Snowball cookies are classic buttery cookies known for their soft, crumbly texture and their sweet powdery finish. These cookies are filled with finely chopped nuts, lightly sweetened, and rolled in powdered sugar to create a delightful melt-in-your-mouth treat. They are perfect for holidays, celebrations, or everyday baking. Their simple ingredients and short preparation time make them a favourite for anyone looking for a quick, elegant cookie to serve.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
Start by creaming the softened butter with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and mix again until incorporated. Slowly add the flour and salt, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Fold in the finely chopped nuts using a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Cover the dough and chill it for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies keep their round shape and improves the texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Once chilled, roll small portions of dough into smooth balls about one inch in size. Place them on the baking sheet with a bit of space between each ball. They don’t spread much, so you can place them close enough without worrying about them losing their form.
Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale. Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar and place them on a rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a thick snowy coating.
Texture and Flavor
Snowball cookies are known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture. The combination of soft butter, finely ground nuts, and powdered sugar creates a rich flavour that is sweet without being overwhelming. The nuts add a delicate crunch, while the powdered sugar coating adds the perfect amount of sweetness. These cookies stay tender for days if stored properly.
Tips for Best Results
Use fresh, high-quality butter because it plays a major role in the flavour. Chilling the dough is important for keeping the cookies round and preventing spreading. Chop the nuts very finely for the best texture, as large pieces can cause the cookies to crack. Coat the cookies in powdered sugar while warm so it sticks well, then coat a second time after cooling for a beautiful white finish.
Variations
Snowball cookies can be adapted with different flavours. Almond extract can replace vanilla for a deeper nutty aroma. You can swap nuts for pistachios, hazelnuts, or pecans. Adding mini chocolate chips can turn them into chocolate snowballs. A touch of cinnamon or cardamom adds warmth and a holiday feel. For a citrus twist, add orange or lemon zest to the dough.
Storage
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They remain soft and flavourful thanks to their buttery base. They also freeze very well: freeze before adding the powdered sugar coating, then thaw and roll them in powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Ideas
These cookies pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They’re perfect for dessert tables, cookie boxes, edible gifts, and celebrations. Their elegant snowy appearance makes them a favourite for holidays like Christmas, but they’re equally delicious all year round.
Why This Recipe Works
The simplicity of the ingredients ensures a clean flavour, and the butter gives the cookies their characteristic tenderness. Powdered sugar inside the dough creates a fine, delicate crumb. The nuts provide structure and flavour without making the cookies heavy. The double-coating of powdered sugar gives them their iconic “snowball” finish.
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