Classic Snowball Cookies – Buttery, Nutty & Dusty with Powdered Sugar (A Kentucky-Style Favorite!)

🛒 Ingredients

1 cup (2 sticks / 227g) unsalted butter, softened

½ cup (60g) powdered sugar (plus ¾ cup more for rolling)

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour

¼ tsp salt

1 cup (100g) finely chopped pecans or walnuts

(pecans = extra-Kentucky touch!)

🔥 Pro Tip: Lightly toast the nuts first — deepens flavor 10x!

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Toast the Nuts (Optional but Recommended)

Spread chopped pecans on a dry skillet over medium heat.

Stir 3–5 mins until fragrant and slightly darker.

Let cool completely before using.

2️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar

In a large bowl, beat:

Butter

½ cup powdered sugar

Vanilla

Mix until light and fluffy (~2 mins).

3️⃣ Add Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix in:

Flour

Salt

Stir until dough comes together — don’t overmix!

Fold in toasted nuts.

4️⃣ Chill the Dough

Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes.

✅ Why? Prevents spreading and makes rolling easier.

5️⃣ Shape & First Sugar Roll

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

Scoop 1-tbsp portions, roll into balls.

Roll each ball in powdered sugar before placing on sheet.

❄️ This first coat helps create a craggy, snowy crust.

6️⃣ Bake Until Set

Bake 18–20 minutes, until edges are pale golden (not brown).

Cookies will feel soft — that’s perfect!

7️⃣ Second Sugar Roll (The Magic Touch)

Let cool 5 minutes.