Delightful Snowball Cookies
These Delightful Snowball Cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Butter Balls, are a beloved treat perfect for celebrations, holiday gatherings, or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings. With a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a delectable blend of buttery goodness and crunchy pecans, these cookies are sure to impress. Passed down through generations, this recipe has been cherished for over 45 years, making them a nostalgic favorite for many. Every bite is an explosion of flavor covered in a delightful coat of powdered sugar, making them not just cookies but a sweet celebration. Yielding around 30 cookies, their size can be adjusted based on your preference, but regardless of size, they are bound to be a hit at any event!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 cup (softened)
powdered sugar
1/2 cup (for mixing and extra for rolling)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons
all-purpose flour
2 cups
salt
1/4 teaspoon
baking powder
1/4 teaspoon
pecans
3/4 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened butter with the powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder.
5
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
6
Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7
Using your hands, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving space between each.
8
Bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the cookies are set but not browned.
9
Once removed from the oven, roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar to coat them. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
10
Once cooled, roll the cookies again in powdered sugar for an extra sweet finish.
11
Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Delightful Snowball Cookies?
Delightful Snowball Cookies are a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treat filled with crunchy pecans and coated in powdered sugar.
What are some other names for Snowball Cookies?
They are also commonly known as Russian Tea Cakes or Butter Balls.
How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe yields approximately 30 cookies, though the number may vary if you adjust the size.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 325%F (165%C).
How long do you bake Snowball Cookies?
Bake the cookies for approximately 12 minutes, or until they are set but not browned.
What kind of nuts are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 3/4 cup of chopped pecans.
Should the butter be softened before mixing?
Yes, the 1 cup of butter should be softened to ensure it blends properly with the sugar.
How many times should the cookies be rolled in powdered sugar?
The cookies are rolled twice: once while they are still warm and a second time after they have completely cooled.
What is the best way to store Snowball Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
How large should I make the dough balls?
The dough should be formed into 1-inch balls before baking.
Do I need to grease the cookie sheet?
No, the instructions specify using an ungreased cookie sheet.
What provides the melt-in-your-mouth texture?
The combination of softened butter, powdered sugar, and all-purpose flour creates their signature delicate texture.
How much vanilla extract is required?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Is there salt in Snowball Cookies?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Does this recipe use baking powder?
Yes, it uses 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder to help with the cookie structure.
Are these cookies suitable for holiday gatherings?
Absolutely, they are described as a beloved treat perfect for holidays and celebrations.
Can I adjust the size of the cookies?
Yes, you can adjust the size based on your preference, though it may change the final yield and baking time.
How long has this specific recipe been around?
This recipe has been cherished and passed down for over 45 years.
Why are they called Snowball Cookies?
They are named for their round shape and white powdered sugar coating which resembles a snowball.
Should the cookies be brown when I take them out of the oven?
No, they should be removed when they are set but still pale, not browned.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe requires 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much powdered sugar goes into the cookie dough itself?
1/2 cup of powdered sugar is blended into the dough mixture.
What is the first step in making these cookies?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 325%F (165%C).
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 7 ingredients: butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, flour, salt, baking powder, and pecans.
Are Snowball Cookies considered easy to bake?
Yes, they are tagged as an "easy baking" recipe suitable for various skill levels.
What do I do after the cookies are removed from the oven?
Immediately roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar and then let them cool on a wire rack.
Can these be served at a wedding?
Yes, they are often referred to as "wedding cookies" and are great for such celebrations.
When do I fold in the pecans?
The pecans should be folded in after the dry ingredients have been incorporated into the butter mixture.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe falls under the dessert and cookies categories.
Is it necessary to use a wire rack for cooling?
Yes, using a wire rack allows them to cool evenly before the second coating of sugar is applied.