Description
Classic Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and rolled in powdered sugar for a delicate melt-in-your-mouth treat. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a sweet, crumbly cookie with a rich nut flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup salted butter softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Coating
- 1 cup powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter, sugar, and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Vanilla: Pour in the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined, enhancing the cookie’s flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add the flour and finely chopped pecans to the mixture, stirring until everything is evenly incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl at least once to mix thoroughly.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop the dough into 1 tablespoon portions, then roll each portion into a smooth ball with your hands.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving at least 2 inches between each to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake one pan at a time for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown, indicating they’re perfectly baked.
- Cool: Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely to set the texture.
- Coat with Sugar: Roll each cooled cookie in powdered sugar until fully coated, giving them their signature snowball appearance.
Notes
- If using unsalted butter, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the dough to balance the flavor.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- Freeze cookie dough or baked cookies for up to 2 months to enjoy later without loss of quality.
- Try variations by substituting pecans with walnuts or almonds for different nutty flavors.