Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe – Classic Holiday Treat

Snowball cookies are a quintessential holiday dessert. They capture the essence of the season with their buttery, nutty flavor. Their powdery snow-like coating makes them a beloved tradition in many American homes. I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for these festive treats that are sure to delight your family and friends.

This easy recipe makes a delectable batch of about 60 cookies. They’re perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or just enjoying with a hot cup of cocoa. The recipe only takes 45 minutes, including 30 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of baking. This makes them an ideal choice for busy holiday schedules.

Key Takeaways

• Snowball cookies are a classic holiday treat with a buttery, nutty flavor and powdered sugar coating
• This recipe yields around 60 cookies and takes just 45 minutes total, including 30 minutes of prep
• The cookies are perfect for sharing at Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, or enjoying with a warm beverage
• The recipe features simple ingredients like butter, sugar, vanilla, and flour, with an optional addition of toasted pecans
• Proper butter temperature and dough consistency are key for achieving the signature snowball shape and texture

What Are Snowball Cookies: A Holiday Classic

Snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies, and festive bites, are a favorite holiday treat. They are round and covered in white powdered sugar, looking like tiny snowballs.

Origins and Different Names

The history of snowball cookies comes from many cultures. Recipes similar to these can be found in Russia, Mexico, Italy, and the United States. Despite their different names, they are all beloved holiday treats, enjoyed during Christmas and other festive times.

Why They’re Called Snowballs

The cookies’ round shape and white powdered sugar coating make them look like snowballs. The cookie’s crumbly texture and sweet coating offer a delightful contrast, reminding us of fresh snow.

Traditional Holiday Significance

Snowball cookies are a big part of holiday celebrations in the United States. Their popularity during Christmas shows how they capture the magic of winter. These festive treats are a classic choice for holiday cookie platters, adding joy to any gathering.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Snowballs

Making the perfect batch of snowball cookies starts with the right ingredients. These treats are famous for their soft texture and powdered sugar dusting. This is all thanks to a mix of key ingredients.

The heart of these nutty delights is unsalted butter. It adds a rich, creamy flavor to the dough. Powdered sugar, along with the butter, makes the cookies melt in your mouth. Vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic touch, while all-purpose flour keeps the cookies together.

Adding chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds gives a nice crunch. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.

With these ingredients, bakers can try different flavors. You can add almond extract or lemon zest to make the cookies your own. These treats are perfect for the holidays or any time of the year, offering a delightful experience for the senses.

Ingredient	Amount
Unsalted butter, softened	1 cup
Powdered sugar	1/2 cup
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
All-purpose flour	2 1/4 cups
Finely chopped pecans	1 cup
Salt	1/4 teaspoon
Additional powdered sugar for coating	As needed

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

To bake delicious snowball cookies, you need some basic baking tools and cookie preparation items. Having the right kitchen gadgets makes making cookies easy and fun. You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring tools, and more.

Must-Have Baking Items

• Baking sheets or cookie trays
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Mixing bowls in various sizes
• Hand mixer or large whisk

Optional Helpful Tools

• Food processor for grinding nuts
• Cookie scoop for uniform portions
• Wire cooling racks
• Shallow bowl for rolling cookies in powdered sugar

Measuring Equipment

Getting the right measurements is key for perfect snowball cookies. You’ll need:

• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons

Equipment	Purpose
Baking Sheets	Evenly bake the cookies
Parchment Paper	Prevent sticking and ease of transfer
Mixing Bowls	Mix the dough and ingredients
Hand Mixer/Whisk	Cream the butter and sugar
Food Processor	Finely grind the nuts
Cookie Scoop	Portion the dough for uniform cookies
Measuring Cups/Spoons	Precisely measure the ingredients
Shallow Bowl	Roll the baked cookies in powdered sugar

Snowball Cookies Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Baking holiday baking treats like classic christmas treats is a cherished tradition. The snow-white snowball cookie is a timeless holiday baking favorite. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to create these melt-in-your-mouth festive bites:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually incorporate 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of finely chopped pecans into the creamed mixture, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden brown.
6. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool briefly, about 5 minutes.
7. While the cookies are still warm, roll them in a generous amount of powdered sugar, ensuring they are completely coated.
8. Transfer the coated cookies to wire racks and allow them to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a double coating, creating the signature “snowball” appearance.
10. For a festive twist, consider adding 1/4 cup of finely crushed peppermint candy canes to the final sugar coating.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to create a batch of delightful christmas treats. They are sure to delight your family and friends during the festive bites season.

Ingredient	Quantity
Unsalted Butter, softened	1 cup (226 grams)
Granulated Sugar	1 cup (199 grams)
Vanilla Extract	2 teaspoons
All-Purpose Flour	2 cups (240 grams)
Pecans, finely chopped	1 cup (228 grams)
Powdered Sugar	For coating
Peppermint Candy Canes, finely crushed (optional)	1/4 cup

Tips for Perfect Cookie Texture

Getting the perfect texture is key for buttery shortbread and nutty delights like snowball cookies. Focus on a few important details to make sure your snowball cookies are tender, crumbly, and covered in powdered sugar.

Proper Butter Temperature

Butter at room temperature is crucial for creaming the dough well. If it’s too cold, it won’t mix evenly, making the cookies grainy. If it’s too warm, they’ll be flat and greasy. Letting the butter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing is the trick.

Nut Grinding Techniques

For the best nutty delight, grind the nuts finely in a food processor. Big nut pieces can mess up the texture. Aim for a consistency like coarse sand by pulsing the nuts.

Dough Consistency Guide

Chill the dough for 45 minutes before shaping to keep the cookies round. The dough should be firm but easy to shape. If it’s too soft, chill it for another 10-15 minutes.

Cookie Texture Tip	Why It Matters	Optimal Execution
Use room-temperature butter	Ensures proper creaming for tender texture	Allow butter to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing
Grind nuts finely	Prevents uneven texture from large nut pieces	Pulse nuts in a food processor until they resemble coarse sand
Chill dough before shaping	Helps cookies maintain their rounded shape	Chill dough for 45 minutes before scooping and baking

Coating and Finishing Techniques

Creating the perfect snowball cookies is all about the final touch. The powdered sugar dusting gives these festive bites their signature snowy appearance. The key to achieving that classic snowball look is a simple two-step process.

First, as soon as the warm cookies emerge from the oven, roll them in a generous amount of powdered sugar. This initial coating will adhere to the still-soft cookies, creating a delicate layer of sweetness. Once the cookies have cooled completely, go back and roll them in the powdered sugar again. This second dusting provides an extra thick, pillowy coating that truly captures the essence of a snowball.

For a fun twist on the traditional snowball, try mixing in a bit of crushed peppermint candy canes to the powdered sugar. The vibrant red and white specks add a festive pop of color and a delightful minty flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery, nutty cookie. The warmth of the freshly baked cookies helps the sugar adhere, while the second coating seals in the snowy, festive look.

Coating Technique	Timing	Benefits
Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar	Immediately after baking	Helps the sugar adhere to the soft, warm cookies
Roll cookies in powdered sugar again	Once completely cooled	Provides a thick, pillowy coating for the classic snowball appearance
Mix in crushed peppermint candy canes	For the final coating	Adds a festive pop of color and delightful minty flavor

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

Holiday baking is all about making treats ahead of time. Snowball cookies are perfect for this! They stay fresh and ready to serve with the right storage.

Room Temperature Storage

After cooling, store snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. They’re great for holiday parties. Bake them a week or two early, and they’re always ready.

Freezing Instructions

For longer storage, freeze snowball cookies for up to 3 months. Coat them with powdered sugar first. Then, freeze them on a baking sheet and move them to a container or bag later. Enjoy them into the new year.

Thawing Guidelines

To serve frozen cookies, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, dust them with powdered sugar. This keeps their texture and taste perfect.

These storage tips make snowball cookies easy to fit into your holiday baking plans. Enjoy them at your christmas celebrations, even when you’re busy.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Snowball cookies are a favorite holiday treat. But, why not try something new with the recipe? The classic version is great, but you can add your own twist to these festive treats.

Want to mix things up? Swap the pecans for almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts. Each nut brings a unique taste and texture. Or, try using crisped rice cereal for a fun crunch.

For an extra special touch, add a dollop of Nutella or melted chocolate inside. Or, use different extracts like peppermint or orange for a seasonal twist.

• Substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts for different flavors
• Replace almond extract with additional vanilla if preferred
• Stuff cookies with a small amount of Nutella or melted chocolate for a fun twist
• Experiment with different extracts like peppermint or orange for unique flavors
• Adjust sugar levels to taste, noting that the cookies themselves are not overly sweet due to the powdered sugar coating

Snowball cookies are a blank canvas for your creativity. With a bit of imagination, you can make your own special version of this holiday classic.

Conclusion

Snowball cookies are a great holiday treat that’s easy to make. They’re perfect for Christmas and other festive times. Their rich, buttery taste and powdered sugar coating make them a hit. These snowball cookies recipe are sure to be a family favorite.

These cookies are versatile, allowing you to stick to the classic recipe or try new variations. They add a delightful touch to any holiday baking and christmas treats spread.

The cookies are easy to make ahead and store, making them perfect for busy holiday times. You can prepare them early and thaw them when you’re ready to serve. Their taste and look are sure to bring joy and cheer to your loved ones.

So, make sure to bake a batch (or two) of these snowball cookies recipe this holiday season. They’re great for festive gatherings or just for yourself. These classic cookies will add magic to your holiday baking and christmas treats traditions.

FAQ

What is the total time and serving size for this snowball cookies recipe?

This snowball cookies recipe makes 60 cookies, or 5 dozen. It takes 45 minutes to make. This includes 30 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of baking.

What are the other names for snowball cookies?

Snowball cookies are also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies, Italian Wedding Cookies, and Russian Tea Cakes.

Why are they called “snowballs”?

They are called snowballs because of their round shape and powdered sugar coating. This makes them look like tiny snowballs.

What are the key ingredients in snowball cookies?

The main ingredients are unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. You also need all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt. Some recipes might include almond extract too.

What essential tools are needed to make snowball cookies?

You’ll need baking sheets, parchment paper, and mixing bowls. A hand mixer or large whisk is also important. A food processor is needed for grinding pecans. Measuring cups and spoons are crucial for getting the right amounts.

How should the cookies be baked and coated in powdered sugar?

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the butter, sugar, and vanilla, then add the flour, pecans, and salt. Roll the dough into balls and place them on baking sheets.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the bottoms are golden. Let them cool a bit, then roll them in powdered sugar. Cool them completely on wire racks and roll them in sugar again for a thicker coating.

How should the snowball cookies be stored and frozen?

Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. To freeze, coat the cookies once with sugar, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw the cookies in the refrigerator, bring them to room temperature, and roll them in powdered sugar again before serving.

What are some recipe variations and substitutions for snowball cookies?

You can use almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts instead of pecans for different tastes. Replace almond extract with more vanilla if you like. For a twist, stuff the cookies with Nutella or melted chocolate.

Try different extracts like peppermint or orange for unique flavors. Adjust the sugar levels to your taste.

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