Classic Buttery Snowball Cookies
These Classic Buttery Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a melt-in-your-mouth dessert. With a soft, buttery texture and a sweet, nutty flavor enhanced by finely chopped walnuts, these cookies are rolled in powdered sugar to create a snowy, festive appearance. Simple to make, they are a nostalgic favorite that will fill your home with their irresistible aroma.
48
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
powdered sugar
1/2 cup (plus extra for coating)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
walnuts
3/4 cup (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and well blended.
3
Gradually add in the flour and salt, mixing just until the dough starts to come together.
4
Gently fold in the finely chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands.
6
Arrange the balls on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
8
Carefully remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet.
9
While still warm, roll each cookie generously in powdered sugar and set them on a wire rack to cool completely.
10
Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a nice, generous coating.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Classic Buttery Snowball Cookies?
They are a traditional holiday treat featuring a soft, buttery texture and a sweet, nutty flavor, rolled in powdered sugar to look like snowballs.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long do these cookies need to bake?
Bake the cookies for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are set but not browned.
What are the main ingredients for snowball cookies?
The main ingredients include butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, salt, and finely chopped walnuts.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, you should arrange the dough balls on an ungreased baking sheet.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 48 servings.
What kind of nuts are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 3/4 cup of finely chopped walnuts.
Can I substitute the walnuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans or almonds if preferred.
How do I prepare the butter for this recipe?
The butter should be softened to room temperature before mixing.
How much powdered sugar goes into the dough?
The dough requires 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
When should I roll the cookies in powdered sugar?
Roll the cookies once while they are still warm, and then a second time once they have cooled completely.
Why do I roll the cookies in sugar twice?
The first roll creates a base layer as the sugar melts slightly into the warm cookie, and the second roll provides a beautiful, snowy finish.
What size should I make the dough balls?
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
Are snowball cookies known by other names?
Yes, they are often called Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Should the cookies be brown when I take them out?
No, they should be removed when the edges are set but before they become browned.
What is the first step in making the dough?
The first step is to combine the softened butter, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
How much flour is required?
You will need 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
Do I need an electric mixer?
While not strictly required, a mixer helps combine the butter and sugar until well blended.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What is the texture of these cookies?
They have a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth, buttery texture.
Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Yes, you can omit the walnuts, though the texture and flavor profile will change.
How long should the cookies cool before the first sugar roll?
Let them cool for just a couple of minutes on the baking sheet so they are still warm to the touch.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of butter.
Can I use granulated sugar instead of powdered sugar?
Powdered sugar is essential for the specific texture of the dough and the snowy coating.
What should I use to cool the cookies?
After the first roll in sugar, set the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.
Should I leave space between the cookies on the pan?
Yes, leave some space between each cookie ball on the baking sheet.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with simple steps and few ingredients.
How do I know the walnuts are ready for the dough?
The walnuts should be finely chopped so they distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Are these cookies good for gifts?
Absolutely, their festive appearance and long shelf life make them excellent for holiday gifting.