Description:
Snowball Cookies are a classic, buttery treat that are perfect for the holiday season or any special occasion. These little cookies, often called “Russian Tea Cakes” or “Mexican Wedding Cookies,” are made with simple ingredients like butter, flour, and powdered sugar. The dough is rolled into balls, baked to a delicate texture, and then dusted in powdered sugar, giving them a snow-like appearance. Their melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty flavor make them a festive favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus extra for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. - Prepare the Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract (and almond extract if using) and mix until well combined. - Add Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the flour and salt to the butter mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. If the dough seems a little dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it holds together. - Mix in the Nuts:
Fold in the finely chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough. - Form the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet about 1 inch apart. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies are lightly golden but the tops remain pale. - Cool and Coat with Powdered Sugar:
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. While still warm, gently roll the cookies in powdered sugar until fully coated. For an extra snowy look, you can roll them in powdered sugar once more after they’ve cooled completely. - Serve:
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. Serve and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth goodness!
Tips:
- Nut Choices: While walnuts and pecans are the most common choices, feel free to use any nut you prefer, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
- Dough Consistency: If the dough is too soft to roll into balls, chill it in the fridge for 30 minutes before rolling. This helps the cookies hold their shape while baking.
- Extra Flavor: For added flavor, try sprinkling in a bit of cinnamon or using a splash of vanilla bean paste in place of vanilla extract.
- Storage: These cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Nutrition (per cookie, approx.):
- Calories: 100-120 kcal (depending on size)
- Protein: 1g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Sugar: 4g
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