ADVERTISEMENT
—
## **Instructions**
### 1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
### 2. **Mix the Dough:**
– In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened **butter** and **powdered sugar** using an electric mixer or a hand whisk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about **2-3 minutes**.
– Add the **vanilla extract** and mix until incorporated.
– Gradually add the **flour** and **salt** to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough just comes together. If you’re using nuts, fold in the **chopped pecans** or **walnuts** until evenly distributed.
### 3. **Shape the Cookies:**
– Scoop about **1 tablespoon** of dough at a time and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about **1 inch** apart. These cookies won’t spread much during baking, so no need to leave too much space between them.
### 4. **Bake the Cookies:**
– Bake in the preheated oven for **12-15 minutes**, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale and soft.
### 5. **Coat in Powdered Sugar:**
– Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about **5 minutes**.
– While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in **powdered sugar** to coat them completely. You can roll them again in powdered sugar once they’ve cooled for an extra snowy effect!
### 6. **Cool and Enjoy:**
– Allow the Snowball Cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. They’re now ready to be enjoyed!
—
## **Serving Suggestions:**
– **Holiday Cookie Platters:** Snowball Cookies are perfect for holiday cookie platters. Their delicate appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them stand out on any festive spread.
– **Pair with Hot Cocoa:** These cookies are the perfect pairing for a warm mug of **hot chocolate** or **spiced cider** on a chilly day.
– **Gift Them:** Snowball Cookies make excellent edible gifts. Package them in a cute tin or gift box, dusted with extra powdered sugar, for a thoughtful and delicious homemade present.
—
## **Why Snowball Cookies are a Must-Have:**
1. **Versatile:** Whether you stick with the classic pecan or add a personal twist with different nuts, Snowball Cookies are endlessly customizable to suit your tastes.
2. **Perfect for Beginners:** These cookies are easy to make and require no special baking skills, making them a great choice for novice bakers or kids who want to get involved in the kitchen.
3. **Great for Freezing:** Snowball Cookies freeze beautifully. You can make a large batch, freeze them in an airtight container, and enjoy them throughout the holiday season. Simply thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
4. **A Festive Tradition:** There’s something about the snowy appearance of these cookies that makes them feel extra special during the winter months. They’re perfect for bringing a touch of holiday cheer to your home or sharing with friends and family.
—
## **Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies:**
– **Chill the Dough:** If you find the dough too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for **30 minutes** to firm it up before rolling the cookies.
– **Even Coating:** For an even dusting of powdered sugar, roll the cookies gently but thoroughly. You can even use a sifter to sprinkle a fine layer of powdered sugar on top after they’ve cooled for a “snowy” effect.
– **Add Spice:** For a festive twist, try adding a dash of **cinnamon** or **nutmeg** to the dough to give the cookies a warm, spiced flavor.
– **Nut-Free Version:** If you’re making these cookies for guests with nut allergies, simply omit the nuts. You can substitute them with **mini chocolate chips** or a handful of **dried cranberries**.
—
## **Conclusion:**
**Snowball Cookies** are a timeless treat that adds the perfect touch of sweetness and warmth to any occasion. With their delicate crumbly texture and rich buttery flavor, they’re a true holiday favorite that never goes out of style. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just craving a comforting dessert on a snowy day, these cookies are sure to brighten up your season.
So, get your baking supplies ready and start rolling these **delicious snowballs**! ❄️🍪
ADVERTISEMENT
