Incorporate the Nuts
Gently fold in the chopped nuts of your choice. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds all work wonderfully in this recipe, providing a lovely crunch and nutty flavor.
Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. The dough may seem crumbly, but it should come together as you roll it.
Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
Coat in Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are baking, prepare a shallow bowl with powdered sugar for rolling. Once the cookies have cooled for a few minutes after baking, gently roll them in the powdered sugar until fully coated. For an extra festive touch, you can dust them with additional powdered sugar just before serving.
Cool and Serve
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. These cookies are best enjoyed once they’ve cooled, but they remain delicious for several days.
Tips for Serving and Storing
Serving: Snowball Cookies are perfect for holiday platters, gift baskets, or simply as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. Their delicate, sweet flavor pairs beautifully with warm beverages.
Storing: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you’d like to keep them fresh for a longer period, you can freeze the uncoated cookies and dust them with powdered sugar after thawing.
Freezing: To freeze, place the baked and cooled cookies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, thaw and coat in powdered sugar.
Variants
Chocolate Snowball Cookies
For a chocolate twist, add 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients. You can also melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies after they are coated in powdered sugar.
Coconut Snowball Cookies
Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical flavor. You can substitute half of the nuts with coconut for a delicious variation.
Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the flour blend contains xanthan gum to help bind the dough.
Spiced Snowball Cookies
Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the dough to create a warm, spiced flavor perfect for cozy winter days.
FAQ
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While margarine can be used in a pinch, butter provides a richer flavor and contributes to the cookie’s delicate texture. For the best results, stick with unsalted butter.
Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, you can make Snowball Cookies without nuts if you prefer. Simply omit them from the recipe, and the cookies will still turn out delicious.
How do I prevent the cookies from falling apart?
If the dough is too crumbly and difficult to shape, try chilling it for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will make the dough easier to handle.
How can I make my Snowball Cookies more flavorful?
Consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or orange zest to the dough for a burst of flavor. These additions bring a unique twist to the classic Snowball Cookie taste.
Why did my Snowball Cookies spread too much during baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it could be due to overly soft dough or too much moisture in the butter. Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately and chill the dough for 15-30 minutes if needed before baking.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, Snowball Cookies can be made ahead of time. You can either bake them and store them in an airtight container, or you can freeze the dough and bake them when you’re ready to enjoy them.
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