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Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar using an electric mixer or a hand whisk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing until the dough just comes together. If you’re using nuts, fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts until evenly distributed.
3. Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it into a ball. Place the dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. These cookies won’t spread much during baking, so no need to leave too much space between them.
4. Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden. The tops should remain pale and soft.
5. Coat in Powdered Sugar:
- Once the cookies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
- While the cookies are still warm, gently roll them in powdered sugar to coat them completely. You can roll them again in powdered sugar once they’ve cooled for an extra snowy effect!
6. Cool and Enjoy:
- Allow the Snowball Cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. They’re now ready to be enjoyed!
Serving Suggestions:
- Holiday Cookie Platters: Snowball Cookies are perfect for holiday cookie platters. Their delicate appearance and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them stand out on any festive spread.
- Pair with Hot Cocoa: These cookies are the perfect pairing for a warm mug of hot chocolate or spiced cider on a chilly day.
- Gift Them: Snowball Cookies make excellent edible gifts. Package them in a cute tin or gift box, dusted with extra powdered sugar, for a thoughtful and delicious homemade present.
Why Snowball Cookies are a Must-Have:
- Versatile: Whether you stick with the classic pecan or add a personal twist with different nuts, Snowball Cookies are endlessly customizable to suit your tastes.
- Perfect for Beginners: These cookies are easy to make and require no special baking skills, making them a great choice for novice bakers or kids who want to get involved in the kitchen.
- Great for Freezing: Snowball Cookies freeze beautifully. You can make a large batch, freeze them in an airtight container, and enjoy them throughout the holiday season. Simply thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- A Festive Tradition: There’s something about the snowy appearance of these cookies that makes them feel extra special during the winter months. They’re perfect for bringing a touch of holiday cheer to your home or sharing with friends and family.
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies:
- Chill the Dough: If you find the dough too soft to handle, pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm it up before rolling the cookies.
- Even Coating: For an even dusting of powdered sugar, roll the cookies gently but thoroughly. You can even use a sifter to sprinkle a fine layer of powdered sugar on top after they’ve cooled for a “snowy” effect.
- Add Spice: For a festive twist, try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough to give the cookies a warm, spiced flavor.
- Nut-Free Version: If you’re making these cookies for guests with nut allergies, simply omit the nuts. You can substitute them with mini chocolate chips or a handful of dried cranberries.
Conclusion:
Snowball Cookies are a timeless treat that adds the perfect touch of sweetness and warmth to any occasion. With their delicate crumbly texture and rich buttery flavor, they’re a true holiday favorite that never goes out of style. Whether you’re baking for a festive gathering or just craving a comforting dessert on a snowy day, these cookies are sure to brighten up your season.
So, get your baking supplies ready and start rolling these delicious snowballs! ❄️🍪
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