Buttery shortbread cookies studded with pecans and rolled in powdered sugar – Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat perfect for holiday baking or cookie exchanges. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and sweet, nutty flavor, these cookies are a nostalgic favorite.
Ingredients:
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 teaspoons water
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
½ cup confectioners’ sugar (for coating)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Water and Vanilla: Mix in the water and vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the butter-sugar mixture.
Add Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until the dough just comes together. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Fold in Pecans: Gently fold in the finely chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours to firm up, which helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Shape the Cookies: Once chilled, roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart.
Bake: Bake the cookies for approximately 20 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
Coat with Powdered Sugar: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes. While still warm, roll each cookie in confectioners’ sugar to give it a light, sugary coating.
Finish the Coating: Once the cookies have cooled completely, roll them in the confectioners’ sugar again for an extra generous dusting.
Serving Tips:
Perfect for Cookie Platters: These snowball cookies make a delightful addition to any cookie platter, especially during the holiday season. Pair them with other favorites like gingerbread or chocolate chip cookies for a festive treat spread.
Gift-Worthy: Pack them in a cute tin or box with some tissue paper to make a thoughtful gift for friends, family, or coworkers during the holidays.
Accompany with Tea or Coffee: These cookies are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee. Their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture pairs wonderfully with a warm beverage.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature: Store the snowball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them fresh and ensures the powdered sugar coating remains intact.
Freezing for Long-Term Storage: You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To serve, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
Avoid Powdered Sugar Coating Before Freezing: If you plan to freeze the cookies, it’s best to wait to roll them in powdered sugar until after they’ve thawed. This will prevent the sugar from becoming wet and losing its texture.
Related Recipes:
- Buttery Pecan Snowball Cookies
- Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies
- Cranberry Pistachio Shortbread Cookies
FAQs:
Can I make Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies without pecans?
Yes, you can substitute the pecans with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the nuts entirely, though the cookies will have a slightly different texture.
Can I freeze Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, place the baked cookies on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature and roll them in powdered sugar again for the perfect finish.
How can I make these cookies ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the cookies and store them in an airtight container for up to 1 week at room temperature, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough for at least 2 hours helps it firm up, making it easier to roll into balls and maintain their shape while baking. It also enhances the texture of the cookies, ensuring they bake evenly and don’t spread too much in the oven.
Conclusion:
These buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookies are a timeless classic for a reason. With a simple, yet irresistible blend of shortbread, vanilla, and crunchy pecans, they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday party or just craving a sweet treat, these cookies are sure to please everyone with their delicate, sugary coating and nutty flavor.
📖 Recipe:
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Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 48 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old-Fashioned Snowball Cookies are buttery shortbread treats filled with finely chopped pecans and coated in a generous dusting of powdered sugar. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies are perfect for holiday baking, cookie exchanges, or as a delightful gift. Easy to make and full of flavor, they are sure to be a hit at any festive gathering.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped pecans
½ cup confectioners’ sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the water and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing on low speed until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Fold in the finely chopped pecans.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, then roll them in confectioners’ sugar while still warm.
- Once fully cooled, roll in powdered sugar again for a generous coating.
Notes
You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
The dough can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days before baking.
For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Holiday Baking, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 48 cookies
- Calories: 115 kcal (approx. per cookie)
