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Christmas Snowball Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 110 reviews
  • Author: Bertha
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 36 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These delightful Christmas Snowball Cookies are buttery, melt-in-your-mouth treats coated in a generous dusting of confectioners sugar. Perfect for the holiday season, they feature a tender crumb, optional toasted pecans for added crunch, and a sweet vanilla flavor. Easy to prepare and bake, these cookies are ideal for sharing at festive gatherings or gifting during the holidays.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookie Dough:

  • 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (90g) confectioners sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 3/4 cup (100g) finely chopped and toasted pecans

Coating:

  • 1 and 1/4 cups (150g) confectioners sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, use a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment to beat the softened butter for 1 minute on medium speed until it’s completely smooth and creamy.
  2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Add 3/4 cup (90g) confectioners sugar to the butter and beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is combined and creamy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Next, beat in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract on medium-high speed until fully incorporated.
  3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Switch the mixer to low speed and slowly add the 2 and 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour and 1/8 teaspoon salt. The dough may look dry at first. Once all the flour has been added, increase the speed to high and beat until the dough comes together.
  4. Add Pecans (Optional): If using, gently beat in 3/4 cup (100g) finely chopped and toasted pecans until evenly distributed in the dough.
  5. Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 3 days. If chilling for 3 or more hours, let the dough sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before rolling, as the dough will be quite stiff.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Pour 1 and 1/4 cups (150g) confectioners sugar into a shallow bowl for coating later.
  7. Shape the Cookies: Scoop or roll 1 tablespoon (20g) of chilled dough into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets spaced at least 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
  8. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven until golden brown on the bottom edges and lightly browned on top, about 15 minutes.
  9. First Sugar Coating: Let the baked cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Then, gently roll the warm cookies in the confectioners sugar to coat them fully. Place the coated cookies on wire racks to cool completely. The sugar might become sticky initially, which is expected.
  10. Second Sugar Coating: Once completely cooled, roll the cookies in confectioners sugar again. This final coating allows the sugar to stick well, creating the classic snowball appearance.
  11. Storage: Store the cookies covered at room temperature for up to one week, maintaining their freshness and delicate texture.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the butter is softened to room temperature before starting.
  • To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant.
  • If you do not have confectioners sugar for coating, sifted granulated sugar is not a substitute as it won’t create the same delicate texture.
  • Rolling the cookies in sugar twice is essential for the signature snowy appearance and flavor.
  • The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days, making this recipe convenient for holiday planning.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Find it online: https://grannyeats.com/christmas-snowball-cookies-recipe/