Table of Contents
Introduction
When talking about those cookie recipes, that are best for that daily snacking or the holiday season, snowball cookies should be mentioned for their great texture and taste based on nuts. They also can be called Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, which are so highly appreciated all across the globe due to using only several components and the outer layer of powdered sugar symbolizing the freshly fallen, untainted snow. Made during the holiday or any season of the year, snowball cookies are a wonderful treat to add to people’s dessert collections.
To help with this, in this guide, we’re going to cover all the basic aspects of making these cookies – from history, preparation, and steps involved in making them, to tips for success, and more.
What Are Snowball Cookies?
Snowball cookies are rich butter cookies packed with nuts and sprinkled with lots of powdered sugar to give them their name. They are melt-in-your-mouth types of texture, but slightly firm and slightly crumbly texture, with the addition of finely chopped nuts such as pecans, walnuts, and almonds.
Why Are They So Popular?
- Simple Ingredients: These cookies are made from basic ingredients owned in a pantry such as flour, butter, and sugar.
- Holiday Favorite: Because they look like snow, they are usually associated with Christmas.
- Customizable: The nuts can be interchangeably used or the yummy flavors of vanilla or cocoa can also be included.
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
To make classic snowball cookies, you’ll need the following:
Cookie Base
- 8 oz. unsalted butter, at room temperature (1 stick = ½ cup; 2 sticks = 1 cup)
- ¼ cup of powdered sugar (additional for rolling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts or almonds)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Recipe for Snowball Cookies
1. Prep the Ingredients
- Heating is done at 350 F 175 C. Preheat a baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper or a baking silicone mat.
- Firstly, grind your nuts very thin, using a food processor, or a sharp knife. Set them aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
- With a utensil, in a large mixing bowl, cream the butter to make it light in consistency, and add the powdered sugar and beat for 2–3 minutes.
- Then add the vanilla extract and mix it again.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
- Sift in the flour and salt and mix to the butter using a gentle hand, that is, mix until it just comes together.
- It is preferred to fold the chopped nuts into the dough so that they distribute well into the dough.
4. Shape the Cookies
- Take a small amount of dough and shape it into 1-inch balls using the palms of your hands.
- Put the dough balls onto the baking sheet used, ensuring that one dough is at least an inch away from another.
5. Bake the Cookies
- Bake the cookies for 12–14 miles, that too, until the bottom part of the cookies begins to turn golden. To many, they may suggest that the cookies should not be overbaked because they should appear pale on top.
- Remove from the baking sheet and let it stand for about 5 minutes then cool on a wire rack.
6. Coat in Powdered Sugar
- Once the cookies are cool but not fully cooled roll them in powdered sugar until they are fully coated.
- After they cool down you can roll them into confectioner sugar for a fluffier look as shown below.
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
1. Use Softened Butter
This is because when working the dough, softened butter makes the dough mix easily. Do not use melted butter because when incorporated in the cookies it increases the surface area and therefore the cookies expand excessively.
2. Chill the Dough (Optional)
If your kitchen is warm or the dough is too soft, then leave it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes before making balls.
3. Finely Chop the Nuts
The nuts should be properly chopped into fine pieces so that they do not make the cookies crumble when being taken.
4. The second coat the powdered sugar
Taking time to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice ensures that the layer of sugar is thick, and it is evenly distributed giving the snowball cookies their title.
5. Store Properly
After that, it is recommended you store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and the cookies will remain fresh for up to one week.
Check Out: Crescent Cookies – Flavor#42.
Variations to Try
Snowball cookies are special because they can be made in any way, thus most people in modern society can add the type of taste they desire.
1. Chocolate Snowballs
To make the dough Chocolatey, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mixture.
2. Lemon Snowballs
Mix in 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing citrus flavor.
3. Coconut Snowballs
Use shredded coconut instead of half of the nuts, for the exotic effect.
4. Spiced Snowballs
Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the dough to get a spicy recipe.
5. Gluten-Free Version
To make these cookies more friendly for a gluten-free diet, cube a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Perfect Occasions for Snowball Cookies
1. Holiday Celebrations
Due to their making, they are best suited for Christmas or winter occasions.
2. Cookie Exchanges
It freezes rather well and makes for a great Christmas cookie exchange.
3. Tea Time Treats
It can best be eaten as an elegant afternoon snack, accompanied by tea or coffee.
4. Gifting
Pack them in decorative tins or boxes for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Why Everyone Loves Snowball Cookies
Snowball cookies have a close place in people’s minds as well as hearts because of give excited and pleasing feelings just like childhood pleasures. They are a symbol of family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and perhaps of relatives sharing sugary products with children.
Conclusion
Snowball cookies are, in fact, one of the best examples of how easy and fancy baking can be simultaneously. Rich in butter and crunchy in texture, totally yummy in terms of taste and the wonderful bonus of having to roll the cookies in powdered sugar. Snowball cookies are so easy to make, so delicious, and so versatile; you crave them any time of the year or for any occasion, from holiday events to gifts to when you just enjoy a sweet craving you cannot control!
They are not very complicated, and you can try any combination of the ingredients you want to come up with your version of this cookie. Well folks, let’s gather our supplies and get ready to roll those snowballs because you are going to make magic in your kitchen!
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FAQs
1. Are snowball cookies freezer-friendly?
Yes! Snowball cookies freeze well. It’s best kept in an airtight container or a freezer bag and can be used within 3 months. Allow them to defrost at an ambient temperature, then roll in a little powdered sugar before having them.
2. Which nuts are suitable for snowball cookies?
The commonly used nuts include pecan, walnuts, and almonds. However, substitute with hazelnuts or macadamia nuts if you want something different and out of the ordinary.
3. Why did my snowball cookies crumble?
If your cookies are hard and crumbly on the outside, this could be because they have been overbaked or the dough was not rich enough in butter. It would be wise to precisely estimate the portion size of the ingredients and to bake just until the bottom turns a slightly caramelized color.
