Originally posted on February 10, 2024 @ 4:55 am
Snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies, or butterballs, are a classic Christmas treat that features a crumbly shortbread texture and a dusting of powdered sugar. They are made with a simple 1-bowl recipe, requiring just 5 ingredients – butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and optional chopped nuts like pecans. The original recipe does not include eggs or leavening agents. Snowball cookies have been enjoyed for generations and are a staple on many holiday cookie trays.
Contents
- 1 The Classic Snowball Cookie Recipe
- 2 Tips for Making Perfect Snowball Cookies
- 3 Variations of Snowball Cookies
- 4 Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
- 5 Russian Tea Cakes Recipe
- 6 Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe
- 7 Butterball Cookies Recipe
- 8 Conclusion
- 9 FAQ
- 9.1 Did they change the recipe for snowballs?
- 9.2 What are the ingredients for the classic snowball cookie recipe?
- 9.3 How long does it take to make snowball cookies?
- 9.4 What are some tips for making perfect snowball cookies?
- 9.5 Are there variations of snowball cookies?
- 9.6 How can I make pecan snowball cookies?
- 9.7 What is the recipe for Russian tea cakes?
- 9.8 How do I make Mexican wedding cookies?
- 9.9 Can I make butterball cookies without nuts?
- 9.10 What are some final thoughts on snowball cookies?
- 10 Source Links
Key Takeaways:
- Snowball cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, are a beloved Christmas treat.
- The classic snowball cookie recipe is easy to make, requiring just 5 ingredients and minimal effort.
- The original recipe for snowball cookies does not include eggs or leavening agents.
- Snowball cookies can be customized with variations like pecan snowball cookies, Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies, and butterball cookies.
- Whether enjoyed as part of a cookie exchange, a holiday dessert table, or a cozy afternoon treat, snowball cookies bring joy and sweetness to any occasion.
The Classic Snowball Cookie Recipe
The classic snowball cookie recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just 5 simple ingredients and 30 minutes of dough-chilling time. These cookies, also known as Russian tea cakes or Mexican wedding cookies, have been enjoyed for generations and are a staple on many holiday cookie trays.
To make the classic snowball cookies, you will need the following:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Creamed butter | 1 cup |
| Confectioners’ sugar, plus more for rolling | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/4 cups |
| Pinch of salt | |
| Optional chopped nuts (e.g., toasted pecans) |
Here’s how you can make these delightful cookies:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt to the mixture, stirring until the dough comes together.
- If desired, mix in the chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Take small portions of the chilled dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the bottoms are slightly golden.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
- Roll the warm cookies in confectioners’ sugar until coated, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in confectioners’ sugar again to achieve the iconic snowy appearance.
Enjoy these classic snowball cookies with a cup of hot cocoa or share them with your loved ones during the holiday season. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and buttery flavor are sure to be a hit!
Tips for Making Perfect Snowball Cookies
To ensure the best results when making snowball cookies, here are some helpful tips:
- Use room temperature butter to achieve a sturdy base for the dough.
- Use confectioners’ sugar in the dough to prevent the cookies from spreading too much and to maintain their shape.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help the butter solidify and keep the cookies rounded.
- Use a tablespoon measure to portion the chilled dough and then roll it into balls.
- Roll the baked cookies in confectioners’ sugar twice, once when they are slightly warm and again when they are completely cooled, for a snowy coating.
- Consider adding toasted pecans or colorful sprinkles for extra flavor and decoration.
- Avoid over-baking the cookies to maintain their crumbly texture.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
Note: Follow these tips to make sure your snowball cookies turn out perfect every time!
Variations of Snowball Cookies
While the classic snowball cookie recipe is a favorite, there are also many delicious variations to try. Here are a few ideas:
- Peppermint Snowball Cookies: Add crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract to the dough for a festive twist.
- Cranberry Spice Snowball Cookies: Mix in dried cranberries and a combination of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Pistachio Snowball Cookies: Replace the chopped nuts with finely chopped pistachios for a unique flavor.
- Lemon Coconut Snowball Cookies: Add lemon zest and toasted coconut flakes to the dough for a refreshing taste.
- Chai Spice Snowball Cookies: Incorporate chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves into the dough for a cozy and aromatic cookie experience.
These variations offer a range of flavors to suit different preferences and occasions. Whether you want a minty surprise, a burst of fruity and spiced flavors, or a nutty and citrusy twist, these flavored snowball cookies add excitement to the traditional recipe. Experiment with different combinations and create your own unique snowball cookie recipes that will impress everyone with their deliciousness and creativity.
To inspire you further, here’s a beautiful table summarizing the variations:
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Peppermint Snowball Cookies | Add crushed peppermint candies or peppermint extract for a festive twist. |
| Cranberry Spice Snowball Cookies | Mix in dried cranberries and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. |
| Pistachio Snowball Cookies | Replace nuts with finely chopped pistachios for a unique flavor. |
| Lemon Coconut Snowball Cookies | Add lemon zest and toasted coconut flakes for a refreshing taste. |
| Chai Spice Snowball Cookies | Incorporate cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves for a cozy and aromatic cookie experience. |
Pecan Snowball Cookies Recipe
A popular variation of snowball cookies is the pecan snowball cookie. The addition of finely chopped toasted pecans enhances the flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the cookies. To make pecan snowball cookies, simply follow the classic snowball cookie recipe and replace the optional nuts with pecans. The rest of the recipe remains the same. These buttery pecan snowball cookies are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for holiday gatherings or gift-giving.
Tips for Making Perfect Pecan Snowball Cookies
To ensure your pecan snowball cookies turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips:
- Use high-quality toasted pecans for the best flavor and texture.
- Finely chop the toasted pecans to evenly distribute them throughout the cookie dough.
- Make sure the pecans are completely cooled before adding them to the dough to prevent melting the butter.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to firm up.
- Roll the dough into small, even balls to ensure consistent baking and a uniform appearance.
- Bake the pecan snowball cookies at the recommended temperature and time stated in the classic snowball cookie recipe.
- After baking, let the cookies cool slightly before rolling them in powdered sugar to prevent excessive absorption.
- Roll the cooled cookies in powdered sugar a second time for a snowy, sweet coating.
- Store the pecan snowball cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and texture.
Enjoy these delicious pecan snowball cookies as a festive treat or give them as gifts during the holiday season. They are sure to be a hit with family and friends!
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
|
|
Russian Tea Cakes Recipe
Russian tea cakes, also known as snowball cookies, are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed during tea time or as a festive holiday treat. This variation of the classic snowball cookie recipe adds a distinct flavor by using almond extract instead of vanilla extract. The delicate and buttery texture of these cookies makes them melt in your mouth.
To make Russian tea cakes, follow the simple steps of the classic snowball cookie recipe:
- Cream together butter and confectioners’ sugar in a mixing bowl.
- Add flour slowly and mix until well-combined.
- Optional: Add finely chopped nuts like pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Shape the dough into small balls.
- Bake in a preheated oven until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool slightly before rolling them in confectioners’ sugar.
- Let the cookies cool completely, then roll them in confectioners’ sugar again for a snowy coating.
Enjoy these Russian tea cakes with a cup of tea or share them as a thoughtful holiday gift.
Mexican Wedding Cookies Recipe
Mexican wedding cookies, also known as Mexican tea cakes, are yet another name for snowball cookies. The recipe for Mexican wedding cookies is very similar to the classic snowball cookie recipe, but with a twist. Instead of using all-purpose flour, replace a portion of it with ground almonds or almond flour to give the cookies a nutty flavor. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, including butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. These tender and crumbly cookies are often enjoyed during special celebrations, including weddings.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup ground almonds or almond flour
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and ground almonds or almond flour.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix until well combined.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the chilled dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in additional confectioners’ sugar until well coated.
- Store the Mexican wedding cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Note: Mexican wedding cookies can also be rolled in powdered sugar a second time after they have cooled for an extra sweet touch.
Butterball Cookies Recipe
Butterball cookies, also known as snowball cookies, are a delightful treat that can be customized according to personal preferences. These buttery and crumbly cookies are a perfect addition to any cookie platter and can be enjoyed by both nut lovers and those who prefer their cookies without nuts.
The base recipe for butterball cookies is the same as the classic snowball cookie recipe. It involves a simple combination of butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and a pinch of salt. The resulting dough is soft and easy to work with, making it a breeze to shape into perfectly round cookies.
If you prefer a bit of crunch and added flavor, you can include finely chopped nuts, such as pecans, in the recipe. The nuts not only enhance the texture but also add a nutty richness that complements the buttery flavor of the cookies.
To make butterball cookies, follow these simple steps:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until a dough forms.
- If desired, fold in the finely chopped nuts.
- Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Shape the chilled dough into small balls, each about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet.
- While the cookies are still slightly warm, gently roll them in a bowl of confectioners’ sugar to coat them evenly.
- Transfer the coated cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cookies are completely cooled, roll them in confectioners’ sugar for a second time to give them a snowy appearance.
- Store the butterball cookies in an airtight container at room temperature.
Enjoy these buttery and crumbly butterball cookies as a sweet treat during the holiday season or any time you crave a delicious homemade cookie.
Conclusion
Snowball cookies, with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and iconic powdered sugar coating, are a beloved treat during the holiday season. Whether you know them as Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies, butterballs, or snowdrops, these cookies have stood the test of time and continue to be a favorite. The classic recipe is simple and foolproof, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.
With variations like pecan snowball cookies, Russian tea cakes, Mexican wedding cookies, and butterball cookies, there is a snowball cookie to suit every taste. Whether enjoyed as part of a cookie exchange, a holiday dessert table, or a cozy afternoon treat, snowball cookies bring joy and sweetness to any occasion.
In summary, snowball cookies are a holiday classic that are sure to delight. Their crumbly texture and sweet flavor make them an irresistible treat for everyone. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out different variations, snowball cookies are a must-have for any festive gathering. So gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy the deliciousness of snowball cookies this holiday season!
FAQ
Did they change the recipe for snowballs?
No, the classic snowball cookie recipe has remained the same for generations.
The classic snowball cookie recipe requires butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, flour, and optional chopped nuts.
The preparation time for snowball cookies is approximately 30 minutes, plus additional time for dough chilling.
Some helpful tips for making perfect snowball cookies include using room temperature butter, chilling the dough before baking, and rolling the baked cookies in confectioners’ sugar twice.
Yes, there are many delicious variations of snowball cookies, including peppermint snowball cookies, cranberry spice snowball cookies, pistachio snowball cookies, lemon coconut snowball cookies, and chai spice snowball cookies.
To make pecan snowball cookies, simply follow the classic snowball cookie recipe and replace the optional nuts with pecans. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
What is the recipe for Russian tea cakes?
The recipe for Russian tea cakes is the same as the classic snowball cookie recipe, but with the addition of almond extract for a unique flavor.
To make Mexican wedding cookies, follow the classic snowball cookie recipe with the addition of ground almonds or almond flour for a nutty flavor.
Yes, you can make butterball cookies without nuts by following the classic snowball cookie recipe and omitting the optional chopped nuts.
Snowball cookies, in all their variations, are a beloved treat during the holiday season. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture and iconic powdered sugar coating, snowball cookies bring joy and sweetness to any occasion.
