitute other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts depending on your preference.

Can I make Snowball Cookies vegan?

Yes, swap the butter for a high-quality vegan butter alternative and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly, then the cookies will be just as delicious.

Why do my Snowball Cookies crumble too much?

Overbaking or using too much flour can cause excessive crumbling. Stick to the recipe measurements and check the baking time carefully to maintain the right texture.

How long do Snowball Cookies last?

Stored properly in an airtight container, Snowball Cookies stay fresh for up to a week at room temperature and up to three months frozen.

Can I add chocolate chips to Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely! Adding mini chocolate chips is a tasty way to customize the recipe and introduce a sweet, melty element to the classic cookie.

Final Thoughts

Whether for the holidays or just because, Snowball Cookies are a wonderfully simple and satisfying treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. With this easy recipe and approach, baking perfect Snowball Cookies is within everyone’s reach—ready to share, savor, and create sweet memories.

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