Description
Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies are buttery, tender, and nutty treats coated with a generous dusting of confectioners’ sugar. These classic cookies, featuring chopped pecans and a hint of vanilla, are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookie experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans
Coating
- ½ cup confectioners’ sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to prepare for baking the cookies evenly.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will ensure a tender cookie texture.
- Add liquids: Mix in the water and vanilla extract into the creamed butter mixture until fully combined, adding flavor and moisture.
- Incorporate flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing on low speed until just combined. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly without overmixing.
- Fold in pecans: Gently fold the finely chopped pecans into the dough to distribute the nuts throughout for added crunch and flavor.
- Chill the dough: Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This resting time helps the dough firm up for easier shaping and better cookie texture.
- Shape the cookies: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for approximately 20 minutes or until the bottoms turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through while remaining tender inside.
- First sugar coating: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, then roll them in confectioners’ sugar while still warm to ensure the sugar adheres well.
- Second sugar coating: Once the cookies have fully cooled, roll them in powdered sugar again to create a thick, snowy coating that defines these classic snowball cookies.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted for proper creaming.
- Chilling the dough is key for shaping and texture; do not skip this step.
- Use finely chopped pecans for an even nut distribution.
- If you prefer, walnuts can be substituted for pecans.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness, and they can be frozen for longer storage.
