Snowball cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are a beloved holiday treat characterized by their delicate, crumbly texture and sweet, powdered sugar coating. These cookies are not only delicious but also evoke a sense of nostalgia and tradition, making them a perfect addition to any festive celebration. This article will provide a detailed look at how to make snowball cookies, ensuring you achieve the perfect batch every time.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the baking process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Having everything prepared and measured in advance will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Ingredients for Snowball Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter is the base of these cookies, providing a rich and creamy texture.
- ½ cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the tender crumb of the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle vanilla note.
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: The main structure of the cookies.
- 1 cup very finely chopped pecans: Adds a delightful nutty flavor and texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar, or more as needed: For coating the cookies and giving them their characteristic snowy appearance.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Ensuring your oven is at the correct temperature is crucial for even baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The creaming process incorporates air into the butter, helping to create a light and tender cookie.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, finely chopped pecans, and salt. It’s important to add the flour slowly to prevent the dough from becoming too dense. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the dough comes together.
Step 4: Form the Cookies
Once your dough is ready, roll it into walnut-sized balls. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. This spacing allows the cookies to spread slightly without touching each other.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The bottoms should be light golden brown while the tops remain pale. Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they can become too dry. It’s better to slightly undercook them to maintain their tender texture.
Step 6: Initial Cooling
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheets for a few minutes. This brief resting period allows the cookies to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle.
Step 7: First Sugar Coating
While the cookies are still warm, roll them in ⅓ cup of powdered sugar until they are fully coated. The warmth of the cookies helps the sugar adhere, creating a delightful, sweet coating.
Step 8: Final Cooling and Second Coating
Place the sugar-coated cookies on wire racks to cool completely. Once they have cooled, roll them in powdered sugar once more. This second coating gives the cookies their classic snowy appearance and adds an extra layer of sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Snowball Cookies
Use Unsalted Butter
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the amount of salt in your recipe, ensuring that the cookies are perfectly balanced.
Finely Chop the Pecans
Chopping the pecans very finely ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the dough, giving each bite a delightful nutty flavor without overpowering the delicate texture of the cookie.
Don’t Overmix the Dough
Once the dry ingredients are added, mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, as it develops the gluten in the flour.
Bake to the Right Color
The bottoms of the cookies should be light golden brown, while the tops should remain pale. This ensures that the cookies are cooked through without becoming too dry.
Double-Coating with Sugar
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar twice not only gives them their signature look but also enhances their sweetness. The first coating sticks to the warm cookies, while the second coating ensures a thorough, even layer.
Variations
While the classic snowball cookie is made with pecans, you can experiment with different nuts or add-ins to create your own unique version:
- Almonds: Substitute chopped almonds for the pecans for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Walnuts: Walnuts can add a richer, more robust nutty flavor.
- Hazelnuts: For a twist, try using finely chopped hazelnuts.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey variation, add a handful of mini chocolate chips to the dough.
- Coconut: Add a bit of shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist.
Serving Suggestions
Snowball cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings:
Holiday Gatherings
These cookies are a staple during the holiday season. Serve them on a festive platter alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies and peppermint bark.
Gift Giving
Pack snowball cookies in decorative tins or boxes lined with parchment paper. They make wonderful homemade gifts for friends and family.
Tea Time
Enjoy snowball cookies with a cup of tea or coffee. Their delicate texture and sweet flavor make them a perfect accompaniment to a hot beverage.
Everyday Treat
Keep a batch of snowball cookies on hand for a delightful everyday snack. They pair well with a glass of milk or a hot cocoa on a cold day.
Conclusion
Snowball cookies are a delightful treat that combines a buttery, crumbly texture with a sweet, powdered sugar coating. Their simple yet satisfying flavor makes them a favorite during the holiday season and beyond. By following this detailed recipe and incorporating the tips provided, you can create a batch of snowball cookies that are sure to impress.
Whether you enjoy them as part of your holiday celebrations, give them as gifts, or simply indulge in them as an everyday treat, snowball cookies are a versatile and beloved classic. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these delicious cookies that are sure to bring joy and satisfaction to anyone who tastes them. Happy baking!
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Snowball Cookies: A Classic Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 36 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Snowball Cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are delightful, bite-sized confections that are perfect for the holiday season. These buttery, nutty cookies are rolled in powdered sugar, giving them a festive, snowball-like appearance.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg