Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are a beloved holiday treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With their delicate texture and sweet, buttery flavor, these cookies have become a staple during festive seasons, making appearances at family gatherings, Christmas parties, and cookie exchanges. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will guide you to create the perfect melt-in-your-mouth snowball cookies.

What Are Snowball Cookies?

Snowball cookies are small, round, powdered sugar-coated treats that often feature finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans. The name “snowball” comes from the powdered sugar dusting that gives them a snow-like appearance. These cookies are rich, buttery, and wonderfully crumbly, offering a delightful contrast to the crunchy nuts inside.

Ingredients for Snowball Cookies

To make these melt-in-your-mouth cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Pinch of salt

These simple ingredients come together to form a dough that requires minimal effort to mix and shape, making it a perfect recipe for busy bakers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the cookies won’t stick and helps with easy cleanup.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Vanilla and Flour

Next, add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the butter mixture. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, mixing just until combined. If you’re adding nuts, stir them in at this stage.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart, as they won’t spread much during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Snowball Cookies

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft, so don’t overbake them. Once baked, let them cool for 5 minutes on the sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 6: Coat with Powdered Sugar

While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar to give them that signature snowball appearance. Be generous with the sugar to create a nice, thick coating. Let them cool completely before serving.

Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies

• Use Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to achieve the best texture in your dough.
• Chill the Dough: If you find that the dough is too soft to handle, chill it for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator before shaping. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
• Add Extra Flavor: While traditional snowball cookies are made with vanilla, feel free to experiment with different flavor extracts such as almond or hazelnut for a unique twist.
• Nut Variations: Walnuts and pecans are classic choices, but you can also use almonds, pistachios, or even coconut for different flavors and textures.
• Double the Recipe: These cookies are so popular that they tend to disappear quickly, so doubling the recipe ensures you’ll have enough to share or freeze for later!

Why You’ll Love Snowball Cookies

• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of butter and flour creates a tender, crumbly texture that practically melts on your tongue.
• Perfect for the Holidays: With their festive appearance and rich flavor, snowball cookies are a great addition to any holiday dessert tray or as a gift in a cookie tin.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer them with nuts or want to keep them nut-free, snowball cookies are highly adaptable to your tastes.
• Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and experienced cookie lovers.

Storing Snowball Cookies

Once they’ve cooled and been coated in powdered sugar, snowball cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to enjoy them for longer, they also freeze well. Simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Snowball cookies are a timeless and simple treat that brings comfort and joy during the holidays or any time of the year. Their buttery richness, nutty crunch, and snowy powdered sugar coating make them irresistible. Perfect for cookie exchanges, gifts, or just a sweet snack, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite in your holiday baking repertoire.

Serving and Storage Tips for Snowball Cookies

Serving Tips

• Perfect for Holiday Gatherings: Snowball cookies are ideal for serving at holiday parties, cookie exchanges, or family get-togethers. Their small size makes them easy to grab and enjoy with a hot cup of cocoa or tea.
• Pair with Beverages: These cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks like hot chocolate, coffee, or a spiced tea. The rich, buttery flavor complements these beverages perfectly.
• Decorative Presentation: To make your snowball cookies even more festive, place them in a decorative cookie tin, on a beautiful platter, or in clear gift bags tied with ribbon for an elegant touch.
• Serve with Other Cookies: Snowball cookies can be part of a cookie platter alongside other holiday favorites like sugar cookies, gingerbread men, or chocolate chip cookies for a variety of flavors and textures.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store your snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to one week. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture from making the cookies soggy.
• Avoid Humidity: Since snowball cookies are coated in powdered sugar, it’s best to keep them in a dry environment. Excess moisture can cause the sugar coating to dissolve.
• Freezing Snowball Cookies: If you’d like to enjoy these cookies later, they freeze beautifully. After the cookies have cooled completely and been dusted with powdered sugar, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about an hour to firm them up, then transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen snowball cookies can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: To thaw frozen cookies, simply remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature. You can even add a fresh dusting of powdered sugar before serving to revive their snowy appearance.

With these simple serving and storage tips, your snowball cookies will stay fresh and delicious, ready for any occasion!

1. Can I make Snowball Cookies without nuts? Yes, you can easily make snowball cookies without nuts if you prefer a nut-free version. Simply omit the nuts from the recipe, and you’ll still enjoy the same delicious buttery, crumbly texture. You can also substitute the nuts with other mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or coconut flakes for a twist.

2. How do I make Snowball Cookies ahead of time? Snowball cookies are perfect for making ahead of time! You can bake and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to store them for a longer period, freeze the cookies after they’ve cooled and been dusted with powdered sugar. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

3. Why are my Snowball Cookies too dry or crumbly? If your snowball cookies turn out too dry or crumbly, it’s likely due to too much flour. Be sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. If the dough feels too dry, you can add a small amount of softened butter to achieve the right consistency.

4. Can I use margarine instead of butter in Snowball Cookies? While butter is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can substitute margarine if needed. Keep in mind that using margarine may slightly alter the taste and texture, but it will still result in a delicious cookie.

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