Snow Balls
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Winter brings with it the joy of festivities and delightful treats. One such treat that perfectly captures the essence of the season is the classic Snow Balls cookies. These bite-sized wonders, coated in a powdery layer of sugar, are a favorite among both young and old. In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of creating these delightful Snow Balls and explore the rich experience of indulging in their snowy goodness.
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Ingredients:
Ingredients | Quantity |
---|---|
Unsalted Butter | 1 cup (2 sticks), softened |
Powdered Sugar | 1/2 cup, plus more for rolling |
Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
All-purpose Flour | 2 1/4 cups |
Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
Finely Chopped Nuts | 3/4 cup (pecans, walnuts, almonds) |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheating the Oven
To begin the Snow Balls journey, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for creating the perfect batch of these winter delights.
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Step 2: Creaming the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, embark on the culinary adventure by creaming together softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar until achieving a light and fluffy consistency. This crucial step lays the foundation for the cookies’ texture.
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Step 3: Adding Vanilla Extract
Introduce a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the mix, ensuring a harmonious combination of flavors. This step adds a subtle yet aromatic essence to the Snow Balls.
Step 4: Gradual Flour and Salt Addition
Gradually add 2 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the butter mixture, carefully blending until a cohesive dough forms. This process ensures a balanced and flavorful base for the cookies.
Step 5: Incorporating Finely Chopped Nuts
Elevate the texture and taste by stirring in 3/4 cup of finely chopped nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds. The evenly distributed nuts add a delightful crunch to every bite.
Step 6: Shaping and Baking
Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining a 1-inch spacing. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, ensuring the cookies are set but not browned.
Step 7: Coating with Powdered Sugar
As the cookies emerge warm from the oven, roll them in powdered sugar until fully coated. This step not only enhances the sweetness but also creates a snowy effect, adding to the visual appeal.
Step 8: Cooling and Final Coating
Allow the coated cookies to cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, give them a final roll in powdered sugar for an extra snowy touch. The result is a batch of Snow Balls ready to be served and enjoyed.
Step 9: Serving Suggestions
Snow Balls are best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, making them an ideal companion for cozy winter evenings. Share these delightful treats with loved ones, creating lasting memories around the table.