Introduction
Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of the holidays and special occasions. With their buttery, crumbly texture and dusting of powdered sugar, these cookies are sure to melt in your mouth and leave you wanting more. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying them yourself, Snowball Cookies are a classic favorite that adds a touch of sweetness to any gathering.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Unsalted butter, softened - 226g
Powdered sugar - 60g
Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
All-purpose flour - 280g
Salt - ¼ tsp
Finely chopped pecans or walnuts - 100g
Powdered sugar, for rolling - 120g
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 175°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
6. Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into 2.5cm balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes.
9. Roll the slightly warm cookies in powdered sugar and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a thick, snowy coating.
Enjoy making these delightful Snowball Cookies, perfect for sharing and celebrating!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 175°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and 60g of powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Add the 280g of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the mixture, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Incorporate the Nuts
Fold in the 100g of finely chopped pecans or walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Form the Dough Balls
Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into 2.5cm balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 5cm apart.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
Step 9: First Powdered Sugar Coating
While they are still slightly warm, roll the cookies in 120g of powdered sugar and then place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Final Powdered Sugar Coating
Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again for a thick, snowy coating.
Notes
Serving Suggestion
These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
Variations
Feel free to substitute the pecans or walnuts with other nuts or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.
Storage Tips
For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls and simply bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Storage Instructions
After preparing your Snowball Cookies, allow them to cool completely. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can also freeze them in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they will keep for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or slightly warm them in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
Snowball Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your dessert experience by serving them alongside a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. They also pair wonderfully with a platter of holiday treats to add variety. For a festive twist, consider placing a few cookies in decorative holiday bags to give as gifts, or arrange them on a beautiful serving dish dusted with extra powdered sugar for a stunning presentation.
Nutritional Information
Each Snowball Cookie contains approximately:
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Note that these values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you need to make adjustments to the recipe due to dietary preferences or ingredient availability, consider the following substitutions:
- For a dairy-free version, replace unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
- You can use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar for rolling if you prefer a less sweet coating.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Instead of pecans or walnuts, you can use finely chopped almonds or omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- Enhance flavor by adding a pinch of almond extract in place of vanilla extract.
Cook techniques
1. Creaming Butter and Sugar
Begin by beating the softened unsalted butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, helping to create a tender cookie texture.
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients
When adding the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mix until just combined. Over-mixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher cookie.
3. Folding in Nuts
Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts. This technique ensures that the nuts are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough without overworking the mixture.
4. Shaping Cookies
Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into 2.5cm balls. This uniform size ensures even baking and consistent appearance.
5. Baking
Bake the cookies at 175°C until the bottoms are lightly golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dry cookies.
6. Rolling in Powdered Sugar
After letting the cookies cool slightly, roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm. This allows the sugar to adhere better, creating a snowy coating.
7. Second Coating
For a thicker snow-like coating, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again once they have completely cooled. This final touch enhances both the appearance and sweetness of the cookies.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can substitute pecans or walnuts with other nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts, depending on your preference.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cookies gluten-free. Be sure to check the blend for xanthan gum, which aids in texture.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them.
Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
Yes, feel free to add chocolate chips for a different flavor profile, but be mindful that this may change the texture slightly.
What can I do if the dough feels too soft?
If the dough is too soft to handle, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will make it easier to shape.
Conclusion
These Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture combined with a snowy sugar coating makes them irresistible. Perfect for the holidays or as a simple indulgence, these cookies are sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Snowball Cookies
Add cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate twist, and use mini chocolate chips for an extra treat.
Almond Snowball Cookies
Substitute the chopped pecans with finely chopped almonds and add a few drops of almond extract for a delightful nutty flavor.
Coconut Snowball Cookies
Incorporate shredded coconut into the dough, resulting in a tropical version that pairs wonderfully with the powdered sugar.
Matcha Snowball Cookies
Add matcha green tea powder to create a unique and colorful take on the classic recipe.
Spiced Snowball Cookies
Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg into the dough for a festive touch that's perfect for winter.
Lemon Snowball Cookies
Include lemon zest in the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor that brightens the classic cookie.
Nut-free Snowball Cookies
Replace the nuts with sunflower seeds or oatmeal for a nut-free version that still delivers on flavor and texture.
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