A Chef Shares Recipe For Buttery Classic Snowball Cookies with Powdered Sugar

The classic snowball cookies are small, soft cookies which melt in your mouth. They are also called wedding cookies, or Russian tea cakes. These cookies are buttery and lightly sweet and covered in powdered sugar making them look like little snowballs. They are especially popular at times of the year, although they taste wonderful any time of the year. Snowball cookies are simple to make and have simple ingredients. They do not require fancy tools or complicated steps which makes them great for the beginners. Because they last well, they are great for cookie trays, for boxes of gifts or even to bake ahead for special occasions.

Ingredients You Will Need

The ingredients required in order to make classic snowball cookies include:

• 1 cup unsalted softened butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup finely minced nuts (walnuts or pecans are the best)
• Extra powdered sugar for rolling
• The butter should be soft and not melted.
• This helps to make a smooth dough as well as tender cookies.

How to Make Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Beat the butter and the sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This can be done with hand or with a mixer.

Step 3: Add vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract, until completely stirred.

Step 4: Mix dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour and the salt.

Step 5: Make the dough
Slowly add in the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Add the chopped nuts and mix thoroughly.

Step 6: Shape the cookies
Using your hands, take before one tablespoon of dough and roll it into a little ball. Place the dough balls onto the baking sheet allowing a small gap between them.

Step 7: Bake
Bake the cookies for 12–15 minutes. The bottoms should be just golden, but not the tops which should be pale.

Step 8: Bake a bit and cut in sugar
Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes or so. While still warm gently roll them in the powdered sugar.

Step 9: Roll again after cooling thoroughly
Once the cookies are completely cooled off, roll it in powdered sugar one more time for a thick snowy coating.

Easy Variations

Chocolate snowballs: Make 2 tablespoons cocoa powder into the flour.

Almond version: Substitute vanilla with almond extract.

Nut free version: Nuts can be avoided and extra flour could be added if required.

Snowballs that are made of coconuts: Roll cookies in powdered sugar with shredded coconuts.

Helpful Baking Tips

Do not overbake, snowball cookies should be light in color.

Rolling two times in powdered sugar gives a best look and taste.

If the dough is too soft, place it in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes.

For the best texture, 1/4 cut nuts are used.

Serving Suggestions

You can use them for adding to food in holiday cookie trays.

Serve with tea, coffee or hot chocolate.

Enjoy as a light dessert as an after-course following meals.

Make-Ahead and Storage

The snowball cookies store very well. To preserve them keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. They may also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw on room temperature and dust with excess powdered sugar if it is necessary.

Approximate Nutrition

Calories: 120

Protein: 1.5 g

Sodium: 35 mg

Values may be different depending on ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my cookies flat?
The butter may have been too soft. Chill the dough for a little bit before baking it.

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, however, cut back or. skip. the stuff they push in in added salt.

Do I have to roll them twice?
Rolling twice helps the sugar stick better as well as giving it a snowy look.

Can kids help make these?
Yes. Rolling the dough into balls is a fun and easy experience.

Final Thoughts

The traditional snowball cookies are plain, buttery and charming. With their softer texture and sweet sugared covering, they are a favorite with all for holidays and just everyday treats. Easy to make and always loved, these cookies are a Mexican recipe that is timeless and will be worth making again and again.