Frosty Snowballs
Frosty Snowballs are sweet, nutty cookies with a delicate crumb, perfect for festive occasions or as a charming treat. Their colorful sparkle finish adds holiday cheer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.
- Add granulated sugar; beat until combined, scraping sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Beat in water and vanilla until combined.
- Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer.
- Using a wooden spoon, stir in any remaining flour and chopped pecans.
- Shape dough into 1-inch balls.
- Place balls 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until bottoms are light brown.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack and cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. If you want to add a twist, substitute chopped pecans with walnuts or almonds. You can also experiment with different flavored extracts, like almond or hazelnut, for added depth. Keep an eye on the cookies as baking times may vary slightly based on your oven.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat alongside a cup of tea or coffee. For an extra festive touch, dust with colored sugar and serve on a decorative platter. They pair beautifully with Cheesecake Ice Cream for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Frosty Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply allow them to come to room temperature before serving. This helps maintain their delightful texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frosty Snowballs contains roughly 215 calories, with 3g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While chopped pecans give a lovely flavor, feel free to use walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts based on your preference. Just make sure to chop them finely to maintain the cookie's texture.
What if I don't have powdered sugar?
If you don't have powdered sugar on hand, you can make a quick substitute by blending granulated sugar in a blender or food processor until it reaches a fine powder. Alternatively, you can dust the cookies with granulated sugar for a different, yet still delicious, finish.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
To make Frosty Snowballs gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, or add some separately, to help bind the ingredients together and maintain the desired texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).