Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe for Holidays

Snowball Cookies are a holiday classic loved for their delicate texture and buttery flavor. This easy Snowball Cookies recipe offers a simple way to enjoy melt-in-your-mouth treats, made with plant-based butter and a natural gelling agent that enhances their perfect crumbly consistency. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or a cozy winter treat, these cookies will bring warmth and joy to your celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that combine to create irresistible cookies.
• Plant-Based Butter: Ensures tenderness and a rich flavor without compromising on texture.
• Natural Gelling Agent: Provides the perfect soft yet crumbly bite that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect for Holidays: Classic, elegant treats that fill your kitchen with festive aromas.
• Easy to Customize: Adaptable with your choice of nuts, spices, or coatings to match your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple ingredients carefully chosen to build flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role in creating Snowball Cookies that are buttery, soft, and perfectly crumbly.

• Plant-Based Butter: Adds richness and tender crumb essential to snowball cookies.
• Powdered Sugar (natural): Sweetens the dough and coats the finished cookies for that signature snowy look.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that holds everything together while keeping the cookies light.
• Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and enhance the flavor.
• Vanilla Extract (natural): Provides aromatic warmth that complements the buttery dough.
• Natural Gelling Agent: Helps bind ingredients slightly for melt-in-your-mouth texture without heaviness.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall depth of flavor.

Variations for Snowball Cookies

Feel free to make this recipe your own by mixing in different ingredients or tweaking flavors. Snowball Cookies are wonderfully versatile and easy to adapt for any preference or occasion.

• Nut Mix: Swap walnuts for almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts for different textures and flavors.
• Spices Addition: Add cinnamon or cardamom for a warm, aromatic twist.
• Chocolate Dipping: Dip cooled cookies in melted dark or plant-based white chocolate for extra indulgence.
• Coating Options: Use coconut sugar or cinnamon sugar instead of powdered sugar for variety.
• Nut-Free Version: Leave out nuts and increase the natural gelling agent slightly to maintain texture.

How to Make Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, beat the plant-based butter until creamy and smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar (natural), beating until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract (natural) and salt. Slowly incorporate the flour along with the natural gelling agent and mix until the dough just comes together.

Step 2: Add Nuts

Gently fold in the chopped nuts of your choice, ensuring even distribution without overworking the dough to maintain tenderness.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Scoop small portions of dough and roll into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 12 to 15 minutes or until the edges just begin to turn golden but the cookies remain light in color.

Step 5: Coat with Powdered Sugar

Once slightly cooled but still warm, gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar (natural) for that classic snowy finish. Let cool completely before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Snowball Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes to make shaping easier and to help cookies hold their shape.
• Use Room Temperature Butter: Softened butter blends more smoothly, resulting in a lighter dough texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep cookies tender, avoiding a tough crust.
• Bake Evenly: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking for uniform golden bottoms.
• Coat While Warm: Rolling cookies in powdered sugar (natural) when warm allows better adherence and an even coating.

How to Serve Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

Enhance presentation by dusting extra powdered sugar (natural) on plates or topping cookies with a small sprinkle of finely chopped nuts or edible flower petals for a festive touch.

Side Dishes

Snowball Cookies pair beautifully with warm drinks like spiced tea or a glass of grape juice kept lightly chilled to balance sweetness and refresh the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies in holiday gift boxes layered with tissue paper or place them in elegant jars tied with colorful ribbons for thoughtful handcrafted gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep Snowball Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay tender and flavorful up to one week.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze uncoated cookie balls on a baking tray until firm, then transfer to a sealed bag. When ready, bake from frozen and dust with powdered sugar (natural).

Reheating

If cookies firm up after storage, warm them gently in a low oven for a few minutes to bring back their soft, buttery texture before serving.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts in Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely! Almonds, pecans, pistachios, or hazelnuts work wonderfully and add unique flavors to your cookies.

Do I need to refrigerate the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough helps prevent spreading and makes it easier to shape but is not mandatory if you’re in a hurry.

Can I make Snowball Cookies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking to keep the texture soft and crumbly.

What natural gelling agent is best for this recipe?

A natural gelling agent such as pectin or agar works well to maintain the delicate texture without affecting flavor.

How long do Snowball Cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay delicious for up to one week at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

Snowball Cookies are truly a heartwarming treat that fits perfectly into any holiday celebration. With simple ingredients and an easy process, this recipe invites you to bake and share a little joy with every bite. Whether for your family or friends, these melt-in-your-mouth delights are sure to become your favorite seasonal tradition.

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