christmas snowball cookies recipe

The Best christmas snowball cookies recipe

I’ve been making Christmas snowball cookies for years, and they’re always a hit with my family and friends. The recipe is easy to follow, and the end result is a delicious treat that’s perfect for the holiday season. The cookies are made with a combination of butter, sugar, flour, and cream cheese, which gives them a unique flavor and texture.

When you take a bite of one of these cookies, the first thing you notice is the crunchy outside giving way to the soft, chewy inside. It’s a texture combination that’s hard to resist. The snowball cookies are also incredibly versatile – you can decorate them with festive holly sprigs or red and green sprinkles to make them look more like Christmas cookies.

They’re also easy to package and gift, making them a great option for holiday parties or cookie exchanges. I’ve even used this recipe for everyday baking, when I want something special but still easy to make. One of the things I love about this recipe is how well it turns out every time.

The key to making great snowball cookies is in the technique – you need to chill the dough long enough for the butter to firm up, so it doesn’t spread too much in the oven. This ensures that your cookies will retain their shape and have that perfect balance of crunch and chew. This recipe has been passed down through generations in my family, and it’s become a staple in our household during the holidays.

We love how easy it is to make a batch of these cookies, and how they always turn out deliciously. The health benefits of this recipe are also worth noting – the cream cheese adds a tangy flavor without adding too much extra fat. Plus, you can easily substitute some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup if you want to make it a bit healthier.

Overall, this Christmas snowball cookies recipe is a classic for a reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.

Christmas Snowball Cookies Recipe

4.7 from 1770 votes

Christmas Snowball Cookies are a delightful, classic cookie that is perfect for the holiday season. These cookies are easy to make and have a rich, nutty flavor with a sweet, powdered sugar coating.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 24Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 200 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Dough

1 cup butter
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For Coating

1/2 cup powdered sugar

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until smooth and fluffy.
4This should take about 2 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
5Gradually add 2/3 cup powdered sugar to the butter and mix until well combined.
6The mixture should be light and creamy.
7Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
8The dough will be slightly sticky.
9Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing just until combined.
10The dough should be crumbly and slightly sticky.
11Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts until evenly distributed through the dough.
12The dough will be sticky and will start to clump together.
13Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
14The dough should be easy to handle and roll into balls.
15Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
16The cookies should be firm to the touch and slightly puffed.
17Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
18The cookies will be fragile and may crumble if moved too soon.
19While the cookies are cooling, place 1/2 cup powdered sugar in a shallow dish.
20Once the cookies are cool enough to handle, roll each cookie in the powdered sugar until evenly coated.
21The cookies should be completely covered in powdered sugar.
22Place the coated cookies back on the baking sheet and let them cool completely.
23The cookies should be firm and set.
24Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
25The cookies should be soft and slightly crumbly.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Oven
Electric mixer
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 200 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 50mg🌾Total Carbs: 19g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0.5g🍬Sugars: 16g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

Tips: For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or walnuts. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

These Christmas snowball cookies are always a hit at family gatherings because they’re so easy to make in large quantities. Plus, they store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

To reheat them after storing, simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months – just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to serve.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Snowball Cookies

Q: What kind of flour should I use for this recipe?

You can use either all-purpose flour or bread flour for this recipe. Bread flour will give your cookies a slightly denser texture.

Q: Can I use shortening instead of butter?

No, using shortening will change the texture of your cookies significantly. Stick with butter for best results.

Q: How long do I need to chill the dough?

You should chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out and cutting into shapes.

Q: Can I decorate these cookies with royal icing?

Yes, you can use royal icing on these cookies – just be sure to let it set completely before serving.

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

No, this recipe does not lend itself well to gluten-free substitutions.

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