If you’ve ever craved a cookie that melts in your mouth, look no further than Deliciously Buttery Snowball Cookies. These delightful treats, often dusted with powdered sugar, combine a rich buttery flavor with a delightful crumbly texture. As someone who has mastered this recipe over countless holiday seasons, I can assure you that these cookies bring warmth and joy to any gathering.
Why Make This Recipe
- Deliciously Indulgent: The rich butter flavor is perfectly balanced with the subtle sweetness of the powdered sugar, making each bite heavenly.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just because, these cookies are crowd-pleasers.
- Short Preparation Time: They require minimal prep time, meaning you can have a batch ready to enjoy in under an hour.
- Heartwarming Tradition: Personally, I love making these cookies because they evoke memories of baking with my grandmother, making them a family favorite.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 24 cookies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Baking
This recipe consists of mixing the ingredients into a dough, rolling them into balls, and baking them until golden. The simplicity of the process is perfect for both novice cooks and baking aficionados.
My Experience Making This Recipe
Testing this recipe brought back cherished memories and a few minor challenges. At first, getting the dough just right took a couple of tries. I discovered that chilling the dough for even a brief time really helps with rolling, which makes the process so much easier and fun!
How to Make Deliciously Buttery Snowball Cookies
Making Snowball Cookies is straightforward and requires just a few key steps. You’ll mix softened butter with sugar, then incorporate flour and nuts. The key is to work the dough until just combined; overmixing can lead to denser cookies. Shape the dough into small balls and bake them until they’re slightly golden, then roll them in powdered sugar for that signature snowball effect.
Expert Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easier mixing, which results in a smoother dough.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before shaping. This helps keep the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
- Nut Choice: Feel free to use your favorite nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or even almonds, for a unique flavor twist.
- Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal and minimal cleanup.
- Don’t Skip the Sugar Coating: Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm will ensure a beautiful finish and delightful sweetness.
How to Serve Deliciously Buttery Snowball Cookies
- Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a decorative platter dusted with more powdered sugar for a festive touch.
- Beverage Pairings: These cookies pair excellently with hot coffee, tea, or even a glass of cold milk.
- Gift Giving: Package them in a lovely tin or box for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holidays.
- Festive Occasions: They’re perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Storage and Reheating Guide
To keep your Snowball Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container to prevent sticking. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and roll them in powdered sugar again if desired.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for similar texture.
- Vegan: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg instead of regular egg.
- Additional Flavors: Add vanilla extract or almond extract to the dough for an extra flavor dimension.
- Chocolate Lovers: Incorporate mini chocolate chips into the dough for a delightful twist.
Nutritional Highlights
These cookies contain essential fats and proteins from nuts, making them a slightly richer treat. Keep in mind they are best enjoyed in moderation, especially for those watching their sugar intake. They contain gluten and nuts, so be cautious if allergic.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Cookies Spread Too Much: This can happen if the dough is too warm. Chill it for a bit longer before baking.
- Dense Texture: Overmixing or using cold butter can lead to dense cookies; remember to mix just until combined.
- Crumbly Cookies: If dough crumbles, try adding a teaspoon of milk until it holds together better.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but it may slightly alter the flavor. Choose a high-quality brand for the best results. -
How do I keep cookies from sticking to the pan?
Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to line your baking sheets for easy removal. -
Can I omit the nuts?
Absolutely! You can skip the nuts altogether or replace them with oats for an alternative texture. -
What’s the best way to thaw frozen cookies?
It’s best to thaw frozen cookies in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours until they are soft and ready to enjoy.
With its simplicity and rich flavor, this Deliciously Buttery Snowball Cookies recipe won’t disappoint. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats—your friends and family will love them!
Print
Deliciously Buttery Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful Snowball Cookies that melt in your mouth, featuring a rich buttery flavor and a crumbly texture, dusted with powdered sugar.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for dusting
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Gradually add flour, chopped nuts, and salt; mix until just combined.
- Shape the dough into small balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until slightly golden.
- Roll warm cookies in powdered sugar to coat.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving or storing.
Notes
Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if it feels too soft. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh and can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg