Nothing says cozy quite like biting into a tender, powdered-sugar-coated cookie that simply melts away. This Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe is a sweet little gift, perfect year-round, especially if you or your loved ones need to avoid nuts yet want that classic, buttery indulgence.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve tried countless versions of snowball cookies, but this nut-free version really won me over with its simple ingredients and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s that perfect balance of soft and crumbly, always dusted with just enough powdered sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth without overwhelming it.
- Allergy-Friendly: No nuts here, so it’s safe for those with common nut allergies without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Simple Ingredients: Most are pantry staples, so you can whip these up anytime the mood strikes without a special trip.
- Deliciously Classic: Takes me back to childhood holidays, and I’m sure you’ll love how nostalgic these taste, too.
- Customizable: Want mini chocolate chips for a fun twist? I include that option so you can make them your own!
Ingredients & Why They Work
The beauty of this Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe is how these carefully chosen ingredients come together to create a perfect texture and delicate sweetness. Each plays a role in keeping these cookies tender without spreading too much, which is key for that authentic snowball shape.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter gives the cookies that signature melt-in-your-mouth richness and tender crumb.
- Confectioners’ Sugar: Used both in the dough and for coating, it ensures the cookies have a subtle sweetness and that classic snowy finish.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds a slight structure and balances out the sweetness of the confectioners’ sugar.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash gives the cookies a warm, inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: The main structure builder, it keeps the cookies together without making them tough.
- Semi-Sweet Mini Morsels (Optional): For a little chocolate surprise in every bite—feel free to skip if you want the classic plain cookie!
Make It Your Way
I love adding mini chocolate morsels for a little surprise in every bite, but honestly, these cookies are just as delightful plain. You might also swap in some citrus zest for a bright twist, or even a pinch of cinnamon for warm spice that really wakes up the flavor.
- Chocolate Chip Variation: Adding mini semi-sweet morsels creates that familiar chocolate kiss, making the cookies feel extra special for treat time.
- Spiced Up: A small amount of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a cozy holiday vibe perfect for chilly evenings.
- Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of lemon or orange zest brightens the overall flavor, giving a fresh note I personally love when serving in spring.
- Gluten-Free Option: Try a blend of gluten-free flours that mimic all-purpose to keep texture soft – I've had good success with store-bought blends.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by softening your butter at room temperature; this makes all the difference in getting that creamy texture. I use my electric mixer to beat the butter together with a quarter cup of confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, and the vanilla extract. Beat for about two minutes or until fluffy and well combined. This step locks in the air that helps make the cookies so tender.
Step 2: Incorporate the Flour
Next, add the all-purpose flour in three batches, mixing after each addition until just combined. I always resist the urge to overmix here to keep the cookies tender. If you’re including mini morsels, gently stir them in with a spatula at this point so they remain evenly spread without breaking up.
Step 3: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Using rounded tablespoons, roll the dough into 1-inch balls. Place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spaced about two inches apart because these cookies won’t spread much. Bake at 350°F for 12 to 14 minutes—watching for just a light golden hue. They will look a bit like little dough balls rather than flat cookies, and that’s exactly right.
Step 4: Cool and Sugar-Coat Twice
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack so they cool completely. Then, roll each cookie in about half a cup of confectioners’ sugar, tapping off the excess gently. The sugar creates that iconic snowy coating. Let the cookies sit for an hour, then roll them again in the sugar for the final perfect finish.
Top Tip
From experience, these tips really help make your Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe turn out just right, especially if it's your first time making them.
- Use Softened Butter: Room temperature butter blends better with sugar, preventing a greasy dough and ensuring tender cookies.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the flour just until incorporated — overmixing develops gluten and makes the cookies cakey, not crumbly.
- Space the Cookies Well: They don’t spread much, but giving them room helps the oven’s heat circulate evenly for a consistent bake.
- Double Dusting: Rolling them twice in confectioners’ sugar after resting produces the signature snowy look and delicate sweetness.
How to Serve Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple—just a generous dusting of confectioners’ sugar is all these cookies need. If I’m feeling festive, a little edible glitter or colored sugar over the top adds a touch of sparkle. Fresh cranberries or sprigs of rosemary also bring a lovely holiday vibe alongside.
Side Dishes
For me, these snowball cookies pair beautifully with a hot cup of spiced tea or rich coffee. If serving at a party, I like adding other light treats like fresh fruit skewers or a simple cheese platter to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
One favorite presentation trick is stacking the cookies in a little wooden box lined with parchment paper, perfect for gifting or serving. You could also arrange them in a glass jar layered with ribbons for elegant gift-giving. At holiday gatherings, placing them on a platter shaped like a snowflake instantly brightens the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These cookies keep beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. I always store them in a single layer or separated with parchment paper to keep that delicate coating from clumping or melting away.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for weeks. When ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven—add a couple extra minutes to the bake time. You can also freeze baked cookies sealed in an airtight container for up to three months; just re-coat with powdered sugar after thawing.
Reheating
Since these cookies are best at room temperature, I usually let leftovers sit out for 15 minutes before serving. If you want them a bit warmer, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 minutes—just enough to refresh without melting the sugar coating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! This Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe is completely free of nuts, making it safe and delicious for anyone with nut allergies while still capturing the classic taste and texture of traditional snowball cookies.
Absolutely! The recipe includes an option for mini semi-sweet chocolate morsels, which add a wonderful melty chocolate surprise without compromising the cookie’s delicate texture. You can also try dried fruit or white chocolate chips if you prefer.
The key is using softened, not melted, butter and mixing the flour in batches just until combined. Also, these cookies are designed to keep their shape, so rolling into firm balls and spacing them on the baking tray helps maintain their classic snowball appearance.
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh and tender for up to five days. If you want them longer, freezing either the dough or baked cookies is a great option.
Final Thoughts
These Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe always brings a smile to my face — simple, charming, and so reliably delicious. I hope you’ll enjoy making them as much as I do, whether for a cozy afternoon snack or a festive celebration. Give them a try and share the joy with friends and family who appreciate a sweet treat that’s both safe and scrumptious!
Print
Nut-Free Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 40 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Nut-Free Snowball Cookies are classic melt-in-your-mouth treats made with butter, sugar, and flour, optionally enhanced with semi-sweet mini morsels. These cookies are soft, lightly browned, and coated in powdered sugar for a sweet finish, perfect for those avoiding nuts or looking for a nostalgic dessert.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar), divided
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semi-sweet mini morsels (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter, ¼ cup of confectioners’ sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy, which will take about 2 minutes.
- Add Flour: Gradually add the flour in three batches to the butter mixture, beating after each addition until fully incorporated. If using, fold in the mini morsels by stirring them into the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Form rounded tablespoons of dough into 1-inch balls and arrange them about 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 14 minutes or until they are lightly browned but still mostly in ball shape, indicating they should not spread much on the pan.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Coat with Sugar: Pour about ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each cooled cookie in the sugar, tap off excess, and place back on the cooling rack.
- Second Sugar Coating: Allow the cookies to rest for one hour, then roll them once more in the confectioners’ sugar for a perfect snowball finish.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- These cookies are delightfully sweet and soft, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture reminiscent of childhood treats.
- You can omit the mini morsels for a classic plain snowball cookie.
- Ensure the butter is softened for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not grease the baking sheets, as this will help cookies retain their ball shape during baking.
- Rolling the cookies twice in powdered sugar gives them their signature snowy appearance.
- These cookies pair well with hot tea or coffee as a nostalgic snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 112 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 13 mg
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