Buttery Walnut Snowball Cookies

Introduction

There’s something magical about the first bite of a snowball cookie—crisp on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, and that melt-in-your-mouth sensation that leaves you craving more. If you’ve never had one, imagine a little bite-sized piece of heaven. Now, picture that lovely buttery flavor paired with crunchy, toasted walnuts, rolled in powdered sugar to give you that snow-covered look. These Buttery Walnut Snowball Cookies are the ultimate treat for cozy winter days, holiday baking, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.

I first discovered these cookies a few years ago at a holiday party, and I was immediately hooked. The moment I popped one into my mouth, I was in love. They were so simple, yet so full of flavor. I’ve made a batch every holiday season since then, and each time, they disappear just as quickly as they came out of the oven. The best part? They’re so easy to make, and you don’t need any fancy ingredients. In fact, you probably have everything you need in your kitchen right now.

If you’re looking for a buttery, nutty treat that’ll melt in your mouth and wow your friends and family, this is it. Whether you call them snowball cookies, Russian tea cakes, or Mexican wedding cookies, they’re all the same wonderful thing—utterly irresistible little bites of bliss. So, let’s get started, and I promise, these cookies will become a new favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Buttery Walnut Snowball Cookies are one of those recipes you’ll make over and over again. Here’s why:

• Easy to Make: The recipe requires just a handful of simple ingredients, and the steps are so straightforward. No mixer required! It’s a perfect recipe for beginners or anyone looking for a low-effort treat with maximum flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing for the holidays, a bake sale, or just want something sweet on a rainy afternoon, these cookies fit the bill. They look elegant and are always a hit at gatherings, but they’re also just as comforting with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The dough is buttery and crumbly, while the toasted walnuts add a nice crunch that pairs perfectly with the melt-in-your-mouth texture. The powdered sugar coating gives them that signature snowball look and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Kid-Friendly: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this is a great recipe to make with kids. They’ll love rolling the dough into little balls and coating them in powdered sugar. Plus, these cookies are a great treat for lunchboxes or after-school snacks.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: This recipe makes about 24 cookies, depending on the size you roll them.

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories per serving: 160
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 17g
• Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need for these delectable cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (It’s the key to that rich, buttery flavor!)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (This will be used in the dough and to coat the cookies afterward.)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (Vanilla brings out the sweetness in these cookies.)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (This forms the base of the cookie dough.)
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts (The walnuts give these cookies a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor.)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (Balances out the sweetness and enhances the flavor.)
• Powdered sugar for coating (To give them that signature snowball look!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
This is an important step! Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and brings out their natural oils. Simply spread the chopped walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn. Once they’re fragrant and golden, remove them from the oven and let them cool.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Powdered Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar. You can use a hand mixer or do it by hand with a wooden spoon—either works! Mix until the butter and sugar are well combined and smooth. The texture should be light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Vanilla Extract
Next, stir in the vanilla extract. The aroma of vanilla will start to fill the air, and you’ll know you’re on the right track.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Now, gently add the flour and salt to the mixture, a little bit at a time. You’ll want to keep mixing until everything is fully incorporated, but don’t overmix. The dough will be soft and crumbly, which is exactly what you want!

Step 6: Incorporate the Walnuts
Fold in the toasted walnuts with a spatula. Be careful not to crush them too much—you want those walnut pieces to stay intact for that delightful crunch in every bite.

Step 7: Chill the Dough
Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. It also makes the dough easier to roll into little balls.

Step 8: Roll Into Balls
Once the dough is chilled, take about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into a small ball between your hands. The cookies don’t spread much, so you can place them fairly close together on the baking sheet.

Step 9: Bake
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake them—these cookies should be soft and tender, not crispy.

Step 10: Coat in Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are baking, set aside a small bowl of powdered sugar. Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, while they’re still warm, gently roll them in the powdered sugar. You’ll want to give them a nice coating of sugar so they look like little snowballs!

Step 11: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack. They’ll firm up slightly as they cool, but they should still have that melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you want an extra dusting of powdered sugar, feel free to give them another roll once they’re fully cooled.

How to Serve

These Buttery Walnut Snowball Cookies are best served with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Here are a few other serving suggestions:

• As a gift: Package them in a cute tin or box, and they’ll make the perfect homemade holiday gift for friends and family.
• Pair with a dessert platter: Serve them alongside other holiday treats like gingerbread cookies, shortbread, or chocolate truffles for a sweet spread.
• For a cozy snack: They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a late-night treat. Just pop one or two and enjoy the buttery, nutty goodness!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make these cookies perfect every time:

1. Chill the dough: This step is crucial! Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and makes the dough easier to work with.
2. Use softened butter: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before starting. This ensures it creams properly with the powdered sugar and gives the cookies that delicate texture.
3. Don’t overbake: These cookies should stay soft and tender, so keep an eye on them toward the end of baking. If the edges are just lightly golden, they’re ready to come out of the oven.
4. Toast the walnuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and brings out their natural oils. Don’t skip this step—it really makes a difference in the final taste!
5. Perfect powdered sugar coating: For the best snowball effect, roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they’re still warm. If you wait too long, the sugar won’t stick as well.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is a classic, here are a few fun variations you can try:

• Add chocolate chips: For a little extra sweetness, try adding some mini chocolate chips to the dough. The combination of buttery cookies, walnuts, and chocolate is irresistible.
• Make them dairy-free: Swap the butter for a dairy-free butter substitute, like coconut oil or a plant-based butter. This will make the cookies dairy-free while still keeping them rich and flavorful.
• Use different nuts: While walnuts are traditional, you can use other nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for the holiday season.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes! While walnuts are traditional in snowball cookies, you can easily substitute them with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. Just make sure to chop them finely so they incorporate well into the dough.

2. How do I store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them.

3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Chilled dough will make rolling the cookies into balls easier. You can also bake the cookies ahead of time and store them as mentioned above.

4. My dough is too soft to roll into balls, what should I do?
If your dough is too soft, don’t worry! Simply chill it in the refrigerator for an additional 15–30 minutes. This will help firm up the dough and make it easier to shape.

5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to use a blend that’s designed to mimic the texture of regular flour in baked goods.

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Conclusion

These Buttery Walnut Snowball Cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves a soft, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, making a sweet treat for a special occasion, or just indulging in a cozy snack, these cookies are always a hit. The walnuts add a delightful crunch and richness, while the powdered sugar coating makes them look like little snow-covered treasures. They’re incredibly easy to make, and they taste as though they took hours to prepare.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to make some of the most delicious cookies you’ve ever tasted. I guarantee they won’t last long once they’re out of the oven! Enjoy these snowball cookies with loved ones, and watch them disappear one by one.