If you’re on the hunt for a truly delightful treat that melts in your mouth with every bite, then this Snowball Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These tender, buttery cookies studded with finely chopped walnuts and generously dusted with powdered sugar are a classic you just can’t resist. Perfectly crisp on the outside and soft inside, these cookies bring that snowy, festive charm any time of year, making them a beloved favorite in my kitchen. Let me take you through every step of making these irresistible snowball cookies that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Snowball Cookies Recipe lies in its simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one brings its own character to the table—from the nutty crunch of walnuts to the creamy richness of butter, creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and tenderness.
- ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and subtle earthiness to your cookies.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Gives the cookies that melt-in-your-mouth buttery softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth that feels cozy and inviting.
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting): Sweetens the dough lightly and makes for that signature snowy dusting on top.
How to Make Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by warming up your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, chopped walnuts, and salt. Keeping these dry ingredients set aside until later will help you gradually incorporate them into your butter mixture without overmixing.
Step 3: Cream Butter Mixture
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until creamy and light. This step is where the dough gets silky-smooth and beautifully fluffy, setting the stage for tender cookies.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Set your mixer to a low speed and slowly add the flour mixture to the butter blend. Mixing gently ensures the dough comes together without becoming tough, maintaining that wonderfully crumbly texture we love.
Step 5: Shape Your Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on your lined baking sheet. Making uniform balls helps guarantee even baking and that iconic, rounded snowball look.
Step 6: Baking Time
Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, keeping an eye out for lightly browned edges on the bottom. This golden touch signals they’re perfectly baked—still soft inside but with a gentle crisp outside shell.
Step 7: Powdered Sugar Finish
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool just enough to handle, then roll them in powdered sugar. Placing them on a cooling rack afterwards lets them set into delicate, snowy little pillows of sweetness that melt on your tongue.
How to Serve Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the rustic beauty of your snowball cookies, consider a light sprinkle of extra powdered sugar just before serving. For a festive touch, finely chopped pistachios or a dusting of cocoa powder can add color and flair.
Side Dishes
Snowball cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages such as a cup of rich coffee, spiced chai, or a glass of creamy hot chocolate. These simple accompaniments elevate your snack into an experience you’ll savor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging your snowball cookies in a pyramid on a decorative plate lined with a colorful napkin or nestling them inside a clear jar tied with a festive bow. These thoughtful presentations make perfect gifts or conversation starters during cozy gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Snowball Cookies Recipe cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping them out of direct sunlight preserves their delicate texture and powdered sugar coating perfectly.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies in advance, they freeze beautifully. Place cooled snowball cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
To refresh frozen cookies, thaw them at room temperature and give them a quick 3-5 minute warm-up in a 300°F oven. This breathes new life into the texture without melting the beautiful powdered sugar dusting.
FAQs
Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds also work wonderfully in this recipe. Chop them finely to keep that delicate texture and enjoy a slight flavor twist.
Why is the oven temperature so high at 400°F?
Higher heat helps create a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender and crumbly. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t overbrown.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup, you can keep the texture intact and enjoy gluten-free snowball cookies.
Why do I need to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?
Rolling them in powdered sugar while warm ensures the sugar sticks well, and a second coating once cooled makes the snowy effect more pronounced and indulgent.
How do I keep the cookies from crumbling during rolling?
Let them cool just enough to handle—warm but not hot—so they hold their shape when rolling in sugar without breaking apart.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the simplicity and charm of this Snowball Cookies Recipe. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies are bound to brighten your table and heart. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to cookie to share with friends and family!
Print
Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and generously dusted with powdered sugar, making them a perfect melt-in-your-mouth treat for holidays and special occasions. These classic cookies combine finely chopped walnuts and a rich vanilla flavor for an irresistible crumbly texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup finely chopped walnuts
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, finely chopped walnuts, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour and walnut mixture. Mix until just combined to form a soft dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Arrange the balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the bottom edges of the cookies are lightly browned but the cookies remain pale on top.
- Cool and Dust: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes until they can be handled. Roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat them thoroughly, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother dough.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent cookies from sticking.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes if it’s too soft to roll easily.
- For a different nut flavor, walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
