Walnut Snowballs

Walnut snowballs are tender, buttery cookies filled with finely chopped walnuts and coated generously in powdered sugar. Their round shape and snowy finish make them especially popular during the holiday season.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Powdered sugar, plus extra for coating
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt
• Finely chopped or ground walnuts

Preparation

1. Beat the softened butter with a portion of the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, then mix in the vanilla.
2. Add the flour and salt gradually. Stir in the walnuts to form a soft dough.
3. Chill the dough if it is too soft to shape cleanly.
4. Form small, evenly sized balls and arrange them on a lined baking sheet with space between each cookie.
5. Bake in a moderate oven until the cookies are set and lightly golden underneath.
6. Allow them to cool briefly, then carefully roll the still-warm cookies in powdered sugar.
7. Once completely cool, coat them a second time for a thicker, snow-white finish.

Helpful Tips

• Chop the walnuts finely so the cookies hold their shape.
• Avoid overbaking; the cookies should remain pale and tender.
• Handle warm cookies gently because their crumbly texture firms as they cool.
• Store the finished cookies in an airtight container and add a fresh dusting of powdered sugar before serving if needed.