Description
These Best Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty, and perfectly tender treats coated in powdered sugar. Featuring a simple dough of butter, flour, and chopped pecans or walnuts, these classic cookies are chilled, baked until lightly golden, then rolled twice in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. Ideal for holiday baking or any time you crave a melt-in-your-mouth cookie with a rich nutty flavor.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup powdered (confectioners’) sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts
For Rolling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Mix Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat together the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Add Flavorings: Add the salt and vanilla or almond extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour and finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the butter mixture. Beat on low speed until just combined, being careful to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours, or up to 2 days, to firm up for easier shaping and better texture.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350° F (175° C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Shape Cookies and Bake: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms turn lightly golden.
- Cool and Sugar Coat: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then roll the warm cookies in powdered sugar. Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar a second time to create the classic snowy coating.
Notes
- For nut-free options, you can omit the nuts, but texture and flavor will vary.
- Chilling the dough is essential to help the cookies hold their shape and achieve the proper texture.
- Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar gives them a beautiful, snowy appearance and added sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts depending on your preference or availability.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
