There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your kitchen on a crisp winter evening. Walnut snowball cookies, with their delicate crumb and buttery flavor, are the perfect treat for cozy nights, festive gatherings, or even a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea. These cookies have been a holiday favorite for generations, often passed down through families as a symbol of warmth and togetherness. Inspired by traditional European butter cookies, this recipe highlights the nutty richness of walnuts, coated in a light dusting of powdered sugar that melts in your mouth with every bite. Whether you’re baking for friends, gifting to neighbors, or simply indulging yourself, these walnut snowball cookies are bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup finely chopped walnuts
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1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
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Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
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Fold in the finely chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
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Scoop out small portions of dough, about one tablespoon each, and roll them into balls.
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Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain a tender texture.
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Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before rolling them in powdered sugar.
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Once coated, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Tips for Perfect Walnut Snowball Cookies
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Use room temperature butter: Softened butter creams more easily with sugar, creating a light and tender cookie.
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Chop walnuts finely: This ensures the nuts blend seamlessly with the dough while providing subtle crunch.
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Don’t overbake: Snowball cookies should remain soft; overbaking can make them dry and crumbly.
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Double coating: For an extra sweet touch, roll the cookies in powdered sugar once they have cooled completely for a second coating.
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Storage: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They also freeze well for up to three months.
Why Walnut Snowball Cookies are a Holiday Favorite
Walnut snowball cookies are a quintessential holiday treat because they capture the essence of festive baking. Their buttery flavor, combined with the rich nuttiness of walnuts and the soft sweetness of powdered sugar, evokes memories of family traditions, holiday parties, and cozy winter nights. Unlike overly sweet cookies, their subtle flavors make them perfect for pairing with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. They also offer a touch of elegance for cookie platters, making them a versatile choice for gifting or entertaining.
Variations to Try
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Chocolate-Dipped Snowballs: Dip one end of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
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Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Roll the cookies in a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.
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Almond or Pecan Snowballs: Substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans to create a different nutty profile.
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Mini Snowballs: Make smaller cookies for bite-sized treats, perfect for party platters or lunchbox surprises.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are incredibly versatile for serving. They pair wonderfully with hot beverages such as coffee, tea, or cocoa, enhancing cozy winter moments. For holiday gatherings, arrange them on a festive platter with a variety of cookies for a visually appealing display. They also make an excellent addition to gift baskets, wrapped in cellophane with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift. Their subtle sweetness complements more decadent desserts, providing balance on a dessert table.
Healthier Options
If you want a slightly healthier version without compromising on flavor, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or half-and-half flour blends. Using natural powdered sugar substitutes or reducing sugar slightly can also make these cookies more diet-friendly. Additionally, roasted or raw nuts provide essential nutrients and add a protein boost, making them a slightly more wholesome indulgence.
Baking Tips for Beginners
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Measuring flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to prevent overly dense cookies.
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Even-sized cookies: Use a cookie scoop to ensure consistent baking.
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Mixing: Avoid overmixing the dough once flour is added; this helps maintain a tender, delicate crumb.
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Cooling: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before rolling in powdered sugar to prevent breakage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This walnut snowball cookie recipe is a timeless classic that combines simplicity with elegance. With minimal ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and a high success rate, it’s ideal for bakers of all levels. The cookies are not overly sweet, perfectly buttery, and full of nutty flavor, making them irresistible to both kids and adults. Whether it’s your first time baking them or you’re perfecting a family tradition, these cookies are sure to delight and impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! Walnut snowball cookies are perfect for advance preparation, making them a convenient choice for holiday baking or special occasions. You can bake them a day or two before your gathering and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They maintain their delicate texture and nutty flavor, so they’ll still taste freshly baked when served. If you want to plan even further ahead, these cookies freeze exceptionally well. After baking, allow them to cool completely, then place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, separating each layer with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking together and keeps their signature powdered sugar coating intact. Frozen cookies can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours. To restore their signature snowy appearance, roll the thawed cookies lightly in powdered sugar just before serving. This method makes it easy to have a batch of festive cookies ready to share, even at the last minute.
Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, this recipe is wonderfully versatile when it comes to nuts. While walnuts are the traditional choice, you can easily substitute them with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts depending on your preference. Each type of nut brings a slightly different flavor profile and texture, giving you the ability to customize your cookies. To maintain the soft and tender texture characteristic of snowball cookies, make sure to chop the nuts finely before folding them into the dough. For an added layer of flavor, lightly toast the nuts in a dry skillet or oven for a few minutes before adding them. Toasting enhances the natural oils in the nuts, creating a deeper, richer flavor that complements the buttery dough beautifully. This simple swap allows you to experiment with flavors while keeping the cookies’ classic melt-in-your-mouth texture intact.
How can I make these cookies extra soft and buttery?
Achieving perfectly soft and buttery snowball cookies comes down to a few key steps. First, avoid overbaking—these cookies should be lightly golden on the bottom but still soft in the center. Overbaking will dry them out and reduce their signature melt-in-your-mouth texture. Using room temperature butter is essential, as it creams easily with powdered sugar, creating a smooth and tender dough. You can also enhance softness by substituting a small portion of butter with high-quality margarine or a mild-tasting vegetable shortening. This helps retain moisture in the cookies, keeping them soft even a day or two after baking. Additionally, resist the urge to overmix the dough once the flour is added. Gentle folding preserves the delicate crumb structure that makes walnut snowball cookies so irresistible.
What is the best way to store these cookies?
Proper storage ensures your walnut snowball cookies remain fresh and tender for days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, ideally for up to one week. To maintain softness and prevent them from drying out, place a slice of fresh bread inside the container. The cookies will absorb just enough moisture from the bread to stay perfectly soft without becoming soggy. For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. Layer baked and cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each layer. When needed, thaw the cookies at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, a light dusting of powdered sugar will bring back their classic snowy appearance, ensuring they taste just as delightful as the day they were baked.
Conclusion
Walnut snowball cookies are more than just a treat; they are a celebration of flavor, tradition, and the joy of baking. Their delicate texture, rich nutty flavor, and irresistible powdered sugar coating make them perfect for any occasion—from a quiet winter evening to a bustling holiday gathering. By following this recipe, you can recreate a classic that brings warmth and happiness to every bite. The process is simple, the ingredients are accessible, and the result is a batch of cookies that are sure to become a favorite in your household. Give this recipe a try and experience the comforting magic of homemade walnut snowball cookies.
Print
Irresistible Walnut Snowball Cookies for Holiday Baking
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
There’s something truly comforting about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen on a crisp winter evening. Walnut snowball cookies are a classic treat that pairs perfectly with cozy nights, holiday gatherings, or a simple afternoon tea. Inspired by traditional European butter cookies, this recipe combines the nutty richness of walnuts with a tender, buttery dough, all coated in a delicate layer of powdered sugar. These cookies are a timeless favorite, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a subtle sweetness that makes them perfect for gifting, entertaining, or simply indulging yourself.
Ingredients
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus extra for rolling
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup finely chopped walnuts
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1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
-
Add the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
-
Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing on low speed until a soft dough forms.
-
Fold in the finely chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Scoop out small portions of dough, about one tablespoon each, and roll them into balls.
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Place the cookie balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to maintain a tender texture.
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Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before rolling them in powdered sugar.
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Once coated, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
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Use room temperature butter for a lighter, tender dough.
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Chop walnuts finely for even distribution and subtle crunch.
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Avoid overbaking to keep cookies soft and melt-in-your-mouth.
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Roll cookies in powdered sugar twice for extra sweetness and presentation.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
