**Introduction to Snowball Cookies**Snowball Cookies are buttery, nutty treats coated in powdered sugar. They’re small, round cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet snack.
Snowball Cookies
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter softened
5 Tbsp granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine-grain sea salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups finely chopped walnuts, almonds or pecans
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
Blend softened butter with powdered sugar. Add vanilla.
Directions:
Mix in salt, flour and chopped pecans.
Form dough into 1 inch balls or flattened cookies and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake in a 325 degree oven for 20 minutes. While hot roll in powdered sugar. Let cool and roll again in powdered sugar.
Variations and Tips for Snowball Cookies
Variations:
- Nut Choices: Use different nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, or cashews for varied flavor.
- Add-ins: Incorporate chocolate chips, dried fruit, or citrus zest into the dough for extra flavor.
- Flavoring: Add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to enhance the taste.
Tips:
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for about 30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
- Even Sizing: Roll the dough into uniform balls to ensure even baking.
- Powdered Sugar: Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still warm for a better coating. Re-roll in powdered sugar after cooling for a thicker layer.
How to Store Snowball Cookies
- Cool Completely: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation.
- Airtight Container: Place the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Layering: Separate layers of cookies with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Room Temperature: Store at room temperature for up to one week.
- Freeze (Optional): For longer storage, freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
The nutritional information for Snowball Cookies can vary based on the recipe and size of the cookies. However, a typical serving of one cookie (about 1 inch in diameter) might have the following approximate values:
- Calories: 80-100
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Fat: 6-8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3-4 grams
- Carbohydrates: 8-10 grams
- Sugar: 4-6 grams
- Fiber: 0-1 gram
- Sodium: 20-30 milligrams
For precise nutritional details, adjust based on your specific recipe and serving sizes.