Snowball Cookies Recipe Perfect for the Holidays

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When you’re looking for a sweet treat that brings comfort to any moment, snowball cookies are a delightful choice. These whimsical, buttery cookies, dusted with powdered sugar, are perfect for cozy gatherings or as a special addition to your cookie jar. They’re simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients, and are sure to impress anyone with their rich flavor and delightful texture. Let’s dive into this easy snowball cookies recipe that anyone can follow!

Why This Snowball Cookies Recipe is Perfect for Beginners

This snowball cookies recipe is fantastic for beginners because it has straightforward steps and uses basic ingredients. You don’t need any fancy tools—just a mixing bowl and a hand or stand mixer will do the job. The method is forgiving, so even if you’re new to baking, you can enjoy tasty cookies without the stress. Plus, these cookies feel special and festive, making them great for any occasion, from holiday celebrations to casual afternoon snacks.

How to Make Snowball Cookies Overview

Making snowball cookies is a simple process with a few easy steps. First, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Next, you’ll add in the flour, salt, and optional chopped pecans to form the cookie dough. After chilling the dough, roll it into small balls and bake them until they’re lightly golden. Finally, a dusting of powdered sugar gives these cookies their signature snowball look!

Ingredients

1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3/4 cup (90g) confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
1/8 teaspoon salt
Optional: 3/4 cup (100g) finely chopped and toasted pecans
1 and 1/4 cups (150g) confectioners’ sugar (for coating)

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter for 1 minute on medium speed. The butter should be completely smooth and creamy.
Add in 3/4 cup (90g) of confectioners’ sugar. Mix on medium-high speed until it’s creamy and well combined. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Next, add the vanilla extract and beat on medium-high speed until it’s mixed in.
Switch your mixer to low speed and slowly add in the all-purpose flour and salt. The dough might look a bit dry at first, but that’s okay!
Once all the flour is in, increase the mixer speed to high and beat until the dough comes together smoothly.
If you’re using pecans, gently beat them into the dough until evenly distributed.
Cover the cookie dough tightly and refrigerate it to chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days. If chilling for more than 3 hours, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Pour the additional 1 and 1/4 cups (150g) of confectioners’ sugar into a shallow bowl for coating the cookies.
Scoop out 1 tablespoon (20g) of cookie dough for each cookie. Roll it into a ball and place it on the baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between each ball.
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the bottom edges and just barely browned on top.
Once baked, let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet. Then, gently roll them in the confectioners’ sugar to coat completely.
Transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. After they have cooled, roll them in confectioners’ sugar one more time. This is when the sugar will stick best.
Enjoy your cookies!

How to Serve Snowball Cookies with Joy

These snowball cookies are delightful to enjoy warm or at room temperature. They make a wonderful addition to dessert tables for gatherings, or pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. Whether you serve them at a holiday party or during a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to bring smiles to everyone who tries them.

Storing Snowball Cookies for Freshness

To keep your snowball cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to 1 week. Avoid refrigerating the cookies, as this can make them hard. If you have any leftover cookies, simply pull them out and enjoy them at room temperature. They do not freeze well, as the texture can change when thawed.

Tips for Baking Your Best Snowball Cookies

Ensure your butter is softened properly; it should be creamy but not melted. This helps create a fluffy texture in your cookies.
When combining the flour, don’t worry if the dough feels dry at first. It will come together once you mix it on high speed!
Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. You want them golden brown on the edges but still soft on top. They will firm up as they cool.
For easier rolling, keep your hands lightly dusted with confectioners’ sugar to prevent sticking while shaping the cookie dough.

Variations to Try with Snowball Cookies

Nut-Free: Omit the pecans for a classic snowball cookie that feels just as special.
Flavor Twist: Add lemon zest or almond extract in place of vanilla for a different flavor profile.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in mini chocolate chips with the dough for a sweet chocolate surprise in each bite.

FAQs

Can I make this cookie dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it into cookie balls to make it easier to work with.

What should I do if I don’t have pecans?

No worries! The cookies are delicious without nuts, or you can substitute them with other nuts if you prefer. You can also leave out the nuts altogether for a classic version.

Why are my cookies flat?

If your cookies turn out flat, it usually means the butter was too soft when mixed in. Make sure to use butter that is softened to room temperature but not melted. Also, a good chill time for the dough will help keep its shape while baking.

Conclusion

This snowball cookies recipe is an easy and delightful way to create a sweet treat that everyone can enjoy. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can make soft, buttery cookies that feel festive and special. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, building confidence in your baking skills, and enjoying moments of warmth and joy.

Baking these snowball cookies is not just about the delicious end result. It’s about the joy of creating something sweet in your kitchen, and I hope you feel proud of making them! Don’t hesitate to try different variations next time or explore other beginner-friendly recipes too. Happy baking!