Snowball Cookies {Dairy-Free Option} Recipe
These Snowball Cookies are delightful, gluten-free treats perfect for any occasion. With a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a dairy-free option using vegan butters, these nutty cookies are rolled in powdered sugar for a sweet, snowy finish. They’re easy to prepare and bake quickly for a perfect homemade cookie experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup butter (dairy-free option: Smart Balance butter; vegan option: Earth Balance vegan butter)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your gluten-free flour blend already contains it)
- 3/4 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Rolling
- Powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy, ensuring a well-mixed base for the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Add the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (if using), salt, and finely chopped nuts to the creamed mixture. Mix thoroughly until the dough comes together and starts to hold its shape.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, form the dough into 1-inch balls. Arrange them about 1 inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and allow even baking.
- Freeze Dough Balls: Place the tray with dough balls into the freezer for 5 minutes. This step helps the cookies keep their shape during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until they are set but not browned. Keep a close eye as oven temperatures vary and you want to avoid over-browning.
- First Sugar Coat: Let the cookies cool for 3-5 minutes. Then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm to create the first sugary coating.
- Second Sugar Coat: Allow the cookies to cool completely, then roll them again in powdered sugar for a beautifully snowy finish.
- Store Properly: Store the cooled cookies in an air-tight container to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Ensure your gluten-free flour blend does not already contain xanthan gum before adding extra.
- Use finely chopped nuts to ensure even distribution and pleasant texture.
- Do not make cookies larger than 1 inch to ensure proper baking and texture.
- Watch baking time closely to prevent browning, as overcooked cookies lose their delicate texture.
- Powdered sugar coating adds sweetness and the signature ‘snowball’ appearance; do not skip the double coating.
Keywords: snowball cookies, gluten-free cookies, dairy-free cookies, vegan cookies, holiday cookies, nut cookies, powdered sugar cookies
