Snowball Cookies: A Classic Treat!
Snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, have been a staple in holiday baking for generations. Their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, buttery flavor make them a favorite for many. These bite-sized cookies, coated in powdered sugar, resemble little snowballs, which is where they get their charming name. They’re incredibly easy to make, which is part of the reason they’ve stood the test of time, but their delicate, crumbly nature still makes them feel like a special treat.
Let’s get into it with a more detailed recipe that includes all the essentials!
Snowball Cookie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (or walnuts, depending on your preference)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Add Vanilla:
- Stir in the vanilla extract to the butter mixture, blending it until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Pecans:
- Gradually add the flour mixture into the butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Form the Cookies:
- Take small portions of the dough and roll them into 1-inch balls. You can also flatten them slightly for a different shape. Place them about 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just slightly golden. The cookies will remain soft, so don’t worry if they don’t brown much.
- Coat in Powdered Sugar:
- Once the cookies have cooled slightly (about 5 minutes), roll them in powdered sugar while they are still warm. Let them cool completely on a wire rack and then give them another light dusting of powdered sugar for that snowy effect.
History of Snowball Cookies:
Snowball cookies, as mentioned earlier, are known by several names, including Russian Tea Cakes and Mexican Wedding Cookies. They’re believed to have originated in Eastern Europe, where nuts and butter were common ingredients. The cookies were traditionally served at weddings or holiday celebrations, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
Although the exact origin is unclear, versions of this cookie have been made for centuries, especially in countries where nut trees (like pecans and walnuts) were abundant. The signature look of the cookie—round, powdery, and delicate—has made it a timeless favorite, and it’s often passed down through family recipes.
How to Form the Perfect Snowball Cookie:
Forming the perfect snowball cookie can be a bit tricky due to their delicate nature. Here are a few tips for success:
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too soft or sticky to handle, you can chill it for about 30 minutes before rolling the balls. This helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies should remain pale in color. Overbaking them can lead to a less-than-melt-in-your-mouth texture, so keep a close eye on them while baking.
- Double Coating: For that perfect snowball effect, roll your cookies in powdered sugar twice. Once when they’re warm, and again once they’ve cooled.
Lovers of Snowball Cookies:
Snowball cookies are beloved by many for their rich flavor, tender texture, and nutty taste. They have a dedicated following, particularly among those who enjoy baking classic holiday treats. People often love them for their versatility, as they can be made with different nuts (like walnuts or almonds) or even flavored with different extracts. These cookies are perfect for those who enjoy a light, buttery dessert that isn’t overly sweet but still indulgent.
Because of their festive appearance, they are often shared at holiday parties, weddings, and family gatherings, becoming a symbol of warmth and celebration. They also make for a great edible gift, as they store well in airtight containers and stay fresh for several weeks.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, snowball cookies are sure to bring joy. Their combination of buttery dough, chopped nuts, and sugary coating is both simple and delightful. Plus, they’re easy to make, require few ingredients, and bring an elegant charm to any dessert spread.
So, if you’ve never tried making them, or if you haven’t in years, why not give them a go? These cookies are truly a classic that brings back sweet memories for anyone who’s ever had the pleasure of tasting them. You might just discover a new family favorite that sticks around for years to come! 😍🍪
Enjoy baking and sharing your Snowball Cookies! Let me know if you need more tips or variations! 😊