Snowball Oatmeal Cookies

Prep: 30 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Snowball Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy treats coated in powdered sugar, featuring warm vanilla and hearty oatmeal flavors perfect for satisfying sweet cravings.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. brown sugar
  • 1 c. shortening
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 1/2 c. flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 4 c. oatmeal
  • Powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Cream together the brown sugar, shortening, and beaten eggs.
  2. Sift the dry ingredients (flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda) and add to the creamed mixture.
  3. Add vanilla and oatmeal, one cup at a time, and mix well.
  4. Chill the dough for several hours.
  5. Form the dough into small balls and roll in powdered sugar.
  6. Do not flatten the balls.
  7. Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
  8. Cookies may not look done but will be.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using dark brown sugar instead of light brown sugar. If you prefer a healthier twist, substitute half the shortening with unsweetened applesauce. Ensure you chill the dough long enough; this step is crucial for the texture. Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar adds sweetness and a beautiful finish. If you want a nutty flavor, feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

These Snowball Oatmeal Cookies are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your snack time by pairing them with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to holiday dessert platters alongside treats like Janet'S Easy Cheesecake. For a fun dessert, serve them with a scoop of Double Almond Ice Cream for a delicious contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain their softness and freshness.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Snowball Oatmeal Cookies contains roughly 288 calories, with 5g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

288 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.8g 10% DV
Total Fat 9g 12% DV
Carbs 44.5g 16% DV
Fiber 4g 14% DV
Sugar 16.6g 33% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 310.7mg 14% DV
Potassium 182.1mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 0.3mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 308.9mcg 34% DV
Calcium 198.3mg 15% DV
Iron 10.1mg 56% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 rolled oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, you can use rolled oats, but the texture may be slightly chewier. If you prefer a softer cookie, you might want to pulse the rolled oats in a food processor for a few seconds to break them down a bit.

What if I don't have shortening?

If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. This will change the flavor slightly, but it will still yield delicious cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies may not look fully baked when you take them out of the oven, but they will set as they cool. Look for a light golden bottom and a soft, puffy top.

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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