Monday, December 1, 2008

Snowballs

Snowball cookies, AKA Mexican Wedding Cakes, AKA Russian Teacakes, AKA Dad's Favorites. They have a variety of names and are obviously popular in a number of countries around the world.

A Christmas didn't go by at our house growing up when these delicate little morsels weren't included on the cookie plate. They were my dad's favorites and when I made them I thought of him and felt some melancholy knowing that we would spend Christmas without him. He is always in our hearts.
Snowball Cookies

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup butter, softened
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup finely chopped or ground nuts (almonds, pecans or walnuts work well)
1/4 tsp salt
Additional powdered sugar for rolling cookies after they are baked

Heat oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup powdered sugar, butter and vanilla; beat until light and fluffy. Add flour, nuts and salt; mix until dough forms into a ball. Shape into 1 inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until set but not brown. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Cool slightly. Roll in powdered sugar. Let set until completely cool and then reroll in powdered sugar. Makes 5 dozen cookies.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

These are some of my favorite holiday cookies :). They are quite delicious and fun to make and eat. I'd like to include your recipe on our blog, please let me know if you're interested!

Sophie, Key Ingredient Chief Blogger
sophie@keyingredient.com

Anonymous said...

I always think of Dad when I eat these and remember him complaining about the paper hats each year with a big smile on his face after complimenting Mom on "the best tasting roast we have ever had." I look forward each year to the cookie platter. Mom is starting her marathon baking this weekend. You must have inherited her baking and cooking genes.