Description
Delight in these classic Snowball Christmas Cookies, perfect for holiday celebrations. These buttery, nutty cookies are rolled in powdered sugar for a festive, snow-like finish that melts in your mouth. Follow our step-by-step tips to bake charming treats that bring joy to any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for even baking of the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, which will help create a tender texture.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract thoroughly to infuse the dough with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into the wet mixture, stirring continuously to form a smooth dough without lumps.
- Incorporate Nuts: Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans evenly, distributing the nuts for a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and arrange them evenly spaced on an ungreased baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cookies are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked without being overdone.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet to firm up slightly before handling.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: While still warm, roll each cookie in the remaining 1/2 cup powdered sugar to coat them completely, giving them their signature snowball appearance.
- Cool Completely: Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely so the sugar coating sets and the cookies become crisp on the outside yet tender inside.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature to ensure smooth creaming.
- Use finely chopped nuts to prevent large chunks that may affect dough consistency.
- Do not grease the baking sheet; the cookies will firm up better and maintain their shape.
- Rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar helps the coating stick well and gives a delicate, snowy finish.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
