Surprise Snowballs
Surprise Snowballs are delightful cookies featuring a tender, buttery base filled with a hidden chocolate-covered peanut center. Coated in powdered sugar, these treats offer a sweet, nutty flavor with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a charming homemade gift, they appeal to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until softened.
- Add sugar and salt; beat until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla; beat well.
- Gradually add flour on low speed until combined.
- Shape the dough into 1-inch balls.
- Press a piece of chocolate-covered peanut into the center of each ball and shape the dough around it.
- Place the balls about 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Place powdered sugar in a plastic bag.
- Transfer 2 to 3 cookies at a time into the bag using a spatula.
- Gently shake the bag to coat the cookies with powdered sugar.
- Cool the cookies on a cooling rack.
- Once cooled, gently shake the cookies again to coat them with powdered sugar.
Tips & Substitutions
To make the dough easier to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before shaping. If you don't have chocolate-covered peanuts, consider using chocolate chips or other candies as a surprise filling. For added flavor, you can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for better mixing.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delightful treat with coffee or tea. For a fun twist, serve them alongside People 'Puppy Chow' for a sweet snack table. They also make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes. A dusting of extra powdered sugar just before serving enhances their appearance.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Surprise Snowballs in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, they can be frozen in a single layer, then transferred to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Surprise Snowballs contains roughly 278 calories, with 3g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 10g fat.
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 or candy inside the cookies?
Absolutely! While chocolate-covered peanuts are a delicious surprise, feel free to use other fillings like chocolate-covered almonds, caramel candies, or even a maraschino cherry for a fruity twist. Just ensure the filling is small enough to fit inside the dough without compromising the cookie's structure.
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky to handle, try chilling it for 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator. If it's still sticky after chilling, you can add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach a manageable consistency. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as it can alter the texture of the cookies.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cookie dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can shape the cookies, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
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).