Ultimate Guide to Making Snowball Cookies
Snowball Cookies, also known as Mexican Wedding Cookies or Russian Tea Cakes, are delicate, buttery cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a delightful coating of powdered sugar that resembles a fresh dusting of snow. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, using only a handful of ingredients that you likely already have on hand. They’re perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you crave a sweet, nutty treat.
These cookies are known for their simplicity and nostalgic flavors, combining a crumbly, nutty base with a sweet powdered sugar coating. Despite their fancy appearance, these cookies are relatively low in points for those following the Weight Watchers plan, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies
For the Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (with extra for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts; optional based on preference)
The basic ingredients make around 30 cookies, each measuring only about 1 inch in diameter.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Snowball Cookies
1. Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lining the sheet ensures that the cookies don’t stick, making cleanup easier and baking more consistent.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until light and fluffy. The texture of the butter and sugar mixture is crucial for achieving a smooth dough.
3. Add Vanilla Extract:
- Add in the vanilla extract and mix until well incorporated. Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies, adding a warm, rich undertone.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Mixing these separately before adding ensures even distribution, resulting in a balanced dough.
5. Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to the Butter Mixture:
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tougher cookie texture.
6. Fold in the Nuts:
- Fold in the finely chopped nuts until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough. Pecans or walnuts work well, adding a subtle nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
7. Shape the Dough:
- Using your hands, shape the dough into small balls about 1 inch in diameter. Roll each ball gently, ensuring they’re smooth and uniform in size for even baking.
8. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each cookie.
9. Bake Until Set:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The cookies should be set but not browned. Snowball Cookies are known for their pale color, so avoid overbaking.
10. Cool Slightly on the Baking Sheet:
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This initial cooling helps them hold their shape before transferring.
11. Transfer to a Wire Rack to Cool Completely:
- Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before the final dusting of powdered sugar.
12. Dust with Powdered Sugar:
- Once the cookies are completely cool, dust them generously with powdered sugar. The cooling step is important to prevent the powdered sugar from melting into the cookies.
Tips for Making Perfect Snowball Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter helps the dough come together smoothly, leading to a tender cookie texture.
- Finely Chop Nuts: Finely chopped nuts mix more evenly into the dough, creating a better balance of flavor and texture in each bite.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can cause the cookies to be dense rather than light and crumbly.
- Bake Until Just Set: Snowball Cookies should remain pale and set, not browned, to retain their tender texture.
- Dust Only Once Completely Cooled: Powdered sugar sticks best to a cool cookie, so avoid dusting them while warm.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Storage: Store Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The powdered sugar may start to dissolve slightly over time, so a quick re-dusting can bring back their snowy appearance.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze wonderfully! Freeze in a single layer in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Allow them to thaw at room temperature, and dust with additional powdered sugar if needed before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions about Snowball Cookies
- Can I Substitute the Nuts?
- Yes, you can substitute pecans or walnuts with almonds or hazelnuts. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can also make a plain version, though the nuts add texture and flavor.
- Can I Make the Dough in Advance?
- Absolutely! This dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- How Can I Make Them Sweeter?
- For a sweeter twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or a bit more powdered sugar to the dough. You can also dip them in powdered sugar twice: once when slightly warm, and again when fully cooled.
Variations on the Classic Snowball Cookies
- Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs: Once the cookies have cooled, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate, then dust with powdered sugar.
- Citrus Snowballs: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Spiced Snowballs: Incorporate a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the flour mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Healthier and Low-Point Version Options
- Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber, though it may slightly change the texture.
- Lower Sugar Content: Reduce the sugar to 1/3 cup in the dough and rely on the powdered sugar dusting for sweetness.
- Lower WW Points: Use a light butter alternative to reduce the points slightly, though be cautious of how it might impact the texture.
Serving Suggestions
Snowball Cookies pair wonderfully with a hot beverage like tea, coffee, or hot cocoa. Their sweet, nutty flavor is also great when enjoyed as part of a holiday cookie spread.
For a festive presentation, arrange the cookies on a tray and sprinkle extra powdered sugar over the top, creating a “snowy” effect. They make a lovely addition to cookie gift boxes and are always a hit at cookie swaps or holiday gatherings.
Wrapping Up
Snowball Cookies are an iconic treat that brings both simplicity and elegance to any occasion. Their light, buttery texture and delicate sweetness make them universally loved, and they’re remarkably easy to prepare. Plus, they’re versatile enough to customize to your tastes, from nuts to flavor twists. Whether you’re making these cookies for the holiday season or just for a quick sweet treat, this recipe is sure to be a winner in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite!
Happy baking, and don’t forget to share these with family and friends—they make the perfect gift, packaged in a festive tin or cookie box!
Only 2Points Snowball Cookies
Only 2Points Snowball Cookies
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup finely chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
Fold in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed in the dough.
Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are set but not browned.
Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cookies are completely cooled, dust them with additional powdered sugar.
WW Points (Approximate per Cookie):
ONLY 1 to 2 Points