Best Snowball Cookies
Delightful snowball cookies with a tender texture and buttery flavor, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature for best results.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Can substitute with almond extract for variation.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) Toasting nuts enhances flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract to the mixture and blend until well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt, then gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture.
- Fold in the finely chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the cookies are set and very lightly golden on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Finishing Touches
- Once cooled, dust the cookies generously with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Notes
For a more personalized twist, consider adding cocoa powder for chocolate cookies or spices like cinnamon for additional flavor. Store cookies in an airtight container for freshness. They can also be frozen for up to three months.