The delicious walnut snowball cookies recipe is a delightful and easy-to-make treat perfect for any occasion, offering a wonderfully crumbly texture and a rich nutty flavor that will have everyone asking for more. This simple yet elegant recipe is ideal for both novice bakers and experienced professionals looking for a classic holiday cookie or a year-round indulgence.
Key Ingredients for Delicious Walnut Snowball Cookies
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup finely chopped walnuts, toasted
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for coating
How to Make Delicious Walnut Snowball Cookies
Whipping up these delicious walnut snowball cookies is a breeze, promising a wonderfully tender and melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. The magic lies in the simple combination of rich butter, sweet sugar, fragrant vanilla, and the nutty crunch of toasted walnuts, all coming together for a satisfying treat in just under an hour of total preparation and baking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps create a tender cookie.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined. The vanilla adds a classic warmth, while the salt balances the sweetness.
- Incorporate Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in Walnuts: Gently fold in the finely chopped, toasted walnuts. To toast your walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant. Allow them to cool completely before chopping and adding them to the dough. Toasting them enhances their flavor and aroma.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps make the dough easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Form the Snowballs: Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. You can use a small cookie scoop for uniformity. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still look slightly underbaked.
- Cool Slightly: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Roll in Powdered Sugar: Once the cookies are completely cool, generously roll them in powdered sugar until they are fully coated, resembling freshly fallen snow. You may need to do this in batches.
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Walnut Snowball Cookies
You’ll adore these delicious walnut snowball cookies for their incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and the delightful crunch of perfectly toasted walnuts. Unlike a simple sugar cookie, these boast a rich, nutty depth that makes them incredibly satisfying, reminiscent of classic holiday traditions but with a sophisticated twist. The simple act of coating them in a delicate dusting of powdered sugar transforms them into little edible works of art, making them a showstopper for any gathering.
Saving money while still enjoying premium-quality treats has never been easier than by making these delicious walnut snowball cookies at home. The cost of ingredients is minimal compared to purchasing similar gourmet cookies from a bakery, offering significant savings without compromising on flavor or quality. The subtle sweetness, the warmth of vanilla, and the earthy notes of the walnuts combine to create a truly memorable taste experience, elevating them beyond a basic confection. So gather your loved ones and try this incredibly rewarding recipe today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To ensure your delicious walnut snowball cookies stay at their best, proper storage is key.
- Storage: Once completely cooled and coated in powdered sugar, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Ensure you leave enough space between layers to prevent them from sticking together; you can place parchment paper between layers if needed.
- Freshness: These cookies will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-5 days when stored correctly at room temperature.
- Reheating: These cookies are best enjoyed at room temperature and do not require reheating. Their delicate texture is at its prime when served as is.
- Freezing: While these cookies are delightful fresh, freezing is not typically recommended as the powdered sugar coating can become clumpy or melt when thawed, affecting their visual appeal and texture. If you must freeze them, it’s best to freeze the cookie balls before baking and rolling in powdered sugar. Store them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Final Thoughts
This delicious walnut snowball cookies recipe delivers a classic comfort that is both incredibly easy to execute and wonderfully rewarding. Encourage yourself to whip up a batch and experience the simple joy of homemade, nutty, melt-in-your-mouth goodness that’s perfect for sharing or savoring.
Delicious Walnut Snowball Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which helps create a tender cookie.1 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Beat in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined. The vanilla adds a classic warmth, while the salt balances the sweetness.1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- Gently fold in the finely chopped, toasted walnuts. To toast your walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant. Allow them to cool completely before chopping and adding them to the dough. Toasting them enhances their flavor and aroma.1 cup finely chopped walnuts
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps make the dough easier to handle and prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. You can use a small cookie scoop for uniformity. Place the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still look slightly underbaked.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cool, generously roll them in powdered sugar until they are fully coated, resembling freshly fallen snow. You may need to do this in batches.1/2 cup powdered sugar