Mom'S Butter Balls

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: American

Mom's Butter Balls are rich, buttery cookies with a tender crumb and crunchy walnuts, perfect for sweet tooths and cookie lovers seeking nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth treats.

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Ingredients

  • 2 sticks butter
  • 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 3/4 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and 1/2 cup confectioners sugar until fluffy.
  2. Blend in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and flour.
  3. Stir in chopped walnuts.
  4. Chill the mixture before shaping and baking.

Tips & Substitutions

For a slightly different flavor, you can substitute half of the butter with coconut oil. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with chocolate chips for a sweeter touch. To ensure lighter cookies, be careful not to overmix the dough. You can also chill the dough overnight for enhanced flavor and texture, which works well with many American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

These butter balls make a delightful treat on their own but can also be served with a dusting of additional confectioners' sugar for presentation. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. They also complement well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a lovely dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover butter balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them; just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. To enjoy them again, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave briefly for a warm treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mom'S Butter Balls contains roughly 954 calories, with 3g protein, 135g carbohydrates, and 31g fat.

954 kcal 48% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.2g 6% DV
Total Fat 30.7g 39% DV
Carbs 134.9g 49% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 110g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 7.8mg
Potassium 120.6mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 90mg 30% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0mcg
Vitamin C 0mg
Calcium 12.4mg 1% DV
Iron 1.5mg 9% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

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 margarine instead of butter in this recipe?

While margarine can be used as a substitute, it may affect the flavor and texture of the butter balls. Butter provides a richness that margarine often lacks. If you do choose margarine, select a high-quality brand to get closer to the original taste.

What can I use instead of walnuts?

If you are not a fan of walnuts or have allergies, you can replace them with chopped pecans, almonds, or even dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for a different texture and sweetness. Chocolate chips are also a popular alternative that pairs well with the buttery flavor.

How do I know when the butter balls are done baking?

The butter balls are typically done when they are lightly golden on the edges. Since they are meant to be soft and tender, avoid overbaking them. A quick check with a toothpick should show a few moist crumbs when they are ready to come out of the oven.

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).

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