Snowball Cookies

Snowball cookies are basically small, round shortbread cookies containing nuts, and dusted with powdered sugar. They are a buttery delight during holidays. This treat is actually quite popular all over the world-- although in different countries, they may go by different names.

For example, they are also known as “Mexican Wedding Cookies”, Russian Tea Cakes, Italian Wedding Cookies, Snowdrops, or Butter Balls. But whatever you call them, they are easy to make and a real crowd pleaser during holidays, parties, special events, or just a snack any time. 

Snowball Cookies

Ingredients:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened but not melted

5 tablespoons granulated sugar

2 tsp pure vanilla extract

¼ tsp salt

2 cups all purpose flour

2 cups finely chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in the vanilla and salt.

2. Add flour in small amounts, beating after each addition. Stir in the nuts until well combined.

3. Divide dough in half. Pack each half tightly, and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate 45 minutes.

4. Preheat oven to 350. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

5. Remove dough from fridge and use your hands to roll into 1-inch balls. Place dough balls 1 ½ apart on prepared baking sheets.

6. Bake dough balls in preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until cookies are just beginning to brown around the bottom edges. Do not over bake.

7. Allow cookies to cool for a few minutes. Spoon the powdered sugar into a sifter and dust the cookies with powdered sugar while they are still warm. Let cookies cool completely, then dust them again with powdered sugar. Serve.