If you’re looking for a festive treat that melts in your mouth, snowball cookies are the perfect choice. These delightful cookies, also known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian tea cakes, are rich, buttery, and packed with nuts, making them a beloved addition to any dessert table. Their snowy appearance and delightful taste make them a perfect gift or holiday treat that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes about 24 cookies. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately 90 calories, 5g of fat, 10g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. This is based on a standard serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before rolling in powdered sugar.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the nuts with seeds for a nut-free version. Additionally, coconut flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the quantities accordingly.
Serving and Pairings
Snowball cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They can also be served alongside other holiday treats for a delightful dessert platter.
Storage and Reheating
Store snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using cold butter can lead to a dense cookie.
- Overmixing the dough will make cookies tough.
- Not chilling the dough can affect cookie shape.
- Forgetting to coat in powdered sugar can result in bland cookies.
- Baking at too high a temperature can burn the cookies.
Helpful Tips
- Use finely chopped nuts for better texture.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon.
- Let cookies cool completely before sugaring.
- Experiment with different nuts for variety.
FAQs
What are snowball cookies?
Snowball cookies are small, round cookies made with butter, flour, and nuts, rolled in powdered sugar. They are known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can easily make snowball cookies gluten-free while maintaining their delicious taste.
How should I store snowball cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Can I add chocolate to the recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate mini chocolate chips into the dough for a delightful twist on the classic recipe.
Are snowball cookies the same as Russian tea cakes?
Yes, snowball cookies are often referred to as Russian tea cakes, and they share similar ingredients and preparation methods.
Conclusion
Snowball cookies are a delightful addition to any dessert table, perfect for sharing during the holidays or any occasion. Their rich flavor and snowy appearance make them irresistible. Enjoy making and sharing these treats with family and friends!
Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional powdered sugar for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, mixing until combined.
- Fold in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before rolling in powdered sugar.
