7-Step Snowball Cookies: Delicious and Easy

Snowball cookies have this magical way of making any moment feel festive, don’t they? It’s like each little powdered delight holds a piece of holiday cheer. I love whipping up a batch when the air gets crisp and the holiday tunes start playing. But even if you’re new to the game, you’re in luck—I’m about to share the secrets to making your very own snowball cookies that will have your friends and family begging for more!

Key Takeaways

Before we dive into the buttery world of snowball cookies, here’s what you need to remember:

These cookies are ridiculously easy to make, even for kitchen newbies.
You don’t need eggs or baking powder—just a few staples will do.
They’re practically the superheroes of cookies with their long shelf life—freeze them, and you’ve got a sweet snack anytime!

What Are Snowball Cookies?

Snowball cookies are like little edible snow globes, minus the shaking. Traditionally, you’ll need basics like butter, flour, confectioners’ sugar, and a dash of nuts for a crunchy surprise. You’ve probably heard them called by a dozen different names—Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies, or butterballs, just to name a few. Each culture adds its own twist, but they all share that signature powdery sweetness.

Why Snowball Cookies are a Holiday Favorite

There’s something about that soft, crumbly texture that just feels like winter wonderland in your mouth. Plus, their snowy look makes them the perfect companions for all your other holiday treats. Once you fill a plate with these cookies, you can practically hear the sleigh bells jingling.

Essential Ingredients

Getting the right ingredients is key to snowball cookie success. Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need:

Flour: 2 ¼ cups, your foundation for the cookies.
Chopped Walnuts: ¾ cup, finely minced for a nice crunch.
Salt: Just a ½ teaspoon to balance the flavors.
Unsalted Butter: 1 cup, softened for that creamy texture.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to add a hint of aroma.
Powdered Sugar: ½ cup for the dough and some extra for the finishing touch.

The Process: How to Make Perfect Snowball Cookies

Ready to get baking? Follow these steps to cookie nirvana:

Oven Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, blend together the flour, finely chopped walnuts, and salt.
Cream Butter Mixture: Using a mixer, cream together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until it achieves a creamy consistency.
Dough Formation: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on a low setting until the dough forms.
Forming Cookies: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking Time: Bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until you notice the bottoms turning a light brown.
Final Touches: Let the cookies cool for a few minutes until they can be handled. Roll them in powdered sugar and then set them on a rack to cool completely.

Remember to keep your balls of dough uniform for even baking, and don’t overwork the dough—it can make your cookies tough.

Now that we’ve mastered the basics, you’re ready for the pro-tips:

Sugar Coating: If you’re struggling to get that powdery finish to stick, try rolling the cookies while they’re still warm, then again once they cool.
Flat Cookies: Want to avoid flat snowballs? Make sure your butter isn’t too soft and measure your flour correctly—no accidental compaction!

Storing and Freezing Snowball Cookies

Keeping snowball cookies fresh is a piece of cake—or, well, cookie. At room temperature, they can hang out for a week. Want to keep them longer? Freeze them in airtight containers—when the craving hits, thaw them at room temperature and enjoy!

Variations and Experimentations

Feel free to play around with your snowball cookies. A hint of almond or peppermint extract can transform the flavor, and rolling them in colored sugar or dipping them in melted chocolate can dress them up for any occasion.

Conclusion

Snowball cookies are truly the little black dress of holiday baking—classic, versatile, and always in style. I hope you feel inspired to try your hand at these buttery treasures. Get creative, make them your own, and most importantly, share the joy they bring! Happy Baking, Friends!

FAQs about Snowball Cookies

What are snowball cookies made of?

Snowball cookies are primarily made of flour, butter, and powdered sugar. These are the key ingredients that give them their distinctive texture and flavor. Nuts, like walnuts or pecans, are often added for extra crunch and flavor.

Why are my snowball cookies spreading?

If your snowball cookies are spreading, it’s likely due to the butter being too soft or melted, incorrect flour measurement, overmixing the dough, or the oven temperature being too low. To prevent this, use softened but cool butter, measure your flour accurately, mix the dough just until combined, and ensure your oven is properly preheated.

How many calories in a snowball cookie?

Calorie content can vary depending on the size of your cookies and the specific recipe, but on average, a homemade snowball cookie might contain about 100-150 calories. Store-bought versions or recipes with additional fillings might pack more calories, so it’s always best to check the recipe’s nutritional info if you’re counting.