There is something truly magical about these melt-in-your-mouth treats, and if you have a soft spot for sweet, nutty delights, you are in for a real treat with this Snowball Cookies Recipe. These delicate, buttery cookies dusted with a generous layer of confectioners’ sugar are simple to make yet totally irresistible. Each bite offers a perfect balance of rich, nutty flavor combined with a tender crumb that simply feels like a warm hug from the oven. Whether it’s for holiday baking or a cozy afternoon snack, these cookies will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays a crucial role in bringing the Snowball Cookies Recipe to life. From the creamy butter that gives the cookies their tender texture to the nuts that add a wonderful crunch, these ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cookies melt in your mouth.
- 5 Tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps achieve a light texture.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a lovely aromatic note that complements the nuts beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The essential structural ingredient that gives the cookies their tender crumb.
- 2 cups finely chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and toasty nutty flavor—choose your favorite!
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar: Used for dusting, it creates the signature snowball effect and melts into the cookies beautifully.
How to Make Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by softening the unsalted butter to room temperature, then use a handheld or stand mixer to cream it together with granulated sugar until the mixture is silky smooth. This step is crucial because the creamed butter and sugar create the tender base of these cookies. Next, beat in the pure vanilla extract along with the sea salt to bring out those rich flavors. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing after each addition to avoid overworking the dough. Finally, fold in your finely chopped nuts until everything is evenly combined. Once the dough is ready, divide it in half, wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge for 45 minutes to let it firm up—this makes rolling the dough balls much easier later on.
Step 2: Prepare for Baking
While your dough chills, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two baking sheets with a silicone cookie mat or parchment paper to keep your treats from sticking and ensure even baking. Having your baking area ready means you can smoothly move on to the next steps without any delay.
Step 3: Shape the Dough Balls
After the dough has chilled sufficiently, remove it from the refrigerator. Then, scoop the dough into approximately 1-inch balls. You can use a small cookie scoop or just your hands—the key is to keep the balls uniform in size so they bake evenly. Roll each ball gently between your palms to get a nice round shape that will bake beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1½ inches apart to allow for a bit of spreading. Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, keeping a close eye. You want the cookies to turn just slightly golden at the edges but not brown all over. This ensures they stay tender and crumbly rather than crispy.
Step 5: Dust and Cool
Once baked, allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes, then generously dust them with confectioners’ sugar while they are still warm. This initial dusting lets the sugar stick lightly to the hot cookies. Move the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely before giving them another coat of powdered sugar. This double dusting is what gives the Snowball Cookies Recipe its iconic snowy appearance and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
How to Serve Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies shine best when kept simple, but if you want to add a little extra personality, try garnishing a few with a tiny sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder on top of the final sugar dusting. It adds an inviting touch of warmth and color without overwhelming the taste.
Side Dishes
Snowball cookies pair wonderfully with warm drinks such as a rich hot chocolate, a fragrant cup of coffee, or a comforting chai latte. Their crumbly texture and nutty sweetness perfectly complement the cozy warmth of these beverages, turning any snack time into a delightful experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, arrange the cookies in a circular pattern on a beautiful platter and add sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for color contrast. You can also stack them in a glass jar tied with a seasonal ribbon—making a lovely gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover snowball cookies (which easily happens because they are that good), store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep their delicate texture and flavor for up to one week, making it easy to enjoy a sweet moment whenever you crave it.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either before or after baking. To freeze dough, shape it into balls, arrange on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. For baked cookies, place them in a resealable bag with parchment layers to avoid sticking. They freeze well for up to three months and thaw quickly.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy frozen cookies, let them come to room temperature or warm them gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes to refresh their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Just be sure not to overheat, so they stay perfectly tender.
FAQs
Can I use different types of nuts in this Snowball Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! The recipe is flexible and works beautifully with walnuts, almonds, pecans, or even hazelnuts depending on your preference. Just make sure the nuts are finely chopped for the right texture.
How do I prevent snowball cookies from crumbling too much?
Be sure not to overbake the cookies—they should be just golden at the edges. Also, chilling the dough before shaping helps them hold together better during baking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a good-quality gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another stabilizer to help maintain the dough’s structure.
Why do we dust the cookies twice with confectioners’ sugar?
The first dusting while the cookies are warm helps the sugar stick and meld with the surface, while the second once cooled gives them that signature snowy coat and a slightly thicker layer of sweetness.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it firms it up for easy rolling and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. It also improves the texture, making each bite perfectly tender.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, a warm invitation to dive into this classic Snowball Cookies Recipe that never fails to delight the senses and spread joy. Baking these cookies is as satisfying as enjoying them, and I promise once you try this recipe, it will earn a permanent place in your heart and kitchen. So, light up your oven, gather these simple ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these irresistible snowball gems.
Print
Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes chilling + 30 minutes active (prep + bake + initial cooling), approximately 75 minutes total
- Yield: 36 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snowball Cookies are classic, delicate cookies characterized by their buttery flavor, nutty crunch, and a generous coating of confectioners sugar. Perfectly round and crumbly, these cookies melt in your mouth and are ideal for holiday celebrations or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups finely chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a handheld electric mixer or stand mixer, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, beating after each addition to incorporate fully. Gently fold in the finely chopped nuts until the dough is evenly mixed. Divide the dough in half, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 45 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with a silicone cookie mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape Dough Balls: Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Using your hands or a small scoop, form 1-inch balls. Roll each ball between your palms to create smooth, round shapes for uniform baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls about 1½ inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookies begin to lightly brown around the bottom edges. Be careful not to overbake as they should remain tender.
- Dust with Confectioners Sugar: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets placed on wire racks for a few minutes. While still warm, sift the confectioners sugar over the cookies to coat them generously. Allow the cookies to cool completely before giving them a second dusting of confectioners sugar for that classic snowball appearance.
Notes
- Use softened butter for easier creaming and a smoother dough.
- Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading during baking and makes shaping easier.
- Choose your favorite nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans for varied flavor and texture.
- Make sure not to overbake the cookies to keep them tender and crumbly.
- The double dusting of confectioners sugar ensures the classic snowball texture and appearance.
