Are you dreaming of cozy nights in, filled with the aroma of freshly baked cookies? Then look no further! These snowball cookies with walnuts are the perfect recipe for easy homemade cooking, delivering a delicious dish that's both festive and incredibly satisfying. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps, yet the result is a wonderfully elegant and flavorful cookie, ideal for holiday gatherings or a simple afternoon treat. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these melt-in-your-mouth delights!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling (plus extra for dusting)
Instructions:
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and ½ cup powdered sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily done with an electric mixer, but you can also achieve it with good old-fashioned elbow grease! The key is to make sure the butter is thoroughly incorporated with the sugar.
Step 2: Adding the Dry Ingredients and Walnuts
Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Stir in the vanilla extract and chopped walnuts. The dough will be quite soft.
Step 3: Shaping the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls. This is a great task to involve the kids in! Place the cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, leaving some space between each one as they will spread slightly.
Step 4: Baking the Cookies
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. Every oven is a little different, so start checking for doneness around the 10-minute mark.
Step 5: Rolling in Powdered Sugar
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, roll the cookies in the remaining ½ cup of powdered sugar. This creates that signature snowball effect! Dust with extra powdered sugar for an even more beautiful, snowy finish.
Tips for the Best Snowball Cookies:
- Softened Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is truly softened. Room temperature butter will incorporate more easily into the sugar, creating a smoother dough.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): For even better results, you can chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cookies to cool completely before rolling them in the powdered sugar. This prevents the sugar from melting.
Variations:
- Chocolate Snowballs: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the dough for a delicious chocolate twist.
- Pecan Snowballs: Substitute pecans for walnuts.
- Spiced Snowballs: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the dough for a warm, holiday flavor.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 100-120 calories
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
These snowball cookies are a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that don't compromise on taste or quality. Enjoy this easy, healthy meal alternative, and savor every delicious bite! They're perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a warm cup of milk or coffee. Happy baking!