If you’re searching for a melt-in-your-mouth treat that combines buttery richness with a delicate nutty crunch, then the Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These charming little spheres of soft cookie goodness are lightly dusted in powdered sugar, giving each bite a snowy finish that’s as delightful as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a cozy afternoon tea, or a casual get-together, these cookies will bring warmth and smiles to everyone lucky enough to try them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together in this Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe to create a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role in making sure your cookies turn out tender, buttery, and beautifully coated in that iconic sugar dusting.
- 1 cup butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base essential for tender cookies.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough gently and helps achieve a smooth texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note to the cookie dough.
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: Gives structure and a soft crumb to the cookies.
- 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts: Offers a delightful crunch and nutty flavor—walnuts, pecans, or almonds work beautifully.
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling: Creates the iconic snowy coating that defines this recipe.
How to Make Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is vital because it incorporates air into the dough, which helps the cookies stay soft and tender after baking.
Step 2: Combine the Remaining Ingredients
Add the salt, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until a dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated but not overworked to keep the cookies tender.
Step 3: Stir In the Nuts
Gently fold the finely chopped nuts into the dough. This adds delightful texture and a nutty flavor that perfectly complements the buttery dough.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on ungreased baking sheets. The balls should be evenly sized to ensure consistent baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re aiming for cookies that are set but not browned on top—this keeps them soft and tender inside.
Step 6: Roll in Powdered Sugar
While the cookies are still warm, roll them generously in powdered sugar. This step gives Milk Snowball Cookies their signature snowy appearance and adds an extra sweet touch.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Allow the cookies to cool on wire racks before storing. This helps the sugar coating set and prevents the cookies from becoming soggy.
How to Serve Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish can elevate these cookies beautifully. Try a light dusting of cinnamon mixed with powdered sugar for a subtle warmth, or press a small piece of chopped nut or a tiny chocolate chip on top of each cookie before baking for an inviting look.
Side Dishes
Milk Snowball Cookies pair wonderfully with hot beverages. Serve them alongside a steaming cup of coffee, rich hot chocolate, or a fragrant cup of chai tea. The warmth of the drink highlights the cookie’s buttery texture and nutty undertones beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, arrange your Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe on a plate lined with a festive napkin or parchment paper. You can also place them in small decorative boxes or jars tied with a ribbon for delightful gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Milk Snowball Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and tender for up to one week. Keep the container away from direct sunlight or heat to preserve their texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them before rolling in powdered sugar. Place the unbaked dough balls on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake and roll in powdered sugar fresh from the oven for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies warm, lightly heat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This will revive their softness and melt that sugary coating just enough to delight your taste buds.
FAQs
Can I use nuts other than walnuts or pecans?
Absolutely! Almonds or even pistachios work wonderfully, giving a different but equally delicious twist. Just chop them finely so they blend well with the dough.
Why do I roll the cookies in powdered sugar while still warm?
Rolling the cookies while warm helps the powdered sugar stick to their surface perfectly, creating that classic snowy appearance you’re looking for in a Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
What is the best way to keep these cookies soft?
Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. This simple trick helps keep your Milk Snowball Cookies tender for longer.
Can these cookies be shaped differently?
Certainly! While the classic shape is a ball, you can flatten them slightly for a snowflake or half-moon shape before baking to add creative flair to your batch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe—it’s simple, comforting, and utterly delicious. These cookies bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia no matter when you bake them. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and create a batch to share (or keep all to yourself!) You’ll soon discover why this recipe holds a special place in so many hearts.
Print
Milk Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Milk Snowball Cookies are delicate, buttery treats featuring a tender crumb studded with finely chopped nuts and finished with a generous coating of powdered sugar. These cookies are perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a melt-in-your-mouth sweet bite with a nutty crunch.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Coating
- Additional powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth and airy cookie base.
- Add Dry Ingredients and Vanilla: Incorporate the 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour into the creamed butter mixture. Mix thoroughly until a uniform dough forms.
- Stir in Nuts: Fold in the 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts evenly throughout the dough to add texture and flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch diameter balls and arrange them on ungreased baking sheets, leaving space between each for even baking.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the shaped cookies for 10-12 minutes or until they are set and firm to the touch but not browned, preserving their delicate texture.
- Coat with Powdered Sugar: While the cookies are still warm, carefully roll each one in additional powdered sugar to create the classic ‘snowball’ appearance and sweet outer layer.
- Cool: Transfer the powdered sugar-coated cookies to wire racks and allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use any combination of walnuts, pecans, or almonds depending on your preference.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be set but not browned to keep them tender.
- Rolling the warm cookies in powdered sugar helps the sugar adhere well and gives the iconic snowball look.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
