Snow Balls
Snow Balls are delightful, buttery cookies coated in sweet confectioners sugar, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and nutty flavor. Perfect for holiday treats or special occasions, these cookies are easy to make and appeal to those who love rich, sweet, and nutty desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream confectioners sugar, salt, and butter thoroughly; add vanilla.
- Gradually stir flour into the creamed ingredients.
- Work chopped pecans or walnuts into the dough.
- Chill the dough well.
- Form the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Place the balls on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake in a hot oven at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Roll the cookies in confectioners sugar immediately after baking.
- Cool the cookies on a rack.
- Roll the cookies in sugar again.
- Store in an airtight container.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is softened but not melted when creaming with sugar. You can substitute pecans with walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor. If you're looking for a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based confectioners' sugar. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
Serving Suggestions
These Snow Balls make a delightful treat for holiday gatherings or alongside a warm beverage like tea or coffee. They pair beautifully with a light dessert like Molded Cranberry Salad or a California Summer Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a festive touch, dust them with extra confectioners' sugar just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store the Snow Balls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate or freeze them. To reheat, simply let them come to room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven. Be careful not to overheat, as this can change their delightful texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snow Balls contains roughly 618 calories, with 0g protein, 139g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. 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! While pecans and walnuts are traditional, feel free to experiment with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. Just chop them finely and incorporate them into the dough as directed. Each nut will impart its unique flavor and crunch to the cookies.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough seems excessively sticky, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Additionally, chilling the dough for longer can help firm it up, making it easier to form into balls.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, Snow Balls are perfect for make-ahead treats! You can prepare the dough in advance, form the balls, and freeze them. When you're ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
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).