Snowball cookies are a delightful treat that melt in your mouth with a burst of nutty sweetness. These cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, have a buttery, crumbly texture and are coated with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, resembling snowballs. They are perfect for festive occasions or as a cozy treat with a cup of tea.
The key ingredient in snowball cookies is walnuts. You may not always have these in your pantry, but they are widely available in the baking section of most supermarkets. They add a rich, nutty flavor to the cookies. If you're not a fan of walnuts, you can substitute them with other nuts such as pecans or almonds.
Snowball Cookies Ingredients and Explanation
flour: This is the main structure of your cookies and it helps hold all your ingredients together.
walnuts: Walnuts add a bit of crunch and a nutty flavor to your cookies. You can substitute them with other nuts if you prefer.
salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor of the cookies.
butter: Butter gives the cookies their rich, tender texture.
powdered sugar: This not only sweetens the cookies, but also gives them their snowy appearance.
One reader, Chancey Otero says:
These snowball cookies are a game-changer! The buttery, nutty flavor is simply irresistible. They're easy to make and perfect for the holidays. My family couldn't get enough of them. A definite must-try for anyone who loves a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth treat!
Key Techniques for Crafting Delicious Snowball Cookies
How to preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
How to combine dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the flour, walnuts, and salt. Set the mixture aside for later use.
How to cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer, beat the butter and powdered sugar together until creamy.
How to incorporate dry ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar until well combined.
How to shape dough: Form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
How to bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the bottom edges are lightly browned.
How to cool and coat: Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes until they can be handled. Roll the cookies in powdered sugar and place them on a rack to cool completely.
How To Make Snowball Cookies
This snowball cookies recipe should be on your must-make list of goodies for the holidays. Each cookie has that warm buttery and nutty flavor that’s tasty.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupsflour
- 1cupwalnutsfinely chopped
- 1/2tspsalt
- 1cupbutterunsalted
- 2/3cuppowdered sugarplus extra for dusting
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Combine flour, walnuts, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
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Beat butter and powdered sugar with a mixer until creamy.
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Turn the mixer to low and add flour mixture until combined.
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Form dough into 1-inch balls and place on prepared pan.
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Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until bottom edges of cookies are lightly browned.
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Cool a few minutes until you’re able to handle the cookies. Roll in powdered sugar and place on a rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Calories: 119.79kcal
- Fat: 7.88g
- Saturated Fat: 4.88g
- Trans Fat: 0.31g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.01g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.41g
- Carbohydrates: 11.30g
- Fiber: 0.29g
- Sugar: 3.30g
- Protein: 1.18g
- Cholesterol: 20.34mg
- Sodium: 49.77mg
- Calcium: 4.06mg
- Potassium: 14.23mg
- Iron: 0.13mg
- Vitamin A: 64.70µg
- Vitamin C: 0.00mg
Expert Technique Tip for Perfecting Snowball Cookies
When making snowball cookies, it's important to not overwork the dough as it can lead to tough cookies. After adding the flour mixture, mix just until it's combined. Also, when rolling the cookies in powdered sugar, make sure the cookies are still warm. The residual heat helps the sugar to stick better, giving the cookies their characteristic snowy appearance.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Snowball Cookies
Prep ahead: Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake, saving time on the day of baking.
Use a cookie scoop: Using a cookie scoop will help you create uniformly sized dough balls, ensuring even baking and a consistent final product.
Double the batch: Consider making a double batch of dough and freezing half for later use, allowing you to have ready-to-bake cookies at a moment's notice.
Invest in a food processor: Using a food processor to chop the walnuts will save time and ensure a more consistent texture in the dough.
Bake in batches: If your oven is small, consider baking the cookies in batches to ensure even baking and consistent results.
Opt for pre-chopped nuts: To save time, consider purchasing pre-chopped walnuts instead of chopping them yourself.
Substitute Ingredients For Snowball Cookies Recipe
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to regular flour, and it adds a nutty flavor to the cookies.
walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans have a similar rich and buttery flavor to walnuts, and they will work well in this recipe.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, and it adds a subtle coconut flavor to the cookies.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Granulated sugar can be used as a substitute for powdered sugar, although the texture of the cookies may be slightly different.
Creative Ways to Present Snowball Cookies
Elevate the snowball cookies: Place the snowball cookies on a bed of crushed powdered sugar to create a snowy effect, and garnish with a sprinkle of edible silver dust for a touch of elegance.
Incorporate texture: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side to contrast the warm, crumbly texture of the snowball cookies.
Play with color: Dust the plate with a light sprinkle of edible gold dust to add a subtle shimmer and visual appeal to the presentation.
Utilize negative space: Arrange the snowball cookies in a circular pattern on the plate, leaving ample space between each cookie to create a visually striking and sophisticated presentation.
Add a touch of nature: Garnish the plate with a small, edible orchid flower to bring a pop of color and a delicate, natural element to the presentation.
Incorporate height: Stack the snowball cookies in a pyramid formation, drizzling a light chocolate ganache over the top cookie for a visually stunning and luxurious presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Perfect Snowball Cookies
Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes, providing consistent and controlled heat for cooking.
Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans, preventing food from sticking and making cleanup easier.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients, mixing batters, and preparing various components of a recipe.
Mixer: An electric appliance used for beating, blending, and combining ingredients to create smooth and uniform mixtures.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
Cooling rack: A grid-like rack used to cool baked goods, allowing air to circulate around the food and preventing sogginess.
Storing and Freezing Snowball Cookies: A Guide
Once the snowball cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To maintain their freshness and prevent them from getting soggy, place a piece of bread in the container to absorb any excess moisture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are firm, about 1-2 hours. Then, transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
To thaw the frozen snowball cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. If desired, you can refresh the powdered sugar coating by rolling the thawed cookies in a bowl of powdered sugar before serving.
If you plan to give the cookies as a gift or take them to a party, store them in a decorative tin or box lined with tissue paper or parchment paper to keep them secure during transport. You can also wrap them individually in cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for a festive presentation.
How To Reheat Leftover Snowball Cookies
- The best way to reheat leftover snowball cookies is to place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps to restore their crispy exterior and soft, tender interior.
- Another option is to microwave the cookies on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds, or until just warm. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cookies to become too soft or even melt.
- For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the cookies in a toaster oven. Place them on the toaster oven tray and heat for 2-3 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until warmed to your liking.
- If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the cookies in a damp paper towel before microwaving them for 10-15 seconds. The moisture from the paper towel will help to soften the cookies as they reheat.
- For a crispy exterior and a warm, gooey center, try splitting the cookies in half and placing a small piece of butter inside before reassembling and heating them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Interesting Trivia About Snowball Cookies
The snowball cookies recipe is also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies. These cookies are a popular treat during the holiday season and are often served at weddings and other celebrations. They are called snowball cookies because they are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them the appearance of little snowballs. The cookies are believed to have originated in Eastern Europe and have been enjoyed for centuries. They are a delightful addition to any dessert table and are loved for their buttery, nutty flavor. These cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family during festive gatherings.
Is Making Snowball Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
This snowball cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are simple and commonly found in most kitchens, making it an affordable treat. The combination of flour, walnuts, and butter creates a delightful texture and flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $5-$7, depending on the quality of the ingredients. The overall verdict for this recipe is a solid 9. The cookies are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
Are Snowball Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
The snowball cookies recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe is high in calories, with significant amounts of butter and sugar.
- It contains refined flour, which is low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain alternatives.
- The cookies are high in saturated fat due to the butter content, which can contribute to heart disease and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- The recipe is also high in sugar, which can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, as well as contribute to obesity and dental problems.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Reduce the amount of butter by 25% and replace it with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or mashed avocado to lower the saturated fat content while maintaining moisture.
- Cut back on the powdered sugar by 1/3 to reduce the overall sugar content. You can also experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, using less than the amount of sugar called for in the recipe.
- Incorporate additional healthy ingredients, such as rolled oats or ground flaxseed, to boost the fiber and nutrient profile of the cookies.
- Consider using a mix of nuts, such as almonds and pecans, to provide a variety of healthy fats and nutrients.
Editor's Opinion: Snowball Cookies Recipe Review
The snowball cookies recipe you provided is a classic and delightful treat. The combination of walnuts and butter creates a rich, nutty flavor, while the powdered sugar adds a sweet and delicate touch. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. These cookies are perfect for the holiday season or any time you want a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth treat. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Why trust this Snowball Cookies Recipe:
This snowball cookies recipe is a tried and true classic, guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. The combination of walnuts and butter creates a rich and nutty flavor, while the addition of powdered sugar lends a delightful sweetness. Our meticulous review process ensures that only the finest recipes make it to our website, so you can trust that this recipe has been carefully vetted for quality and taste. With its simple yet delicious ingredients, these snowball cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion.
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