The holidays are a time for sweet traditions, and there’s something blissfully nostalgic about the sight of Snowball Cookies nestled among festive treats. As I baked my latest batch, the buttery scent mixed with powdered sugar created a cozy atmosphere that instantly brought back memories of holiday gatherings with friends and family. With just four simple ingredients—flour, nuts, butter, and powdered sugar—this recipe captures the essence of homemade goodness without any fuss.
What makes these cookies truly delightful is their versatility. Whether you’re catering to gluten-free friends using Bob’s Red Mill all-purpose gluten-free flour or opting for a vegan twist with coconut oil, these Snowball Cookies accommodate every taste preference. Not only do they melt in your mouth, but they also spark joy in every bite, making them the perfect addition to your holiday cookie platter. Join me in crafting these charming confections and create sweet memories that will last long after the last cookie has been devoured!
Why are Snowball Cookies a must-try?
Simplicity at its finest: With just four ingredients, this recipe ensures that anyone, regardless of skill level, can whip up these delightful treats in no time.
Customizable to your needs: Whether you need gluten-free options or a vegan choice, this recipe is versatile enough to suit any dietary requirement.
Irresistible flavor: The combination of buttery richness and sweet powdered sugar creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will keep you reaching for more.
Perfect for sharing: These cookies not only look charming on any festive platter but also make thoughtful gifts that spread holiday cheer.
Time-saving goodness: Whip them up in under 30 minutes for a quick and satisfying baking session that enhances your festive spirit!
Snowball Cookies Ingredients
For the Dough
- Flour – Provides structure and can be replaced with Bob’s Red Mill all-purpose gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Chopped Nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) – Adds a delightful crunch; finely chop or omit for a nut-free option.
- Butter or Coconut Oil – Offers richness and moisture; for a vegan adaptation, coconut oil or vegan butter works beautifully.
- Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness and is used for the final dusting; substitute with homemade unrefined powdered sugar for a healthier choice.
Optional Coating
- Additional Powdered Sugar – For rolling the cookies after baking, creating that classic snowball effect.
- Cocoa Powder – Perfect for rolling to add a chocolaty twist if desired.
How to Make Snowball Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures your cookies bake evenly and develop that perfect texture.
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Cream together the butter (or coconut oil) and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Combine the flour and chopped nuts in a separate bowl, mixing them gently to distribute the nuts evenly throughout the flour.
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Mix gradually the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms—aim for a homogeneous blend without any dry flour left.
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Roll the dough into small balls, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a lined cookie sheet, leaving space between each ball for expansion.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking!
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Coat the warm cookies in powdered sugar right after they come out of the oven. This will create the delightful ‘snowball’ effect as they cool on a wire rack.
Optional: Sprinkle extra powdered sugar on top just before serving for an elegant touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Snowball Cookies?
Indulging in these sweet treats is just the beginning; let’s explore what pairings will elevate your festive gathering.
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Rich Hot Chocolate: The creamy, chocolatey goodness creates a delightful contrast with the sweetness of the snowball cookies, making each sip a heartwarming experience.
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Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavor of coffee brings out the buttery notes in the cookies, creating a cozy pairing that’s perfect for holiday mornings.
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Chai Tea: The spices from chai tea complement the richness of the cookies beautifully, adding warmth and depth to your dessert spread.
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Fruit Platter: Fresh fruits like berries or citrus slices add a refreshing touch, balancing the sweetness of the snowball cookies while brightening up the dessert table.
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Coconut Macaroons: For a themed sweet table, these chewy treats echo the coconut flavor in vegan versions of the cookies, creating a lovely texture contrast.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a luscious, creamy pairing, turning each bite into an indulgent treat.
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Nutty Brownies: Combining these two desserts creates a texture dream team—rich brownie squares with nutty undertones will have guests reaching for seconds.
Enhance your holiday moments by complementing these snowball cookies with these delightful pairings, turning each bite into a magical experience!
Make Ahead Options
These Snowball Cookies are perfect for meal prep, ensuring that sweet holiday treats are ready whenever you need them! You can prepare the dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all ingredients and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain their delightful texture, be sure to roll the dough into balls right before baking—this will help them hold their shape. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and place the chilled dough balls on a cookie sheet, then bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden. This way, you can enjoy fresh, melt-in-your-mouth cookies with minimal stress during the busy holiday season!
Snowball Cookies Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with these delightful treats as you discover new flavor profiles and dietary options!
- Gluten-Free: Use Bob’s Red Mill all-purpose gluten-free flour to make these cookies safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Vegan-Friendly: Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, ensuring everyone can enjoy this melt-in-your-mouth treat.
- Nut-Free: Omit the nuts or replace them with finely chopped seeds for a similar texture without allergens.
- Chocolate Lovers: Mix in cocoa powder into the dough for a rich, chocolate variation that brings added indulgence.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the dough for a bright, refreshing twist that brightens the cookie’s flavor.
- Flavor Extracts: Enhance your cookies by incorporating almond or vanilla extract, adding depth to the sweetness.
- Festive Color: Make pink snowball cookies by adding a few drops of red food coloring or powdered fruit for a fun presentation.
- Cinnamon Spice: Sprinkle in ground cinnamon for a cozy, warm touch that wonderfully complements the buttery flavor.
How to Store and Freeze Snowball Cookies
Room Temperature: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their delightful texture.
Fridge: For longer storage, place snowball cookies in the fridge in a sealed container; they can last up to 7 days. Just allow them to come to room temperature before serving.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked cookie dough for up to 3 months. Shape the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: To refresh leftover baked cookies, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will soften them and restore their melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Expert Tips for Snowball Cookies
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Cool Cookies First: Let cookies cool before handling to prevent them from crumbling. They continue to firm up as they cool down.
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Proper Butter Texture: Always use softened or melted butter/coconut oil to ensure a smooth mixture, preventing the coconut oil from hardening during mixing.
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Use the Right Flour: For gluten-free snowball cookies, be sure to use Bob’s Red Mill all-purpose gluten-free flour for best results; otherwise, the texture may suffer.
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Chill Dough for Shapes: If you want to create shapes other than balls, keep the dough cold before baking. This helps maintain their form while baking.
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Customizing Flavors: Don’t shy away from experimenting! Add vanilla or almond extract for a twist, or incorporate citrus zest for refreshing notes.
Snowball Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right nuts for my Snowball Cookies?
Absolutely! When choosing nuts for your Snowball Cookies, I recommend going for walnuts, pecans, or almonds as they provide the best flavor and crunch. Look for nuts that are fresh, with no dark spots or rancid smell. If you’re aiming for a nut-free version, feel free to omit the nuts entirely, and perhaps try adding chocolate chips or dried fruit for a different texture.
How long can I store Snowball Cookies?
Very easy to manage! Store your Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want them to last a bit longer, pop them in the fridge where they can stay fresh for about 7 days. Just remember to let them come back to room temperature before indulging!
Can I freeze Snowball Cookies?
Yes, indeed! To freeze your uncooked cookie dough, shape it into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This dough can be frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight from the freezer into your preheated oven, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
No worries, you can fix that easily! If you find your Snowball Cookies dough is crumbly, it might be due to not enough fat or not being mixed sufficiently. You can add a teaspoon of water or a bit more melted butter or coconut oil to bring it together. Mix gently until a cohesive dough forms—just be careful not to overwork it.
Are Snowball Cookies suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! For a vegan version of my Snowball Cookies, simply replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Just ensure that your powdered sugar is also vegan, as some brands may add bone char during processing. When paired with Bob’s Red Mill all-purpose gluten-free flour, these cookies can suit both vegan and gluten-free diets beautifully!
How do I know when my Snowball Cookies are done baking?
Great question! Watch for slight golden edges to form—baking for about 20-25 minutes should do the trick. The center may look a little soft, but they will firm up as they cool. If you’re uncertain, you can always do a quick taste test with one cookie! Just let it cool for a moment to avoid burning your tongue.
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Snowball Cookies: Easy 4-Ingredient Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Cream together the butter (or coconut oil) and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine the flour and chopped nuts in a separate bowl, mixing gently.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms.
- Roll the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a lined cookie sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until lightly golden around the edges.
- Coat warm cookies in powdered sugar immediately after baking.
- Optionally, sprinkle extra powdered sugar on top before serving.