Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! These butter cookie balls are the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike, offering a delightful homemade touch without any fuss. These little bites of buttery goodness are ideal for parties, holidays, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home. Prepare to be amazed by how quickly you can whip up a batch of these addictive treats!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for rolling
Instructions:
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This is easiest with an electric mixer, but you can also do it by hand, though it will require a bit more elbow grease. The key is to get the mixture well combined and airy.
Step 2: Add Vanilla and Flour
Beat in the vanilla extract. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Shape the Cookie Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to firm up. This makes shaping the balls much easier.
Step 4: Roll in Powdered Sugar
Place the powdered sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll each cookie ball in the powdered sugar until completely coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Place the cookie balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. This step is crucial for maintaining their shape and preventing them from becoming too soft. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Butter Cookie Balls:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened. Room temperature butter will cream much more easily with the sugar.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookie balls. Mix until just combined.
- Chill for Best Results: Chilling the dough and the finished cookie balls ensures they hold their shape and prevents them from becoming too crumbly.
- Get Creative with Coatings: Experiment with different coatings! Try cocoa powder, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even melted chocolate.
Variations:
- Chocolate Butter Cookie Balls: Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the dough for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Peanut Butter Cookie Balls: Stir in 1/2 cup peanut butter along with the vanilla extract.
- Spiced Butter Cookie Balls: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie ball, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 80-90
- Fat: 5-6g
- Sugar: 5-6g
These delightful butter cookie balls are a quick and easy treat that's perfect for any occasion. They are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them, making them a wonderful addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes for healthy meals and homemade cooking. Enjoy!