Easy Snowball Cookies Recipe for Holiday Joy

If you are searching for a delightful and easy-to-make treat that brings instant joy to any holiday gathering, look no further than the classic Snowball Cookies. This recipe uses plant-based butter and natural ingredients, creating a scrumptious and festive cookie that melts in your mouth with every bite. Snowball Cookies are perfect for celebrating with family and friends or simply indulging in a sweet moment during the season. With their rich, nutty flavor and delicate powdered sugar coating, they’re sure to become a beloved staple on your holiday dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that are easy to find and combine effortlessly for a quick bake.
• Plant-Based Richness: Made with creamy plant-based butter for a moist, tender texture.
• Perfect Festive Treat: Powdered sugar coating creates a snowy effect that’s both beautiful and delicious.
• Kid-Friendly Fun: Easy to shape and bake making it a joy to prepare with little helpers.
• Versatile Flavor: Nutty undertones from chopped nuts add depth and a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Snowball Cookies recipe relies on a handful of natural, quality ingredients that come together to create a tender yet crumbly cookie with just the right sweetness. Each element plays a critical role, from the buttery base to the natural gelling agent that helps with the perfect texture.

• Plant-Based Butter: Provides richness and helps the cookies hold their shape while maintaining softness.
• Powdered Sugar (natural): Used both inside the dough and as a final coating for that signature snowy look and gentle sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cookie’s structure and crumb.
• Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a toasty flavor and delightful crunch to every bite.
• Vanilla Extract (natural): Elevates the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Natural Gelling Agent: Helps bind the dough together perfectly without overpowering the delicate texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.

Variations for Snowball Cookies

Feel free to get creative with your Snowball Cookies by adjusting ingredients to your liking or dietary needs. This basic recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so you can tailor it to suit any occasion or taste preference.

• Nut-Free Version: Substitute chopped nuts with toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for the same crunch without nuts.
• Spiced Snowball Cookies: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warming, cozy flavor twist.
• Chocolate-Dusted Cookies: Swap powdered sugar coating for a dusting of cocoa powder or a mix of cocoa and powdered sugar for a rich finish.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a tender texture that’s kind to gluten-sensitive souls.
• Citrus Zest Infusion: Add some lemon or orange zest to the dough for a fresh, zesty brightness that balances the richness.

How to Make Snowball Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven and gathering all the ingredients. Chop your nuts finely but not too powdery to ensure a perfect crunch inside the cookies.

Step 2: Cream the Plant-Based Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the plant-based butter together with powdered sugar until light and fluffy, creating a creamy base that gives your Snowball Cookies their tender texture.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Binding

Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Then, blend in the natural gelling agent gently to help the dough hold together beautifully without becoming tough.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Nuts

Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, mixing carefully to maintain tenderness. Fold in the chopped nuts evenly throughout the dough for that irresistible crunch.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them spaced apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until they are just set and lightly golden at the edges.

Step 6: Finish with Powdered Sugar Coating

Allow cookies to cool slightly, then roll them in powdered sugar for a delicate, snowy finish that delivers both festive looks and added sweetness in every bite.

Pro Tips for Making Snowball Cookies

• Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the shaped dough balls before baking to maintain their perfect round shape during cooking.
• Even Sizes: Use a small cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly every time.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix ingredients just until combined to keep the cookies tender and crumbly.
• Use Fresh Nuts: Toast nuts lightly before chopping to bring out their natural flavor and add depth.
• Double Dusting: For extra sweetness, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while still warm, then again after they cool completely.

How to Serve Snowball Cookies

Garnishes

Snowball Cookies look stunning dusted generously with powdered sugar, but you can also dust them with a blend of powdered sugar and cinnamon for an extra splash of warmth and color.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a cup of hot chai tea, spiced apple cider, or a glass of chilled grape juice. These warm or refreshing beverages complement the nutty sweetness perfectly and elevate any cozy gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange Snowball Cookies in festive tins or on decorative platters lined with holiday-themed parchment paper. For gifting, stack them in small mason jars tied with twine and a sprig of fresh rosemary or cinnamon sticks to impress friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Snowball Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay crisp on the outside and soft inside for up to one week, perfect for enjoying throughout your holidays.

Freezing

Snowball Cookies freeze beautifully. Lay them flat in a sealed freezer bag or container with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to three months without losing their tender texture or flavor.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy them warm, gently reheat cookies in a low oven for a few minutes or at room temperature before serving to bring out their buttery aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts or pecans?

Yes, you can substitute with almonds, hazelnuts, or even seeds like sunflower or pumpkin if you want to avoid nuts altogether.

What makes Snowball Cookies crumbly yet not dry?

The balance of plant-based butter and the natural gelling agent ensures the dough binds softly without becoming dry or overly dense.

Can I add chocolate chips to Snowball Cookies?

Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips can be folded into the dough for a delicious chocolate twist, complementing the nutty flavor perfectly.

How long do Snowball Cookies last?

Stored correctly in an airtight container, they maintain their freshness and texture for about one week at room temperature and up to three months in the freezer.

Is it necessary to roll the cookies in powdered sugar twice?

Rolling once while warm gives a nice coating, but a second roll after cooling intensifies the snowy appearance and the sweet finishing touch.

Final Thoughts

Snowball Cookies are a treasured holiday favorite that combines simplicity, flavor, and festive beauty in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or gifting to loved ones, these cookies spread warmth and joy with their tender crumb and delightful sweetness. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make your holiday celebrations even more memorable with a treat you’ll love to share again and again.

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