Russian Rocks Or Snowballs
Delightful snowball cookies with a tender, buttery texture and nutty flavor, coated in sweet confectioners sugar, perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening until smooth.
- Gradually add confectioners sugar and cream thoroughly.
- Add sifted all-purpose flour, salt, vanilla extract, and finely chopped nuts; blend until well combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15 minutes.
- While still warm, roll the cookies in confectioners sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, make sure the shortening is well-creamed before adding sugar. You can substitute half of the shortening with unsalted butter for richer flavor. If you're short on nuts, try using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. To enhance vanilla flavor, consider adding a touch of almond extract as well.
Serving Suggestions
These delightful Russian Rocks are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat with afternoon tea. Serve alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy pairing. They also make a lovely gift when packaged in decorative boxes. Pairs beautifully with Fresh Peach Pies for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and roll in confectioners' sugar again for a fresh taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Russian Rocks Or Snowballs contains roughly 1120 calories, with 10g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 71g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (22% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1750mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
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 in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any finely chopped nuts you prefer, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans. Just be mindful that different nuts may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cookies.
What can I do if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough seems too crumbly, try adding a teaspoon of cold water or milk to help bind it together. Alternatively, ensure that your shortening is softened adequately before mixing, as this can also help achieve the right consistency.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for better structure. The flavor and texture might vary slightly, but they should still be delicious!
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).