Growing up, the highlight of our holiday baking was always my Grandma’s Snowball Cookies. These delightful, buttery bites were a staple at every family gathering, and not just because they look as festive as they taste. I remember sneaking into the kitchen with my cousins, eagerly waiting for the cookies to cool just enough to handle, before rolling them eagerly in powdered sugar. They were irresistible then, and they remain so now.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Cookie Recipe
- The Recipe
- Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- What to Serve With These Cookies
- Storage & Leftover Tips
Why You’ll Love This Cookie Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, these Snowball Cookies come together in no time. Perfect for a last-minute treat! Even if you find yourself short on time or caught up in the whirlwind of holiday preparations, these cookies can be whipped up quickly without the need for any advanced preparation.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: Thanks to the buttery base and finely chopped pecans, these cookies have an incredible, soft texture that literally melts in your mouth. The secret lies in the perfect balance of butter and sugar, which ensures each bite is tender yet holds its shape.
- Perfect for Gifting: Their snowy appearance makes them a beautiful addition to any holiday cookie platter or gift basket. Wrapped in a festive tin or a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon, they’re sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.
- Nostalgic Flavors: These cookies bring a sense of comfort and nostalgia, reminiscent of family gatherings and holiday traditions. The aroma of vanilla and the familiar taste of pecans evoke memories of cozy winter evenings and cherished moments with loved ones.
- Customizable: While pecans are the traditional choice, you can easily swap them out for walnuts or almonds if that’s what you have on hand. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture, allowing you to personalize the cookies to your preference or dietary needs.
The Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for rolling, optional but recommended!)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only ensures the cookies don’t stick but also makes cleanup a breeze. - Cream the Butter & Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy. This step is crucial for the fluffy texture. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for best results, and continue until the mixture turns pale and slightly airy. - Add Vanilla & Pecans:
Mix in the vanilla extract, which adds a warm, fragrant complexity to the cookies. Then fold in the chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Toasting the pecans lightly beforehand enhances their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of richness to the cookies. - Add the Flour:
Gradually add the flour and mix until a soft dough forms. It might look crumbly at first — keep mixing until it comes together. Patience is key! If the dough feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon of milk to help bind it. - Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Keeping them uniform ensures even baking. Using a small cookie scoop can help maintain consistency in size and shape. - Bake:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. (The tops should stay pale — that’s what makes them “snowballs.”) Keep a close eye on them to prevent over-browning, as they can quickly go from perfect to too crisp. - Coat in Powdered Sugar:
While the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. This first coat forms a sticky, sweet base. Once cooled completely, roll them again for a snowy, sweet finish. The double-coating ensures a thick, even layer that resembles a fresh blanket of snow.
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies:
- Ensure your butter is truly softened, not melted, for the best texture. If you’re short on time, cut the butter into small cubes to speed up the softening process.
- Toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the dough for an extra depth of flavor. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Double-roll them in powdered sugar for a classic “snowball” look. The second coat should be done when the cookies are completely cool to maintain the powdery finish.
- Storage: Store them in an airtight container — they stay fresh for over a week! Consider placing a piece of white bread in the container to help maintain moisture.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Mixing Bowl: To mix your dough thoroughly. A sturdy bowl with a non-slip base can make the process easier, especially when mixing by hand.
- Electric Mixer: For creaming the butter and sugar to perfection. A stand mixer or a hand mixer both work well, depending on your preference and available equipment.
- Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. A rimmed baking sheet helps prevent any spills or accidents if transferring the sheet to and from the oven.
- Measuring Cups: For precise ingredient measurements. Proper measurement is key to perfect baking, so ensure your cups are accurate and leveled.
- Spatula: Helpful for folding in the pecans and scraping the bowl. A silicone spatula is flexible enough to maneuver around the bowl’s curves, ensuring every bit of dough is used.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- All-Purpose Flour: This staple provides the structure and substance to the cookies. It acts as the foundation, giving the cookies their tender crumb.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality to the cookies. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the final product, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and aids in the creaming process for a light texture. Its fine grains help incorporate air into the butter, resulting in a softer cookie.
- Chopped Pecans: These give the cookies their characteristic crunch and nutty flavor; plus, pecans are packed with healthy fats. They add a delightful texture contrast to the soft cookie base.
- Powdered Sugar: This gives the cookies their signature snowy appearance and adds a touch of sweetness. Its fine texture adheres well to the warm cookies, creating a uniform coating.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds a warm aroma. It’s the secret ingredient that ties all the components together, heightening the cookie’s overall taste.
What to Serve With These Cookies
Snowball Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings:
- With Coffee or Tea: Their sweet, nutty flavor makes them a perfect companion to a warm cup of coffee or tea. Consider pairing them with a cozy, spiced chai or a robust dark roast coffee. The bitterness of coffee or the spiciness of chai complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
- Holiday Cookie Platters: They complement other festive treats like our Classic Gingerbread Men or Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Their snowy appearance adds visual interest and variety to any dessert spread.
- Ice Cream: For a delicious contrast, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream enhances the cookie’s melt-in-your-mouth quality, creating an indulgent dessert experience.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to a week. Keeping them sealed prevents them from absorbing moisture or odors from other foods.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully. Once baked and cooled, place them in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
- Re-rolling in Powdered Sugar: If you freeze them, consider rolling them in powdered sugar again after thawing to refresh their snowy appearance. This ensures they look as good as they taste when served.
- Warm Up Before Serving: If you prefer them warm, let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or give them a quick pop in the oven at a low temperature to refresh them. Warming them slightly enhances their softness and brings out the buttery aroma.
In conclusion, Snowball Cookies are not just a holiday treat; they’re a warm embrace, a shared memory, and a delightful indulgence rolled into one. Whether you’re making them for your family, gifting them to friends, or simply indulging your own sweet tooth, these cookies are bound to become a cherished tradition in your home. So, gather your ingredients and let the magic of baking bring a little extra joy to your day. Happy baking!
Snowball Cookies
Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies are buttery, soft, pecan-packed treats that melt in your mouth. Perfect for holidays and gifting!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy.
- Mix in the vanilla extract, then fold in the chopped pecans.
- Add the flour gradually and mix until a soft dough forms. It will look crumbly at first — keep mixing until it comes together.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The tops should stay pale — that’s what makes them “snowballs.”
- While the cookies are still warm, roll them gently in powdered sugar. Once cooled completely, roll them again for a snowy, sweet finish.
Nutrition
Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 1gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 5mgPotassium: 15mgSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.5mg
Notes
These snowball cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet gift. Ensure the butter is softened for the best texture and consider toasting the pecans for extra flavor. Double-roll in powdered sugar for a classic snowball appearance. Store in an airtight container to keep them fresh for over a week.
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