Classic Snowball Cookies are a must-have during the holiday season. Their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, nutty flavor make them a delightful treat for any occasion. Let's dive into this simple yet irresistible recipe!
The key to these cookies is using high-quality unsalted butter, which provides a rich, creamy base. Powdered sugar is used twice—once in the dough for sweetness and once for coating, giving the cookies their classic sugar-dusted appearance. A hint of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. All-purpose flour forms the structure of the cookie, while chopped pecans add texture and a nutty taste. Lastly, a pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
These cookies are a perfect match for a warm cup of spiced tea or hot cocoa, especially on a chilly day. For a festive touch, serve them on a colorful holiday platter alongside fresh cranberries or sprigs of rosemary.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot and ready when your cookies are. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. You're looking for a light, fluffy texture here, which means you'll want to beat them together for about two to three minutes.
Next, stir in the vanilla extract. This is where the magic starts to happen, as the vanilla infuses into the buttery mix. Gradually add your flour and salt. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to a tougher cookie.
Now, fold in those chopped pecans. Make sure they're evenly distributed throughout the dough so every bite has that perfect crunch. Once your dough is prepared, roll it into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet. Space them about 1 inch apart to allow for a little spreading.
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. You'll know they're done when the bottoms are a light golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Finally, roll each cookie in the remaining 1/4 cup of powdered sugar until they're fully coated. This step is what gives them their signature snowball look.
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