Introduction
Snowball cookies are one of those sweet treats that bring joy with every bite. They are soft, buttery, and covered in powdered sugar that makes them look like little snowballs. That’s how they got their fun name!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the best snowball cookies—from the ingredients to the step-by-step process, plus a look at their nutritional value. By the end, you’ll be ready to bake a batch of these melt-in-your-mouth cookies that everyone will love.
Ingredients – Snowball Cookies
To make the best snowball cookies, you don’t need anything fancy. Just gather these basic ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling the cookies)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds work best)
Step by Step Process – Snowball Cookies
Here’s a simple step-by-step process to follow:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This will keep your cookies from sticking and make clean-up easier.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps create that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Vanilla Extract
Mix in the vanilla extract. It may seem small, but vanilla adds a rich, sweet flavor that makes these cookies irresistible.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into the butter mixture. Stir until well combined.
Step 5: Add the Nuts
Fold in the finely chopped nuts. These add a little crunch and a delicious nutty flavor to your cookies.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Scoop out small portions of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch between each cookie.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them—they should stay pale on top.
Step 8: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Once the cookies are baked, let them cool for about 5 minutes. While still slightly warm, roll them in powdered sugar so the sugar sticks nicely. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely. After they cool, roll them again in powdered sugar for that perfect snowy look.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Protein | 2 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 40 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make snowball cookies without nuts?
Yes! If you’re allergic to nuts or just don’t like them, you can leave them out. The cookies will still taste buttery and sweet. You can also replace nuts with mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Q2: Why do my snowball cookies crumble?
Snowball cookies are a bit crumbly by nature, but if they fall apart too much, it might be because there isn’t enough butter in the dough. Make sure to measure correctly and press the dough firmly when shaping.
Q3: Can I freeze snowball cookies?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dough balls before baking or freeze the baked cookies. If freezing baked cookies, just thaw them and roll them again in powdered sugar before serving.
Q4: How long do snowball cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, snowball cookies can stay fresh for up to 1 week at room temperature. If you refrigerate them, they’ll last even longer.
Q5: Do I have to double-coat the cookies in powdered sugar?
Yes, if you want that snowy look! The first coating sticks better while they’re warm, and the second one makes them extra pretty and sweet.
Final Thoughts
Snowball cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re a little bite of happiness. With their soft, buttery texture and snowy sugar coating, they’re perfect for holidays, special occasions, or even as a quick treat with your morning coffee.
The best part about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can bake a batch in less than an hour. Plus, they’re flexible—you can add nuts, chocolate, or even a hint of spice to make them your own.
So, the next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the store-bought cookies and try making these homemade snowball cookies. They’re easy, fun, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face.
