Snow Balls
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.