Best Snowball Cookies

Introduction

Snowball cookies are delightful little treats that are perfect for any occasion. Their soft, buttery texture and nutty flavor make them a favorite among cookie fans. Coated in powdered sugar, these cookies look like little snowballs, making them a fun addition to holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack.

Why Make This Recipe

Making snowball cookies at home is easy and rewarding. They require simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. The process is straightforward, and the result is a batch of delicious cookies that both children and adults will love. Plus, they make great gifts during the festive season!

How to Make Best Snowball Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
0.5 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2.25 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup very finely chopped pecans
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.333 cup powdered sugar, or more as needed

Directions:

Gather all the ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth.
Gradually mix in the flour, chopped pecans, and salt until everything is well combined.
Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven until the bottoms are light golden brown, about 12 to 15 minutes. The tops should remain pale.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for a short time before transferring them to wire racks to cool.
While the cookies are still warm, roll them in 1/3 cup of powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Then return them to the wire racks to cool completely.
Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for an extra sweet touch.

How to Serve Best Snowball Cookies

Serve these cookies on a pretty plate for a beautiful presentation. Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack. They are also perfect for holiday cookie trays, potlucks, or as a sweet surprise for loved ones.

How to Store Best Snowball Cookies

To keep your snowball cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for up to a week, but we doubt they will last that long with how delicious they are!

Tips to Make Best Snowball Cookies

Ensure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
Chop the pecans finely to ensure they blend well into the dough.
Don’t skip rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice; it adds sweetness and makes them look lovely.
Experiment with other nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for a different flavor.

Variation

You can add chocolate chips or dried fruit, such as cranberries, to the dough for a twist on the classic recipe.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze snowball cookies?

Yes, you can freeze snowball cookies. Just place them in an airtight container separated by layers of parchment paper, and they can last up to three months in the freezer.

2. What can I substitute for pecans?

If you don’t have pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds. You can also make them nut-free by simply omitting the nuts altogether.

3. How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The cookies should have light golden brown bottoms, and the tops should still look pale. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Enjoy making your Best Snowball Cookies! They are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!