Simple Snowball Cookies: 1 Easy Recipe

Oh, you are going to LOVE this snowball cookies recipe! Seriously, if you’re looking for that perfect little bite of holiday magic that doesn’t stress you out, you’ve found it. I remember baking these with my mom when I was a kid, and the smell just *filled* the house with Christmas cheer. They’re so simple, but oh-so-delicious. These little guys are my go-to when I need a quick dessert for a party or just a little treat to brighten up a winter afternoon. Trust me, these are the easiest snowball cookies you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Love These Snowball Cookies

• They are ridiculously easy to whip up – perfect for even beginner bakers!
• That classic buttery, nutty flavor is just pure comfort.
• They look so festive rolled in powdered sugar, like little winter wonders.
• They’re the perfect make-ahead treat for all your holiday needs.

A Taste of Tradition: The Charm of Snowball Cookies

There’s just something so special about traditional snowball cookies, isn’t there? They instantly bring back memories of cozy holidays, family gatherings, and maybe even a little bit of cookie-making chaos in the kitchen. These little beauties are more than just a cookie; they’re a little piece of nostalgia rolled in sweet, powdery goodness. They’re ideal for your holiday cookie platters or tucking into gift boxes for friends and family. Making these holiday snowball cookies feels like a warm hug from the past.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Perfect Snowball Cookies

Alright, let’s get our ingredients lined up! It’s always my first step – having everything ready makes the whole baking process so much smoother, and trust me, we want smooth sailing with these snowball cookies. You’ll need just a few things that are probably already in your pantry or fridge.

Essential Ingredients for Classic Snowball Cookies

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure this is good quality butter and truly softened. Not melted, but soft enough that you can easily press your finger into it. This is key for creaming!
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just your regular white sugar for the dough itself.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A good splash of vanilla adds that lovely warmth to our snowball cookies.
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: This is our base.
• 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts: This is where the “nutty” comes in! Chop them up really fine so they blend nicely into the cookie.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.
• 1 cup powdered sugar, for rolling: This is what gives them that snowy, festive look. You’ll need a good amount for dusting!

Optional Additions and Substitutions

Now, if you want to get a little creative, you totally can! If pecans aren’t your jam, finely chopped almonds work beautifully too, or you could even leave the nuts out altogether if you prefer. For a little extra zing, a tiny pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dry ingredients can be lovely. And for my friends who need it gluten-free, just swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It works like a charm!

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Delicious Snowball Cookies

Okay, let’s get baking! Following these steps will make sure your snowball cookies turn out absolutely perfect. It’s really not complicated at all, and the results are SO worth it. Just take your time and enjoy the process!

Preparing the Snowball Cookie Dough

First things first, grab a nice big bowl. You want to cream together that softened butter and the granulated sugar. Beat them until they’re light and fluffy – this is super important for getting that melt-in-your-mouth texture. I usually use an electric mixer for this, but a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease work too! Once it looks nice and creamy, beat in your vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, just give your flour, finely chopped nuts, and salt a quick whisk together. Now, slowly add that dry mixture to your butter and sugar mixture. Mix it all up until it’s *just* combined. Seriously, don’t overmix! We don’t want tough cookies, just tender, delightful ones. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, and that’s a no-go for our lovely snowball cookies.

Chilling and Shaping Your Snowball Cookies

This next step is crucial for easy handling: chilling the dough. Pop that bowl into the fridge, cover it up, and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This makes the dough firm enough to roll without sticking everywhere. While it’s chilling, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). When the dough is ready, scoop out portions and roll them into little balls, about 1 inch in size. Try to make them all roughly the same size so they bake evenly. Place these little dough balls onto ungreased baking sheets. They don’t spread a ton, so you can give them a little space.

Baking and Cooling for the Perfect Texture

Now for the magic! Pop those baking sheets into your preheated oven. Bake them for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be just *lightly* golden. They won’t get super brown, so keep an eye on them! Once they’re done, let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up a bit more. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is really important – if you try to roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm, the sugar will just melt right off!

The Finishing Touch: Rolling in Powdered Sugar

This is my favorite part – the snowy finish! Once your easy snowball cookies are totally cool, pour your powdered sugar into a shallow bowl or a plate. Gently roll each cookie around in the sugar until it’s completely coated. You want them looking like perfect little snowballs! You might need to add more powdered sugar as you go. It’s okay to be generous here; it’s what makes them so pretty and delicious. These powdered sugar cookies are almost ready to be devoured!

Tips for Achieving Bakery-Worthy Snowball Cookies

Want your snowball cookies to look like they came right out of a fancy bakery? It’s totally doable! A few little tricks make all the difference between a good cookie and a GREAT cookie. These nutty snowball cookies are pretty forgiving, but these tips will really elevate them.

Ensuring Consistent Size and Shape

Okay, so for those perfect, uniform little snowballs, I swear by using a cookie scoop. A tablespoon-sized one is usually just right for about a 1-inch ball. If you don’t have one, just use a regular tablespoon to measure out your dough. This helps make sure they all bake up at the same rate, so you don’t have some burnt and some gooey!

Achieving the Perfect “Snowy” Coating

When you’re rolling your cooled cookies in powdered sugar, don’t be shy! I like to dump a good amount of powdered sugar into a bowl and just roll them around until they’re completely covered. If you feel like it’s not sticking well, or you want that super smooth look, try sifting the powdered sugar over them. It gives them an extra-fine, powdery finish. Rolling them in batches also helps keep the sugar from getting clumpy.

Storage and Shelf Life for Your Snowball Cookies

These cookies are fantastic because they store so well! Once they’re completely cooled and rolled in that lovely powdered sugar, just pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious at room temperature for about a week. Seriously, they’re perfect for making ahead of your holiday party or for keeping a little stash on hand for when that sweet craving hits!

Frequently Asked Questions About Snowball Cookies

Got questions about these delightful little snowballs? I’ve got answers! It’s totally normal to wonder about a few things when you’re baking, especially with a classic recipe like this. Let’s clear up some common curiosities!

Can I make these snowball cookies gluten-free?

Oh yes, you absolutely can! If you need to make these gluten-free snowball cookies, just swap out the regular all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It works like a charm and you’ll still get all that buttery, nutty goodness. Just make sure your blend has a good balance of flours and starches for the best texture!

What kind of nuts are best for snowball cookies?

Traditionally, pecans and walnuts are the superstars in these nutty snowball cookies, and I really love the flavor they bring. Make sure you chop them up super fine, though! If you’re not a fan of those, finely chopped almonds are a wonderful alternative. You can even leave the nuts out entirely if you prefer a simpler, smoother cookie, and they’ll still be fantastic traditional snowball cookies.

How long do snowball cookies stay fresh?

These little beauties are great for making ahead! Once they’re completely cooled and rolled in that lovely powdered sugar, just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay wonderfully fresh and delicious for about a week. They’re perfect for holiday baking because you can make a big batch and have them ready to go!

Why are my snowball cookies spreading?

Oh, the dreaded spread! Usually, if your snowball cookies are spreading too much, it’s because the dough wasn’t chilled enough. Make sure you give it that at least 30 minutes in the fridge – longer is even better! Also, double-check that your oven temperature is accurate; sometimes ovens run a little hot. If the dough is too warm, it’ll melt too quickly in the oven. Chilled dough is your best friend here!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Snowball Cookies

Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info you see for these delicious snowball cookies is an estimate. It can totally change depending on the exact brands of ingredients you use, like the butter or nuts. So, take these numbers as a general guide – the most important thing is that they taste amazing!

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