If you have a sweet tooth and love cozy treats that melt in your mouth, then you are absolutely going to adore this Easy Snowball Cookies [Various Flavors] Recipe. These delicate, buttery cookies dusted generously with powdered sugar deliver a perfect combination of soft texture and subtle sweetness. Whether you’re baking to celebrate a festive occasion or simply craving a comforting snack, this recipe offers a delightful experience that’s as joyful to make as it is to share. From classic vanilla to experimenting with alternative flavors, these snowball cookies promise to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that signature tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t underestimate how these simple pantry staples work together to make the magic happen!
- Vegan butter (1 cup, unsalted, softened): Provides the rich, creamy base and helps achieve the cookie’s delicate crumb.
- Vanilla (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor that complements every variation.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup plus extra for coating): Sweetens the dough gently and creates the signature snowy exterior after baking.
- Flour (2 ¼ cups): The essential structure that keeps the cookies tender but holding their shape.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
How to Make Easy Snowball Cookies [Various Flavors] Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Position a rack just above the middle level so your cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper to keep the bottoms from browning too much and to make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Vegan Butter, Vanilla, and Powdered Sugar
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened vegan butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar together. This step is key: mix until the blend is very creamy and smooth, which will take about 3 to 4 minutes. This aeration helps create that light, tender texture in your snowball cookies.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This dry mixture provides the structure your cookies need without weighing them down. Make sure they are well mixed for even distribution of salt.
Step 4: Incorporate Flour Mixture into Wet Ingredients
Add the flour and salt blend gradually into your creamed butter mixture. Mix gently but thoroughly until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies tender and soft after baking.
Step 5: Shape the Dough into Snowballs
Take about two tablespoons of dough at a time and roll them into smooth balls with your hands. Place each ball spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet, giving room for slight spreading.
Step 6: Bake Until Edges Are Lightly Golden
Pop the tray into your preheated oven for 9 to 10 minutes. You’ll want to watch closely—the cookies should have lightly browned bottoms but still feel soft and slightly underbaked on top when you take them out. This ensures they stay delightfully tender inside.
Step 7: Coat with Powdered Sugar and Cool Completely
Remove the cookies from the oven and let the baking sheet cool on a rack for about five minutes. While still warm, gently roll each cookie in extra powdered sugar to cover them in a snowy white coat. Transfer to a cooling rack and let them cool fully for about an hour so they set perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Snowball Cookies [Various Flavors] Recipe
Garnishes
Bring an extra touch of sparkle to your snowball cookies by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving for that fresh snowy effect. You can also sprinkle crushed nuts like pistachios or finely chopped dried cranberries for a colorful twist that complements the sweetness.
Side Dishes
Snowball cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or even a creamy hot chocolate. The contrasting temperatures and textures create a cozy experience perfect for chilly afternoons or festive gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, stack your snowball cookies in a glass jar tied with a rustic ribbon to gift to friends. Alternatively, arrange them on a festive platter with sprigs of fresh rosemary or holly for holiday parties. You might even sandwich two cookies with vegan chocolate ganache or fruit preserves for a delicious variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Snowball Cookies [Various Flavors] Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps the cookies fresh and preserves that tender texture we all love.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies either baked or as dough balls. Once baked and cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container layered with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and freeze for up to three months. To freeze dough, shape the balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to a container.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen snowball cookies, thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If you prefer them warm, pop them in a 300-degree F oven for 5 minutes, just enough to soften the interior without melting the powdered sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of vegan butter?
Absolutely! Regular unsalted butter works just as well and adds a slightly richer flavor, though vegan butter ensures the recipe is dairy-free without sacrificing texture.
How can I add different flavors to this recipe?
Feel free to get creative by adding finely chopped nuts, citrus zest, cocoa powder, or even a splash of almond extract. Each variation keeps the cookie soft and lends a unique twist to the classic Easy Snowball Cookies [Various Flavors] Recipe.
Why do the cookies need to be rolled in powdered sugar while warm?
Rolling the cookies in powdered sugar while warm helps the sugar stick perfectly to the surface, creating that iconic snowball look and adding a delightful sweetness with every bite.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1 for regular flour, you can create a gluten-free version. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure.
What is the best way to prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Using chilled dough and lining your baking sheet with parchment or silicone helps control spreading. Also, avoid overmixing the dough once the flour is added to maintain a tender but sturdy texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably comforting about the classic Easy Snowball Cookies [Various Flavors] Recipe that makes it such a joy to bake and share. Easy to make with simple ingredients and endlessly adaptable, these cookies are perfect for any season or occasion. I hope you’ll have as much fun making them as you do eating them — they’re truly a little taste of happiness in every bite!
PrintEasy Snowball Cookies [Various Flavors] Recipe
These Easy Snowball Cookies are a delightful vegan treat with a tender, buttery texture and a melt-in-your-mouth coating of powdered sugar. Perfect for various occasions, these cookies require simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, promising a sweet, melt-away bite that’s both festive and comforting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup vegan butter (unsalted, softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) and adjust one of the oven racks to one level higher than the middle position. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter Mixture: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened vegan butter, vanilla extract, and ½ cup powdered sugar together for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is very creamy and well combined, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour and salt to ensure even distribution of the salt within the flour.
- Mix Dough: Gradually add the flour and salt mixture to the creamed vegan butter mixture. Mix well until all flour is fully incorporated and a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop about two tablespoons of dough and roll it between your palms to form smooth balls. Arrange these dough balls evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly browned but the tops remain soft and slightly underbaked, providing a tender texture.
- Cool and Coat: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let the cookies cool on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, gently roll each cookie in additional powdered sugar to coat them thoroughly.
- Final Cooling: Transfer the powdered sugar-coated cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool completely for about 1 hour until they are fully set and the powdered sugar coating is dry.
Notes
- Use a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cookie removal.
- The cookies should be slightly underbaked on top for the perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Rolling cookies in powdered sugar while warm enhances the flavor and creates a classic snowball appearance.
- Allow cookies to cool completely to let them firm up properly before serving.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
