Snowball Cookies: A Classic Holiday Treat

Introduction

Snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, are a classic holiday treat loved for their rich, buttery flavor and delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

These round, bite-sized cookies are coated in powdered sugar, giving them a festive, snow-covered appearance that makes them perfect for holiday celebrations.

In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple recipe to create these delicious snowball cookies.

Ingredients

To prepare these delicious snowball cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

1 cup of unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup of powdered sugar (plus extra for coating)

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon of salt

1 cup of finely chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.

Stir in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Chill the Dough:

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps to firm up the dough and makes it easier to handle.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale.

Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes.

Coat the Cookies in Powdered Sugar:

While the cookies are still warm, roll them in powdered sugar to coat.

Place the coated cookies on a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a second coating.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the snowball cookies at room temperature.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

Tips and Variations

Flavor Variations: Add a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a spiced version of these cookies.

Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Stir in mini chocolate chips along with the nuts for a chocolatey twist.

Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies, you can omit the nuts and add extra vanilla extract for flavor.

Conclusion

Snowball cookies are a delightful and festive treat that is perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.

With their rich, buttery flavor and delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Follow this simple recipe to create delicious snowball cookies that will add a touch of sweetness to your holiday season.

Keywords

Snowball cookies

Russian tea cakes

Mexican wedding cookies

Holiday cookies

Classic cookie recipe

Buttery cookies

Festive treats

Powdered sugar cookies

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