Cozy Snowball Cookies: A Tender Treat for Every Occasion
There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through your home, isn’t there? It instantly takes me back to the warmth of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the chill of winter was kept at bay by the glow of the oven and the smell of buttery treats. These Snowball Cookies, with their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and snowy coating of powdered sugar, evoke the same comforting nostalgia. They’re my go-to for those cozy afternoons when all you need is a cup of tea, a throw blanket, and a little indulgence.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or just a quiet moment of indulgence, these snow-like delights are sure to be a hit. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up! Trust me; this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, these cookies are perfect for busy holiday baking days.
- Melt-in-your-mouth texture, creating a delightful surprise with every bite.
- No fancy equipment needed—just a bowl and a mixer will do!
- Versatile ingredient options allow for customization to fit your preferences.
- A beautiful finish that’s perfect for sharing or gifting during the season.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour (white, spelt, whole wheat pastry, or Bob’s gluten-free work)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (or almonds or pecans)
- 1 cup butter (or coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Optional additional powdered sugar (or cocoa powder, for rolling)
How to Make Snowball Cookies
Let’s Make It Together:
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a medium bowl or using a stand mixer, combine the butter and powdered sugar. Beat until creamy and well blended.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour and chopped nuts.
- Mix the flour mixture into the butter and sugar blend until everything comes together to form a soft dough.
- Shape the dough into small balls, about an inch in diameter, and place them onto a cookie sheet.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned at the edges.
- Prepare a bowl of extra powdered sugar for rolling. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, roll them in the powdered sugar to coat them while they are warm.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note: If you’d prefer a nut-free version, feel free to omit the nuts. And while I can’t advise on any substitutions outside of what’s listed, I encourage you to experiment at your own risk and report back your findings for fellow bakers!
Delicious Variations to Try
- Chocolate Snowball Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the flour for a rich, chocolatey twist that’s sure to impress chocolate lovers!
- Zesty Lemon Snowball Cookies: Incorporate the zest of one lemon into the dough for a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Coconut Snowball Cookies: Replace half of the chopped nuts with unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
- Spiced Snowball Cookies: Mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger for a warm, cozy spice that embodies the season.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Chill the Dough: For added flavor, chill the dough for 30 minutes before shaping the cookies. It also makes the dough easier to handle.
- Storing Leftovers: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week—or freeze for longer freshness!
- Make Ahead: These cookies can be made ahead of time, just be sure to roll them in powdered sugar right before serving for that perfect snowy finish.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut oil can provide a lovely richness while keeping the cookies dairy-free.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Carbs: 12g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 50mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use different ingredients?
While I recommend the ingredients listed for the best results, feel free to experiment and let us know how it goes!
How do I store leftovers?
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they should stay fresh for about a week.
How long do they last?
These cookies can last up to a week at room temperature, or you can freeze them for up to three months!
A Cozy Closing Note
These Snowball Cookies are truly special—each bite is a blend of warmth and sweetness, and they bring a sense of comfort just like grandma used to make. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them solo with a hot cup of tea, they’re sure to brighten your day.
Save this Snowball Cookies recipe to your baking board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking, friends!
Print
Cozy Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tender Snowball Cookies rolled in powdered sugar, perfect for cozy afternoons or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour (white, spelt, whole wheat pastry, or gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (or almonds or pecans)
- 1 cup butter (or coconut oil)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Optional additional powdered sugar (or cocoa powder, for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a medium bowl or using a stand mixer, combine the butter and powdered sugar. Beat until creamy and well blended.
- In a separate bowl, stir together the flour and chopped nuts.
- Mix the flour mixture into the butter and sugar blend until everything comes together to form a soft dough.
- Shape the dough into small balls, about an inch in diameter, and place them onto a cookie sheet.
- Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned at the edges.
- Prepare a bowl of extra powdered sugar for rolling. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, roll them in the powdered sugar to coat them while warm.
- Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Chill the dough for 30 minutes for added flavor. Store cookies in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cookies, snowball cookies, holiday baking, baking recipes, dessert