Snowball Cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are a classic winter dessert that brings a touch of festive cheer to any gathering. These delightful little cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats rolled in powdered sugar, resembling snowballs. With their nutty flavor and delicate texture, they are perfect for holiday cookie trays, family gatherings, or cozy winter afternoons with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients List
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Timing
Preparing Snowball Cookies takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes of baking time. Total time is approximately 30-35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Incorporate Nuts: Fold in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
- Form Cookies: Using your hands, shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 4: Bake the Cookies
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Roll in Powdered Sugar
- Coat with Sugar: While still warm, roll the cookies in the remaining powdered sugar until fully coated. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Final Dusting (Optional): Once cooled, you can roll them in powdered sugar again for an extra snowy appearance.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Snowball Cookies (per cookie, assuming 24 cookies):
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100 |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Use finely ground almonds or almond flour instead of nuts for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
Snowball Cookies pair well with:
- A cup of hot cocoa, tea, or coffee.
- A festive cookie platter alongside other holiday treats.
- A drizzle of melted dark chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Dough: Be careful not to overmix once you add the flour, as this can lead to tougher cookies.
- Not Rolling Warm Cookies: For the best coating, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm.
- Skipping the Second Dusting: For a truly snowy appearance, consider a second dusting of powdered sugar after the cookies have cooled.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Snowball Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
In just about 30-35 minutes, you can create a batch of delightful Snowball Cookies that are perfect for any winter occasion. Their buttery texture and sweet, nutty flavor make them a beloved classic that will bring warmth and joy to your holiday celebrations!
FAQs
Can I use different nuts?
Yes! Feel free to use your favorite nuts or even leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough ahead of time, shape it into balls, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
How can I make them chocolate-flavored?
Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the flour mixture for a chocolate twist on these classic cookies.
What can I do if I have leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy them within a week. They also make great gifts!
Snowball Cookies: Classic Winter Dessert
Ingredients
- • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- • 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
- • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- • 2 cups all-purpose flour
- • 1/4 teaspoon salt
- • 1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- While still warm, roll the cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated.
- Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar if desired for a snowy look.
