Introduction:
When the winter season arrives, there’s nothing quite like indulging in the sweet and delightful taste of Snowballs. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a beloved holiday tradition in many households. With their powdered sugar coating and buttery, nutty flavor, Snowballs are sure to bring warmth and joy to your winter celebrations. Follow this simple and scrumptious recipe to create these delightful treats that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work well)
– Optional: a few drops of milk (if needed for consistency)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the pure vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until a soft and cohesive dough forms. If the dough appears too crumbly, add a few drops of milk to help bind it together.
Step 3: Adding the Nuts
Fold in the finely chopped nuts into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The nuts provide a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor of the Snowballs.
Step 4: Shaping the Cookies
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Taking about a tablespoon of dough at a time, roll it into a ball between the palms of your hands. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie as they will expand slightly while baking.
Step 5: Baking the Snowballs
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for approximately 15 to 18 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The cookies may appear pale on top, but don’t worry; they should not brown on top.
Step 6: Coating with Powdered Sugar
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. While they are still warm, gently roll each cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated, giving them their iconic “snowball” appearance. Place the sugar-coated Snowballs on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Optional Second Coating
For an extra snowy appearance, you can roll the cooled Snowballs in powdered sugar again. This step is entirely optional, but it does add an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful snowy effect.
Step 8: Serving and Storing
Once the Snowballs are fully cooled and coated, arrange them on a serving plate and watch them disappear quickly! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will remain delicious for several days (if they last that long!).
Conclusion:
With their buttery goodness and snow-like appearance, Snowballs are a delightful winter treat that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you enjoy them during the holiday season or throughout the winter months, these cookies are sure to become a beloved tradition in your family. Share these irresistible Snowballs with loved ones and watch as smiles and joy abound in every bite!
