Snowball Cookies
Indulge in the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies. These delightful confections, dusted with powdered sugar, are perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. Their buttery texture and nutty flavor make them irresistible. Let’s dive into the recipe and create these little spheres of joy that will impress your family and friends!
Ingredients
- 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 finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 snowball cookies. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 100
– Total Fat: 7g
– Saturated Fat: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 8g
– Protein: 1g
This nutritional information is calculated for one cookie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Dust the warm cookies generously with powdered sugar before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily customize snowball cookies by using different nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts. For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Additionally, try infusing the dough with orange or almond extract for a unique twist.
Serving and Pairings
Snowball cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They also make an excellent addition to holiday cookie platters, alongside other festive treats like gingerbread cookies or peppermint bark.
Storage and Reheating
Store snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply let them thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar again before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately will affect the texture.
- Skipping the chilling step may cause the cookies to spread too much.
- Baking at the wrong temperature can result in uneven cooking.
- Forgetting to dust with powdered sugar while warm will make it less effective.
- Using stale nuts can affect the flavor.
- Overbaking will lead to dry cookies.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter for better mixing.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking for best results.
- Experiment with different nut combinations for variety.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before storing.
- Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a fresh look.
FAQs
Can I make snowball cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, baked cookies can be stored for a week or frozen for longer storage.
What type of nuts can I use?
You can use any type of finely chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Each type brings a different flavor and texture to the cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies should be lightly golden on the bottom. They will appear soft but will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet.
What’s the best way to store snowball cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
Conclusion
Snowball cookies are a delightful treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Their buttery, nutty flavor and powdered sugar coating make them a festive favorite. Whether enjoyed with a warm beverage or shared with loved ones, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!
Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
- 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 finely chopped nuts walnuts or pecans
- Additional powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
- Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet.
- Dust the warm cookies generously with powdered sugar before serving.
