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snowball cookie recipe

snowball cookie recipe

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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for rolling)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure even browning on the bottoms.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together. Use an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is creamy, smooth, and pale in color.
  3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until a soft dough forms. Fold in the finely chopped pecans or walnuts using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  4. Shape the Snowballs: Scoop about one tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it between your palms to form a 1-inch ball. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart as they do not spread much during baking.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cookies should be set and the bottoms very lightly golden, but the tops should remain pale. Do not overbake, or they will become too dry.
  6. First Powdered Sugar Coating: Let the cookies cool on the pan for about 3-5 minutes until they are cool enough to handle but still warm. Roll each warm cookie in a bowl of powdered sugar until coated, then place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Second Powdered Sugar Coating: Once the cookies are entirely cool, roll them in the powdered sugar a second time. This second coat fills in any cracks and gives them that iconic, thick snowball appearance.