Introduction
Christmas Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the joys of the holiday season. With their buttery texture and sweet powdered sugar coating, these cookies are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re attending a holiday gathering or just want to enjoy a festive snack at home, these cookies bring the spirit of Christmas to life.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Flour – 2 cups
Unsalted Butter – 1 cup, softened
Powdered Sugar – 1/2 cup, plus extra for dusting
Chopped Nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) – 1 cup
Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
Prep Time
Prep time for Christmas Snowball Cookies is approximately 15 minutes. This allows enough time to gather all the ingredients and combine them to form the cookie dough.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 20 minutes. The total time for making these cookies, including prep and cooking, is roughly 35 minutes. This recipe yields around 24 cookies, making it a sufficient batch for sharing during the holiday season.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Baking Sheets
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour and salt until well combined.
Blend Together Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add Optional Ingredients
If desired, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips at this stage for added flavor and texture.
Shape the Cookies
Using your hands, roll the dough into small balls, around 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Coat with Powdered Sugar
When the cookies are completely cool, roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated.
Store the Cookies
Once cooled and coated, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
Adding Flavor Variations
Feel free to experiment with different extracts, such as almond or orange, to enhance the flavor of the cookies.
Using Different Nuts
If you choose to add nuts, walnuts or pecans work particularly well, but you can use any nut you prefer.
Consistency of Dough
If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before shaping into balls to make handling easier.
Leftover Sugar Coating
Collect any leftover powdered sugar after coating the cookies; it can be used for other baking projects.
Cook techniques
Creaming Butter and Sugar
This technique involves beating softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which helps to incorporate air into the mixture for a lighter cookie texture.
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough before baking helps to solidify the fat, leading to thicker cookies that maintain their shape during baking.
Using a Cookie Scoop
A cookie scoop ensures even portioning of the dough, resulting in uniformly sized cookies that bake evenly.
Baking on Parchment Paper
Using parchment paper on the baking sheet prevents sticking and promotes even baking, making cleanup easier.
Rolling in Powdered Sugar
Rolling the baked cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm creates a sweet, snowy coating that enhances their festive appearance.
FAQ
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used, but it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
How should I store leftover cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, these cookies can be frozen. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.
What can I substitute for nuts in the recipe?
You can omit the nuts entirely or replace them with chocolate chips or dried fruit for added flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to chill the dough?
While it is recommended to chill the dough, you can bake the cookies immediately. However, the texture may differ slightly without chilling.
Conclusion
The Christmas Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the festive spirit. With their buttery texture and sweet, nutty flavor, these cookies are sure to become a holiday favorite. They are simple to make and can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later. Share them with loved ones or enjoy them as a personal indulgence during the holiday season.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Pecan Sandies
These crunchy cookies with finely chopped pecans provide a similar texture and flavor profile, making them a perfect addition to your holiday cookie tray.
Chocolate Chip Snowball Cookies
Combine traditional snowball cookies with rich chocolate chips for a delightful twist that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Coconut Snowball Cookies
Introduce shredded coconut into your snowball cookies for a tropical flavor that complements the buttery base and adds a chewy texture.
Maple Walnut Snowball Cookies
Incorporate maple syrup and chopped walnuts for a unique flavor combination that offers a sweet and nutty experience.
Spiced Ginger Snowball Cookies
Mix ginger and warm spices into your dough for a festive cookie that carries the essence of the holidays with each bite.