7 Irresistible Snowball Cookies To Try Today
If you’ve ever craved a cookie that simply melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more, then you’re about to fall head over heels for these Snowball Cookies. Made with plant-based butter and natural flavors, these delightful treats are soft, crumbly, and dusted with just the right amount of powdered sugar (plant-based), creating a winter wonderland of irresistible taste and texture. Whether shared with friends or savored on your own, these cookies bring a cozy touch of magic to any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft and Melt-In-Your-Mouth Texture: Thanks to the plant-based butter and finely ground nuts, every bite dissolves beautifully on the tongue.
- Natural Sweetness: Sweetened delicately with natural powdered sugar, these cookies avoid being overpowering while satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy to find pantry staples come together to create a gourmet cookie experience without fuss.
- Versatile Flavor Base: The classic flavors allow you to add your own twist by including nuts or spices to suit your mood.
- Perfect for Any Season: While snowball cookies evoke winter charm, they’re equally delightful year-round!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Snowball Cookies lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role from the richness of plant-based butter to the nuttiness of finely chopped walnuts, every element contributes to that iconic tender, crumbly texture and subtle flavor.
- Plant-Based Butter: Provides a soft, rich base while keeping the cookie tender.
- Powdered Sugar (Natural): Sweetens gently and creates that signature snowy coating.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure, balancing strength and softness perfectly.
- Walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma, finely chopped for the ideal bite.
- Vanilla Extract (Natural): Enhances the sweet flavors with its warm, fragrant notes.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies all other tastes.
- Natural Gelling Agent: Helps with the perfect delicate texture without compromising softness.
Variations for Snowball Cookies
One of the most fun parts of making these Snowball Cookies is how easily they adapt to your favorite tastes or dietary preferences. Experimenting with nuts, spices, or natural extracts can turn these classic cookies into your personal signature treat.
- Pecan Twist: Swap walnuts for pecans for a buttery, rich flavor variation.
- Orange Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh orange zest for a vibrant citrus note.
- Cinnamon Spice: Mix in half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for cozy warmth.
- Chocolate Chip Sparkle: Fold in mini plant-based chocolate chips for bursts of sweetness.
- Almond Flavor: Use almond extract (natural) instead of vanilla for a fragrant nutty touch.
How to Make Snowball Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Begin by finely chopping the walnuts and measuring the dry ingredients. Soften the plant-based butter for easy mixing, and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get everything ready.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the plant-based butter with powdered sugar (natural) until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies are tender and melt in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients
Stir in the vanilla extract (natural), salt, and natural gelling agent, then gradually add the flour and chopped walnuts. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overwork the dough to keep it soft.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space as they will retain their shape without spreading much.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Bake for about 15-18 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes then roll them in powdered sugar (natural) for that signature snowball finish.
Step 6: Final Dusting
Once completely cooled, give them another gentle roll in powdered sugar (natural) to create a beautiful, snowy coating that melts away with every bite.
Pro Tips for Making Snowball Cookies
- Use Room Temperature Butter: This makes creaming easier for a fluffier cookie base.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir dough until just combined to keep tender texture intact.
- Chill if Needed: If dough feels too soft, chilling for 30 minutes helps maintain shape.
- Finely Chop Nuts: Small nut pieces ensure even distribution without overwhelming texture.
- Dust Twice: Rolling cookies twice in powdered sugar (natural) ensures a perfect snowy appearance.
How to Serve Snowball Cookies
Garnishes
For added flair, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder or finely shredded plant-based white chocolate over the cookies just before serving for a pretty, festive touch.
Side Dishes
Pair these melt-in-your-mouth cookies with warm herbal tea, a glass of chilled grape juice, or a cozy cup of plant-based hot chocolate to elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Snowball Cookies in a clear glass jar with layers of powdered sugar (natural) and nuts or present them on a rustic wooden tray sprinkled lightly with edible flowers for charming gift ideas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor for up to one week.
Freezing
Freeze wrapped cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature and dust with powdered sugar (natural) again for a fresh finish.
Reheating
Warm cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to revive their tender texture and fresh-baked aroma before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Snowball Cookies nut-free?
Absolutely! Replace walnuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds finely chopped for a similar crunch without nuts.
Are these cookies gluten-free friendly?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to enjoy these cookies without gluten, just ensure it’s suitable for baking.
How do I get that perfect crumbly texture?
The key is using plant-based butter at room temperature and not overworking the dough, so mix gently until just combined.
Can I use other plant-based fats?
Yes, plant-based margarine or coconut oil can be used, but they might slightly alter texture or flavor, so experiment according to your preference.
What’s the best way to store Snowball Cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature away from heat or sunlight, preserving their soft, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Final Thoughts
These Snowball Cookies are truly a treasure for any cookie lover. Their blend of simple, wholesome ingredients combined with a soft, tender texture makes them utterly irresistible. Whether you make the classic version or tweak the flavors to your liking, these cookies are sure to bring joy and warmth every time you bite into them. So grab your mixing bowl and treat yourself to a batch of these delightful Snowball Cookies you won’t regret it!
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Snowball Cookies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Snowball Cookies are soft, crumbly treats made with plant-based butter, finely chopped walnuts, and natural powdered sugar for a delicate sweetness. These melt-in-your-mouth cookies offer a tender texture and subtle nutty flavor, perfect for any season. Easily customizable with nuts or spices, they create a cozy, delightful experience whether shared or savored alone.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 1 cup plant-based butter, softened
- 1/2 cup natural powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by finely chopping the walnuts and measuring the dry ingredients. Soften the plant-based butter for easy mixing, and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get everything ready.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the plant-based butter with natural powdered sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step ensures your cookies are tender and melt in your mouth.
- Add Vanilla and Dry Ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract (natural), salt, and natural gelling agent, then gradually add the all-purpose flour and chopped walnuts. Mix until just combined, taking care not to overwork the dough to keep it soft.
- Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space as they will retain their shape without spreading much.
- Bake and Cool: Bake for about 15-18 minutes until the bottoms are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool for 10 minutes then roll them in natural powdered sugar for that signature snowball finish.
- Final Dusting: Once completely cooled, give them another gentle roll in natural powdered sugar to create a beautiful, snowy coating that melts away with every bite.
Notes
- Use room temperature plant-based butter to make creaming easier for a fluffier cookie base.
- Do not overmix the dough; stir until just combined to keep the tender texture intact.
- If the dough feels too soft, chilling it for 30 minutes helps maintain the shape.
- Finely chop nuts to ensure even distribution without overwhelming texture.
- Roll cookies twice in natural powdered sugar to ensure a perfect snowy appearance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: snowball cookies, plant-based, walnut cookies, melt-in-your-mouth cookies, natural sugar cookies, soft cookies, vegan cookies
