Soft Homemade Snowball Cookies

Why Make This Recipe

Soft Homemade Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that brings joy to every occasion. These cookies are perfect for sharing during holidays, family gatherings, or just an everyday snack. With their buttery, nutty flavor and soft texture, they melt in your mouth, making them a favorite for kids and adults alike. Plus, they are easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have at home.

How to Make Soft Homemade 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 chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Additional powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually mix in the flour and salt until combined.
Fold in the chopped nuts.
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Allow cookies to cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar while they’re still warm.
Let them cool completely on a wire rack and dust with more powdered sugar before serving.

How to Serve Soft Homemade Snowball Cookies

These cookies are great to serve on a festive platter at parties or as a simple dessert after dinner. They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. For a special touch, try arranging them in a decorative tin or box for gifts to friends and family.

How to Store Soft Homemade Snowball Cookies

To keep your Snowball Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can place them in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze them for up to three months.

Tips to Make Soft Homemade Snowball Cookies

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
Feel free to adjust the type of nuts based on personal preference or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.
After rolling in powdered sugar, you can dust them again before serving for an extra sweet touch.

Variation

You can experiment with various flavors by adding chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even different extracts like almond or hazelnut. You can also switch up the nuts based on what you have on hand.

FAQs

Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use margarine, but it may change the texture slightly. Butter usually gives the cookies a richer flavor.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before shaping and baking.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar?
If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar until fine. It works well as a substitute in this recipe.