Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been longing for a delightful treat that combines melt-in-your-mouth texture with delicate, nutty flavors, then look no further than this Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies Recipe. These buttery, pecan-studded delights are rolled generously in confectioners’ sugar, making each bite feel like a cozy winter embrace. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo with a cup of tea, this recipe captures the nostalgic charm of classic holiday baking in every snowy morsel.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first step to mastering this Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies Recipe. Each element plays an essential role, from the creamy butter that lends richness to the pecans that add crunch and depth. Together, they create a perfectly balanced cookie that’s both tender and flavorful.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides the creamy, tender base and ensures even mixing with sugar for a smooth dough.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps create a light texture.
• 2 teaspoons water: Helps bind the ingredients and adds moisture without weighing down the dough.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with warm, comforting flavor notes that elevate every bite.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The structural backbone of the cookies, supplying the tender crumb.
• 1 cup finely chopped pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and a toasty, nutty complexity that’s signature to snowball cookies.
• ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (for coating): Gives the cookies their characteristic snowy appearance and a delicate sweetness on the outside.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature allows the cookies to bake evenly, developing a tender texture without browning too quickly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy—a sign that air is being incorporated to give your cookies a delicate crumb.

Step 3: Add Water and Vanilla

Next, stir in the water and vanilla extract. These liquid ingredients not only help combine the dough but also infuse it with that unmistakable aroma and taste that makes these cookies so charming.

Step 4: Combine Flour Gradually

Slowly add the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here; gentle folding keeps the cookies tender rather than tough.

Step 5: Fold in Chopped Pecans

Time for some texture! Fold in the finely chopped pecans carefully to distribute them evenly without breaking down the delicate dough.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Cover your dough with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least two hours. This step is crucial to firm up the dough, making it easier to shape and ensuring the cookies maintain their classic shape while baking.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each — giving them room to bake without sticking together.

Step 8: Bake Until Lightly Golden

Bake your cookies for approximately 20 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden. The subtle color means you’re nailing the perfect bake — tender interiors with a slight crispness underneath.

Step 9: First Sugar Coating

When you remove the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 to 10 minutes. While they’re still warm, roll each cookie in confectioners’ sugar to trap that sweet, snowy coating.

Step 10: Final Snowy Finish

After the cookies cool completely, roll them in confectioners’ sugar a second time for a generous and beautiful snow-covered look. This double coating is the hallmark of an unbeatable Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies Recipe finish.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Though these cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving can add a festive touch that delights the eyes and palate. For a hint of color, try garnishing with edible gold flakes or a sprinkle of finely grated orange zest for subtle brightness.

Side Dishes

Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies pair wonderfully with warm beverages like spiced chai, rich hot chocolate, or a fragrant cup of Earl Grey tea. Their buttery texture and nutty flavor balance perfectly against cozy, aromatic drinks.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these snowball cookies in pretty stacks tied with rustic twine for gifting or festive gatherings. Alternatively, nestle them in decorative tins lined with parchment paper or scatter them on dessert platters alongside colorful dried fruits and nuts for an inviting holiday spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to save any (which is a mighty feat since they’re so easy to devour), store leftover Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and tender for up to a week without losing their signature snowy coating.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature to preserve their classic texture.

Reheating

Since these cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer a slightly warm cookie, you can briefly warm them in a low oven (250°F) for 5 minutes, but be careful not to melt the sugar coating too much.

FAQs

Can I substitute walnuts for pecans in this recipe?

Absolutely! Walnuts make a wonderful alternative and provide a slightly different but equally delicious nutty taste. Just chop them finely and use the same quantity as pecans.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the dough firms it up, which helps you shape perfect cookie balls and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven, keeping that classic round shape intact.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best texture.

How do I keep the cookies from falling apart while rolling in powdered sugar?

Rolling the cookies while they’re warm helps the sugar stick without cracking. Also, letting them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking allows them to settle and firm up slightly, making rolling easier.

Are these cookies suitable for storing long-term?

As long as you keep them in an airtight container in a cool place or freeze them, these cookies maintain their delicious flavor and texture well over time, making them a great make-ahead treat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the nostalgia wrapped up in this Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies Recipe. From the buttery crunch of pecans to the snowy dusting of confectioners’ sugar, every bite feels like a warm embrace. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just to brighten your afternoon, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and happy memories. I encourage you to give this timeless recipe a try — it just might become your favorite new tradition!

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