Snowball Cookies

These Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to cozy family evenings. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet flavor make them an irresistible choice that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, these cookies are not just a dessert; they’re a cherished tradition in many homes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: These cookies come together in no time, making them ideal for last-minute baking.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of butter and finely chopped nuts creates a soft, crumbly cookie that simply melts in your mouth.
• Versatile Flavor Options: Feel free to substitute the nuts with your favorite variety or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive holiday celebration or a casual family dessert, these cookies fit right in.
• Fun to Decorate: Roll them in powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an added touch of sweetness and style.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make creating your Snowball Cookies enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Stand mixer (optional)
• Cookie sheet
• Wire rack
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients thoroughly.
• Stand mixer: This tool can save you time and effort, especially when beating butter and sugar together.
• Cookie sheet: A quality cookie sheet ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
• Wire rack: Cooling cookies on a wire rack helps maintain their texture by allowing air circulation.

Ingredients

These easy snowball cookies are a holiday favorite dessert recipe that melts in your mouth.

For the Cookie Dough

• 2 cups flour (white, spelt, whole wheat pastry, or Bob’s gf work)
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (or almonds or pecans)
• 1 cup butter (or coconut oil)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

For Rolling (Optional)

• Additional powdered sugar (or cocoa powder)

How to Make Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly right from the start.

Step 2: Mix Butter and Sugar

In a medium mixing bowl or stand mixer:
1. Combine the butter with the powdered sugar.
2. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl:
1. Stir together the flour and chopped nuts.
2. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the butter-sugar blend until fully combined to form a dough.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

1. Shape the dough into small balls using your hands.
2. Place each ball on a greased cookie sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until lightly browned on top.

Step 6: Roll in Sugar

1. Remove cookies from the oven and roll them while still warm in an extra bowl of powdered sugar.
2. Allow cooling on a wire rack before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Snowball Cookies with family and friends!

How to Serve Snowball Cookies

Serving snowball cookies can elevate your dessert experience. These delightful treats are perfect for various occasions, from holiday gatherings to casual afternoon snacks. Here are some creative ways to serve them.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pairing these cookies with a hot beverage enhances their flavor. The richness of the butter complements the warmth of coffee or tea.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange snowball cookies on a festive dessert platter alongside other sweets like brownies and fruit tarts for a colorful treat display.

Gift-Wrapped for Friends

• Place cooled cookies in decorative boxes or bags. They make thoughtful gifts during the holiday season or any special occasion.

On a Cookie Bar

• Set up a cookie bar at your next gathering where guests can mix and match different cookie types, including snowball cookies, for a fun interactive experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Serve these cookies alongside fresh fruits such as strawberries or mandarin oranges for a refreshing contrast to their sweetness.

How to Perfect Snowball Cookies

To achieve the best snowball cookies, follow these essential tips. They will help you create the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone loves.

• Use quality butter: High-fat butter provides a richer flavor and better texture than lower-fat alternatives.
• Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes helps maintain shape while baking.
• Measure accurately: Use precise measurements for flour and sugar to ensure consistency in texture and taste.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies; they should be lightly browned but not darkened.
• Roll in powdered sugar while warm: This allows the sugar to stick better, creating that signature snowy appearance.
• Experiment with nuts: Try different nuts like almonds or pecans for varied flavors in your snowball cookies.

Best Side Dishes for Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their sweet flavor. Consider these options when planning your menu.

1. Hot Chocolate: A rich and creamy hot chocolate is perfect alongside snowball cookies, enhancing their sweetness and providing warmth.
2. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balance, contrasting nicely with the rich flavors of the cookies.
3. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses can provide savory notes that beautifully offset the sweetness of the snowball cookies.
4. Mini Cupcakes: Bite-sized cupcakes add variety to your dessert table while keeping things fun and festive.
5. Spiced Chai Latte: The aromatic spices of chai complement the buttery flavor of snowball cookies, making them an excellent pairing.
6. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm snowball cookies creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
7. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits offers a tangy contrast that works well with sweet treats like snowball cookies.
8. Pecan Pie Bars: Adding another sweet treat like pecan pie bars can create a decadent dessert spread everyone will enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making snowball cookies can be delightful, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result.

• Boldly skip weighing ingredients: Not measuring flour accurately can lead to dry or overly dense cookies. Always use a kitchen scale or properly spoon and level your flour.
• Boldly neglecting to chill the dough: Failing to chill the dough before baking may cause the cookies to spread too much. Allow the dough to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes if time permits.
• Boldly using too hot an oven: Baking at a temperature that’s too high can scorch the cookies. Stick to 325 degrees for even baking and a soft texture.
• Boldly rolling in powdered sugar too soon: If you roll your cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still hot, it will melt away. Wait until they cool slightly for better coating.
• Boldly omitting nuts entirely: While you can skip nuts, they add flavor and texture. If allergies are a concern, consider using seeds as an alternative.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing Snowball Cookies

• Freeze for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
• Layer with parchment paper between cookies for best results.

Reheating Snowball Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 300°F and warm cookies for about 5-10 minutes for fresh taste.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies on low power for 10-15 seconds; do not overheat.
• Stovetop: Use a covered pan on low heat for a few minutes. This method keeps them soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about snowball cookies that may help clarify your baking journey.

What are Snowball Cookies?

Snowball cookies are soft, buttery treats rolled in powdered sugar, resembling small snowballs. They are perfect for holidays and festive gatherings.

Can I use a different type of nut in Snowball Cookies?

Yes! You can substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans based on your preference. Each nut adds its unique flavor.

How do I make vegan Snowball Cookies?

To make vegan snowball cookies, substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. The recipe remains delicious!

Why did my Snowball Cookies spread too much?

Improper measurement of flour or not chilling the dough could cause excessive spreading during baking. Ensure accurate measurements and chill before baking.

Final Thoughts

These snowball cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize them by adding different nuts or rolling them in cocoa powder instead of sugar. Enjoy these delightful treats with family and friends!