The weekend was quite busy but I was able to make some time to make these snowball cookies that my co-worker has been raving about. Although the recipe I found online was short and simple, there were a couple of changes that I made. First, the dough came out too soft to handle so I had to chill it in the fridge for few minutes. Then, the original recipe requires 7-8 minutes of baking time but mine came out uncooked so I had to add more baking time. Other than that, the cookies came out really well and not overly sweet. The texture and taste of these cookies remind me of another cookie that I shared before, the almond crescent cookies. My husband and I enjoyed each melt-in-your-mouth bite of this snowball cookie with a cup of tea. Indulge!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies

To ensure your snowball cookies come out perfectly every time, pay attention to the temperature of your butter. It should be softened but not melted. This helps achieve that delightful crumbly texture. If you find the dough too soft, chilling it is a great idea, as it helps with handling. When you scoop the dough, using a small cookie scoop can help create uniform shapes, which ensures even baking. Also, keep an eye on the cookies in the oven. If they start to brown, it might be time to take them out, even if they need a few extra minutes. Baking times can vary based on your oven’s quirks, so don’t hesitate to adjust as needed. Lastly, let them cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This prevents breakage and keeps them intact.

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of snowball cookies lies in their simplicity, but the quality of your ingredients can elevate the final product. Use unsalted butter for the best flavor control. If you prefer a nuttier taste, try toasting your nuts before adding them to the mix. Pecans and walnuts are popular choices, but don’t shy away from trying hazelnuts or almonds. Powdered sugar is essential for that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture, so make sure to sift it to avoid lumps. If you want to add a twist, consider incorporating vanilla extract or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor. For those who are gluten-free, almond flour can be a great substitute for all-purpose flour, just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly. Finally, using high-quality chocolate chips or chunks can make a big difference if you decide to add some chocolate.

Storage Instructions and Variations

Once your snowball cookies are baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about a week, but they might not last that long because they are so delicious. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Just layer them between parchment paper in a sealed container, and they can last up to three months in the freezer. When it comes to variations, feel free to experiment with different nuts or even add dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a fruity twist. For a chocolate version, try adding cocoa powder to the dough and rolling the cookies in chocolate sprinkles instead of powdered sugar. You can even make these cookies festive by adding food coloring to the powdered sugar or incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. The sky’s the limit with these delightful treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for unsalted butter?

If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter instead. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe to a pinch to balance the flavors.

How should I store leftover snowball cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to three months.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can make the dough ahead and chill it in the fridge. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and it will be good for about 2-3 days.

What can I serve with snowball cookies?

These cookies pair wonderfully with a nice cup of tea or coffee. They also make a lovely addition to holiday dessert trays alongside other cookies.

Why did my cookies come out too soft?

If your cookies are too soft, it might be because the dough was too warm or you didn’t chill it long enough. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and bake.

Snowball Cookies

Liza A

Snowball cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a delightful sweetness and a snowy finish that's irresistible. Easy to make, these little bites are a holiday favorite everyone will love.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings cookies

Calories 134 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
Powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Mix butter with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and vanilla with electric mixer until fluffy. Add flour and salt until dough comes together. If dough is too soft, chill so that it can be worked with your hands.
Roll 1 tablespoon of dough into balls and place onto cookie sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until bottoms are golden. Baking time may vary, depending on the size of cookies and your oven.
Fill a small bowl with powdered sugar. While still warm, roll each ball in sugar until covered. Let cool completely on rack.
Once cooled, roll cookies in powdered sugar once more.

Notes

Recipe source: settingforfour.com

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 1gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 36mgSugar: 4g

Keyword buttery, cookies, easy dessert, holiday treats, powdered sugar

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