Amazing Snowball Cookies Recipe: 12 Cookies

Oh, snowball cookies! Seriously, is there anything more festive or comforting than a batch of these little beauties? They’re just my absolute favorite for holiday baking, and trust me, I’ve made my fair share. There’s just something magical about that buttery, nutty goodness that just crumbles perfectly in your mouth, all coated in a snowy blanket of powdered sugar. They’re like little edible hugs, you know? If you’re looking to bring some serious cheer to your kitchen this season, you absolutely *have* to try this classic snowball cookies recipe. It’s a keeper!

Alright, let’s talk about *this* snowball cookies recipe. I’ve tried a bunch over the years, and this one? It’s the one I always come back to. Why? Because it’s just SO easy to get that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Seriously, minimal fuss, maximum deliciousness. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re practically little bites of holiday magic. You know how some people call them Mexican Wedding Cookies? Totally the same vibe – that rich, nutty, buttery flavor is just iconic for holiday gatherings. This recipe is my secret weapon for making sure my snowball cookies are always a hit, every single time.

Why You’ll Love These Snowball Cookies

• They’re crazy quick to whip up!
• Everyone, and I mean *everyone*, loves them.
• Perfect for tucking into gift tins or cookie platters.
• The ultimate classic holiday treat you can count on.

Essential Ingredients for Your Snowball Cookies

Okay, here’s what you’ll need to grab. Don’t substitute the butter or the nuts, trust me on this!

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Just your regular flour works perfectly here.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: This little bit of salt just makes all the other flavors pop.
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Make sure it’s softened, not melted! This is key for creaming.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This goes into the dough itself for that subtle sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A good quality vanilla makes all the difference.
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts: I love pecans, but walnuts are great too! Make sure they’re chopped up nicely.
• 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling: This is for that beautiful, snowy coating at the end.

Crafting Your Delicious Snowball Cookies

Alright, let’s get these little snowballs made! It’s honestly such a fun process, and the smell that fills your kitchen is just pure holiday bliss. Follow along, and you’ll have a batch of perfect snowball cookies in no time.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide for Snowball Cookies

1. First things first, let’s get that oven heated up to 350°F (175°C). It’s super important to have it ready to go. While it’s preheating, grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This is my little trick to guarantee they don’t stick, ever!
2. In a medium-sized bowl, just give your flour and salt a quick whisk together. This makes sure they’re evenly distributed before they go into the main dough. Easy peasy!
3. Now, grab your biggest mixing bowl. We’re going to cream together the softened butter and that 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Beat them until they’re nice and fluffy – think pale yellow and airy. This is where a lot of that yummy texture comes from!
4. Drizzle in your vanilla extract and give it a quick mix.
5. Here comes the flour mixture! Add it to the butter and sugar combo gradually. Mix it all up, but *gently*. You just want it to come together. Overmixing is the enemy of tender cookies, so stop as soon as you don’t see big streaks of flour anymore.
6. Now for the best part – stir in those chopped nuts! This is what gives our snowball cookies that delightful nutty crunch.
7. Time to roll! Take about a tablespoon of dough and roll it between your palms to form a 1-inch ball. Pop these little guys onto your prepared baking sheets, giving them a little space between each one.
8. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for just the slightest hint of golden color on the edges. Don’t let them get too brown!
9. Once they’re out of the oven, resist the urge to move them right away! Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. They’re delicate when hot. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial before the final step.
10. Once they’re totally cool – and I mean *completely* cool – it’s time for their snowy makeover. Dump that last cup of powdered sugar into a bowl and roll each cookie around until it’s beautifully coated. It should look like a little snowball!

Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies Every Time

• Butter Temperature is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted or super cold. It should give slightly when you press it with your finger. This helps it cream properly with the sugar, creating those essential air pockets that make the cookies tender.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Seriously, this is the biggest tip! Mix the flour in *just* until it disappears. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which will make your cookies tough instead of melt-in-your-mouth tender. A few tiny flour streaks are totally fine.
• The Double Roll Trick: For an extra-thick, snowy coating, try rolling the cooled cookies in powdered sugar once, let them sit for about 10 minutes, and then give them a second roll. They’ll look extra festive!

Expert Insights on Snowball Cookies

You know, these snowball cookies are pretty forgiving, but a few little tricks can really elevate them from good to *spectacular*. My biggest tip? If your cookies tend to spread out too much, make sure your butter wasn’t too soft, or try chilling the dough balls for about 15 minutes before baking. It seriously helps them hold their shape! And for that perfect snowball look, don’t rush the powdered sugar coating. Make sure they’re completely cool, or the sugar will melt right off. For more baking tips, check out these dairy-free cookie recipes.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Snowball Cookies

So, about those nuts! Pecans and walnuts are classic for a reason, giving that lovely crunch and depth of flavor. But if you have allergies or just aren’t a nut person, you can totally skip them! The cookies will still be wonderfully buttery and tender. You can also try finely chopped dried cranberries or even a little bit of orange zest mixed into the dough for a different twist. And yes, you can absolutely make these gluten-free! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. You might need to add a tiny bit more butter if the dough feels dry, but it usually works like a charm for delicious gluten-free snowball cookies.

Variations for Your Holiday Snowball Cookies

Want to jazz up your holiday snowball cookies? It’s so easy! A little bit of finely grated orange or lemon zest added to the dough right before the nuts gives them a bright, fresh pop that’s just divine. Or, try adding about 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warmer spice note. For the coating, instead of just plain powdered sugar, you could mix in a little bit of finely ground cinnamon or even some edible glitter for extra sparkle. These little tweaks make your holiday snowball cookies extra special!

Frequently Asked Questions about Snowball Cookies

Q1. Can I make snowball cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough and roll the balls a day or two in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge. You can even bake them and let them cool completely before rolling them in powdered sugar. They’re great for prepping ahead for busy holiday schedules!

Q2. What’s the best way to store snowball cookies?
Once they’re rolled in that lovely powdered sugar coating, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for about 5 days. I usually put a layer of parchment paper between layers if I’m stacking them, just to keep that snowy coating perfect.

Q3. Are Mexican Wedding Cookies the same as snowball cookies?
Pretty much, yes! They’re often called by both names and share the same core ingredients: buttery, nutty, and rolled in powdered sugar. Think of them as delicious cousins. My recipe is definitely in that traditional “Mexican Wedding Cookie” style.

Q4. Can I make these snowball cookies nut-free?
You sure can! If you’re avoiding nuts, just leave them out entirely. The cookies will still be wonderfully tender and buttery. You could also try adding a bit of finely chopped dried fruit, like cranberries, or even some extra vanilla for flavor.

There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly made snowball cookie! They’re just divine with a warm cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon. Honestly, they’re fantastic on their own, but they also make your holiday cookie platters look extra special. Serve them at your holiday parties, pack them up as little homemade gifts, or just enjoy them with your family during cozy winter evenings. They’re little bites of pure, buttery happiness!

Storing Your Delicious Snowball Cookies

So you’ve got a mountain of these perfect little snowballs? Lucky you! To keep them tasting their best, pop them into an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay wonderfully fresh for about 5 days. If you’re stacking them, I like to put a little piece of parchment paper between the layers. It helps keep that beautiful powdered sugar coating from getting smudged or sticking together. Easy peasy!

Understanding the Nutrition of Snowball Cookies

Just a heads-up, the nutrition info for these snowball cookies is an estimate, okay? Since everyone’s ingredients can be a little different, the exact numbers might vary. But generally, each cookie has about 120 calories, around 8g of fat (with about 4g being saturated), and about 12g of carbohydrates. They’ve got a little bit of protein and fiber too, but not a ton. It’s always good to keep in mind that these are a sweet treat! For more information on cookie nutrition, you can check out USDA’s guide to nutrition labels.

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