Description
Classic Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and tender shortbread-like treats rolled generously in powdered sugar for a delicate, snowy finish. These traditional American holiday cookies, studded with finely chopped pecans or walnuts, are perfect for Christmas baking and celebrations. With a simple process of creaming, mixing, baking, and coating, they offer a melt-in-your-mouth texture and festive appeal.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for coating)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for your dough.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the creamed butter mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Incorporate Nuts: Fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts evenly throughout the dough to add rich texture and flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough by tablespoonfuls and roll each portion into smooth balls, then place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow even baking.
- Bake: Bake the dough balls in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale and soft.
- Cool and Coat: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat fully.
- Final Sugar Coating: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack, then roll them again in powdered sugar to achieve the classic snowball appearance.
Notes
- You can substitute almonds or hazelnuts in place of pecans or walnuts to vary the nutty flavor and texture.
- For make-ahead convenience, freeze unbaked dough balls and bake them directly from frozen, adding an additional 2 to 3 minutes to the baking time.
