I cherish the tradition of making snowball cookies during the holiday season. These delightful treats are a staple on my Christmas dessert trays, and their powdered sugar coating adds a touch of festive elegance.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Known by many names, including Mexican Wedding Cookies and Russian Tea Cakes, these cookies are beloved worldwide for their rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family and is perfect for holiday sharing, making approximately 36 cookies.
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create these delicious dessert treats that are sure to impress. The combination of sugar and powdered sugar gives them a unique flavor and texture that’s hard to resist.
Key Takeaways
- Learn how to make traditional snowball cookies with a simple recipe
- Discover the secret to achieving the perfect powdered sugar coating
- Find out why these cookies are a staple on holiday dessert trays
- Get tips on how to make the most of this recipe for cookie exchanges and gift-giving
- Understand the significance of this recipe being passed down through generations
Why Snowball Cookies Are My Christmas Tradition
As I roll out the dough for snowball cookies each Christmas, I’m reminded of the love and care that goes into this family recipe. My great-grandmother’s original recipe card, now treasured by my mom and me, holds a special place in our family’s holiday traditions. The recipe, with its characteristic vague measurements like “1-2 cups nuts” and instructions to “chill dough until easy to handle,” has been slightly modified over the years to provide more precise guidance.
The Perfect Holiday Cookie
Snowball cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re the perfect holiday cookie. Their festive appearance, delicate texture, and not-too-sweet flavor profile make them a standout on any Christmas dessert tray. The way they’re rolled in powdered sugar, resembling little snowballs, adds to their charm and ties in beautifully with the winter wonderland theme of Christmas.
My Family’s Treasured Recipe
This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, with my mom preserving my great-grandmother’s original handwritten recipe card. I’ve made it my own by tweaking it slightly to include more specific measurements and instructions, ensuring that this treasured family recipe continues to be a part of our holiday celebrations for years to come. Making these cookies each year connects me to my family’s traditions and creates new holiday memories.
What Makes Snowball Cookies Special
Snowball cookies are a holiday treat that stands out for their unique characteristics. I’ve found that their special qualities make them a favorite in my household during Christmas.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture
The melt-in-your-mouth texture of snowball cookies is truly special. This is achieved through a combination of high-quality ingredients, particularly the generous use of butter, which gives the cookies a rich, shortbread-like quality. The fine texture of the dough ensures that the cookies are simultaneously tender and crumbly, creating a delightful sensation when you bite into them.
Festive “Snowy” Appearance
The festive “snowy” appearance of these cookies is another factor that makes them stand out. The double-coating of powdered sugar not only adds sweetness but also creates a beautiful, snow-like effect. The first coating melts slightly into the warm cookie, while the second coating creates a fluffy, snowy appearance that makes them perfect for winter holidays.
As someone who enjoys baking, I can attest that the combination of a tender texture and a beautiful appearance makes snowball cookies a true holiday treat. Their visual appeal makes them a standout on any holiday cookie tray, and their taste is sure to delight both family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Snowball Cookies Recipe Christmas Treats
To make the perfect snowball cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, making it accessible to bakers of all levels.
The Butter Base
The foundation of these cookies is high-quality unsalted butter at the right temperature. Using softened butter ensures the cookies have a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The butter gives these cookies their signature rich buttery flavor.
Powdered Sugar Magic
Powdered sugar is used in two ways: it’s incorporated into the dough for sweetness and used as a coating after baking. Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar dissolves easily, providing a smooth texture. You’ll need about 1 cup powdered sugar for coating.
Nuts and Flavorings
The recipe includes pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor. Properly chopping the nuts is crucial for the right consistency. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor, and you can also consider almond extract as an alternative for a different twist.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 1 cup | Rich, buttery flavor |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 cup (for coating) | Sweetness and texture |
| Pecans or Walnuts | 1 cup | Texture and nutty flavor |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon | Flavor enhancement |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups | Structure |
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making Snowball Cookies this holiday season. With these simple instructions, you’ll be on your way to creating delicious treats that everyone will love.
Preparing the Dough
To start, beat together the butter and powdered sugar until creamy using a mixer. Then, mix in the salt and vanilla extract until well incorporated. Next, add the flour and nuts, mixing on low speed until just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix at this stage. Finally, chill the dough for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
Shaping and Baking
Once the dough is chilled, roll it into 1-inch balls and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between each cookie. Bake the cookies at 350° F for 10-12 minutes. After baking, let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The Double Sugar Coating Technique
While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to coat. Once they have cooled completely, roll them in powdered sugar again for an extra-sweet finish. This double coating ensures the cookies are generously covered in sugar, giving them their signature “snowball” appearance.
My Top Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
After years of baking snowball cookies, I’ve learned that the key to success lies in the details. To help you achieve perfect cookies every time, I’ll share my top tips based on experience and experimentation.
Butter Temperature Matters
Using room temperature butter is crucial. Softened butter creams together with sugar more easily, resulting in a better dough texture. This simple step makes a significant difference in the final product.
Properly Measuring Ingredients
Accurate measurement of ingredients, especially flour, is vital. Too much flour can lead to dense cookies. Use a digital scale for precision, and ensure your flour is not packed too tightly.
Handling the Delicate Cookies
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, carefully roll them in powdered sugar. This gentle handling prevents the cookies from crumbling and ensures they retain their shape.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making perfect snowball cookies. Remember, the quality of your ingredients and your attention to detail will shine through in the final product.
Delicious Variations to Try
Snowball cookies can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs, making them a great option for holiday gatherings. This flexibility allows you to experiment with different flavors while maintaining the classic texture that makes snowball cookies so beloved.
Chocolate Chip Snowballs
For a nut-free alternative, you can substitute 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for the chopped nuts to make Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies. This variation is perfect for chocolate lovers or those with nut allergies, and it maintains the delightful texture of the original recipe.
Different Nut Options
If you prefer to stick with nuts, you can experiment with different varieties. Instead of pecans, you could finely chop walnuts, almonds, cashews, or pistachios to create a unique flavor profile. Each type of nut brings its own distinct taste to the cookies, allowing you to customize them to your liking.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
To keep your snowball cookies fresh, it’s essential to store them properly. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or saving some for later, understanding your storage options is key.
Room Temperature Storage
Your snowball cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This method is ideal for short-term storage and keeps the cookies soft and ready to eat.
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, you can freeze your cookies. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature. If desired, you can re-roll them in powdered sugar before serving to refresh their appearance.
Refreshing Stored Cookies
If your cookies have been stored for a while, you can easily refresh them. Simply roll them in powdered sugar again to restore their snowy appearance. This tip is especially useful if you’ve frozen the cookies and want them to look their best when served.
Some additional tips for storing and making ahead:
- Cool your cookies completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
- Use an airtight container to keep cookies fresh and protect them from other flavors.
- Consider baking a day or two before serving, as the flavors tend to meld together and intensify over time.
Why These Snowball Cookies Will Become Your Holiday Favorite
Snowball cookies have become a cherished holiday tradition in my family, and I’m excited to share them with you. These delicious cookies are not only simple to make but also bring a touch of elegance to any holiday cookie tray with their snowy appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
They’re a favorite among family and friends, and their make-ahead friendly nature makes holiday baking less stressful. To create a complete Christmas cookie collection, consider pairing these snowball cookies with other holiday favorites like Chocolate Crinkle Cookies and Gingerbread Cookies.
By making these snowball cookies part of your holiday tradition, you’ll be creating memories that last a lifetime. So, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some snowball cookies to share and enjoy!
