Snowball Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
(Yields about 24-30 cookies, depending on size)
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and chopped nuts together.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix until the dough comes together. The dough will be slightly crumbly but should hold together when pressed.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
3. Shape the Cookies
- Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them (they won’t spread much).
4. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are just lightly golden. Avoid overbaking as the cookies are meant to remain pale.
5. Roll in Powdered Sugar
- Allow the cookies to cool for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet, just until they are cool enough to handle but still warm.
- Roll each warm cookie in a bowl of powdered sugar, coating them generously.
- For an extra “snowy” look, let the cookies cool completely and roll them a second time in powdered sugar.
Tips for Success
- Butter Temperature: Use softened butter, not melted, to ensure the right texture for the dough.
- Nut Variations: Finely chop the nuts for a smoother texture, or pulse them in a food processor. For extra flavor, lightly toast the nuts before chopping.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. These also freeze well for up to 3 months.
- Gift Idea: Pack them in decorative tins or cellophane bags tied with ribbons for holiday gifts!
These delicate and buttery Snowball Cookies are melt-in-your-mouth delicious, with a perfect dusting of powdered sugar to make them truly look like little snowballs!