The Ultimate Snowball Cookie Recipe: Perfectly Crumbly and Delightfully Festive
The holidays are just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with a batch of warm, delicious snowball cookies? These melt-in-your-mouth treats are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort. This recipe ensures perfectly crumbly cookies, dusted in powdered sugar for a snowy, festive finish. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this classic holiday delight!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes approximately 24 snowball cookies. Adjust quantities as needed for a larger batch.
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is truly softened for optimal creaming.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps bind the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor. Feel free to experiment with almond extract for a subtle twist!
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cookies.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: Generously coat your cookies for that signature snowball look.
Instructions for Perfect Snowball Cookies:
Step 1: Cream Together the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use an electric mixer for best results.
Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract. Enjoy the delicious aroma!
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is essential; it prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Step 5: Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the dough is chilled, roll it into 1-inch balls. Place the balls onto ungreased baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheets before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While still slightly warm, roll the cookies generously in powdered sugar. You can repeat this step for an extra snowy coating!
Tips for Snowball Cookie Success:
- Don't overbake! Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly.
- Chill the dough thoroughly. This helps prevent spreading.
- Use quality ingredients. The better your ingredients, the better your cookies will taste.
- Get creative with the coating! Try adding cocoa powder or cinnamon to the powdered sugar for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Yes! Freeze the dough balls before baking for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Q: How can I store the baked cookies?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
These snowball cookies are the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Their simple elegance and delightful taste will make them a family favorite for years to come. Happy baking!
