Description of this recipe:
Vegan Snowball Cookies, also known as Russian Tea Cakes or Mexican Wedding Cookies, are delightful, melt-in-your-mouth treats perfect for any occasion, especially during the festive winter season. These cookies are characterized by their delicate, crumbly texture and a generous coating of powdered sugar, resembling tiny snowballs. This vegan version captures the classic charm and flavor without using any animal products, making it accessible to everyone. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of nutty goodness, subtle sweetness, and a buttery, crumbly texture that simply melts in your mouth. The simplicity of the ingredients and straightforward instructions make it a joy to bake, even for novice bakers.
Why you will love this recipe:
These Vegan Snowball Cookies are incredibly addictive and offer a unique sensory experience. You’ll love this recipe because:
- Vegan-Friendly: It’s a delicious treat that aligns with a vegan lifestyle, allowing everyone to indulge in a classic holiday cookie.
- Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses easily accessible ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and minimal steps, these cookies are easy to whip up, even if you’re a beginner baker.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of vegan butter and finely chopped nuts creates a melt-in-your-mouth, crumbly texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Festive Appearance: The generous coating of powdered sugar makes these cookies look like miniature snowballs, perfect for holiday gifting and festive gatherings.
- Customizable: You can easily customize the flavor by using different types of nuts or adding a hint of citrus zest for an extra layer of flavor.
- Great for Gifting: These cookies make a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends, family, and neighbors during the holiday season.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are always a hit.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it convenient for busy bakers.
- Nostalgic: These cookies evoke a sense of nostalgia and tradition, bringing back fond memories of holiday baking with loved ones.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup vegan butter, slightly softened at room temp for about 10 minutes
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (*optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup pecans, finely chopped (sub walnuts or almonds)
- ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling (more if needed)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the slightly softened vegan butter and ¼ cup of powdered sugar. Use either a hand mixer or a stand mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture, so don’t rush it. Add the salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using), and beat until everything is well combined. The almond extract adds a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the pecans beautifully, but it’s entirely optional.
Step 3: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixing bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure that all the ingredients are incorporated evenly. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so mix until just combined.
Step 4: Add the finely chopped pecans (or walnuts or almonds) to the dough. Mix until the nuts are evenly distributed throughout. The dough will look slightly moist and somewhat crumbly at this stage. Don’t worry if it doesn’t come together perfectly; it should easily form when lightly pressed together.
Step 5: Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop out the dough and roll it into small, uniform balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie to allow for even baking.
Step 6: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the bottoms are slightly golden. Keep a close eye on them, as you don’t want to overbake them. Overbaking can result in dry, crumbly cookies.
Step 7: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool for 5-8 minutes before rolling them in powdered sugar. While they are still slightly warm, roll each cookie in a generous amount of powdered sugar until they are completely coated.
Step 8: Place the powdered sugar-coated cookies on a wire rack and let them cool completely. Once they are cool, roll them again in powdered sugar or dust the tops with a mesh strainer for a snowy look. This second coating of powdered sugar ensures that the cookies have a beautiful, snowy appearance.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Arrange them on a festive platter for holiday gatherings.
- Package them in decorative boxes or bags for gifting.
- Enjoy them as a sweet treat after dinner or as a midday snack.
- Pair them with other holiday cookies for a delightful dessert spread.
Tips:
- Make sure your vegan butter is slightly softened, but not melted. It should be soft enough to cream with the powdered sugar but still hold its shape.
- Finely chop the nuts to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough and don’t make the cookies too chunky.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.
- Keep a close eye on the cookies while they are baking to prevent them from overbaking.
- Roll the cookies in powdered sugar while they are still slightly warm, as the sugar will adhere better.
- For a more intense flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the dough.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
- If you want to make the dough ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Let it soften slightly before rolling into balls and baking.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per cookie, approximate)
Calories: 85
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 5mg
Conclusion:
Vegan Snowball Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season in every bite. With their delicate, crumbly texture and generous coating of powdered sugar, these cookies are perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a cozy indulgence on a cold winter day. This vegan version allows everyone to partake in the magic of these classic cookies, making them a welcome addition to any festive celebration. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of these irresistible Vegan Snowball Cookies that will bring joy and warmth to your home.
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use different types of nuts for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for pecans, you can easily substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. Each type of nut will impart a slightly different flavor to the cookies, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination. Just make sure to chop the nuts finely to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Q2: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that is designed for baking and contains xanthan gum, which will help bind the ingredients together and give the cookies the right texture. Keep in mind that gluten-free flours can sometimes be a bit drier than regular flour, so you may need to add a tablespoon or two of plant-based milk to the dough to achieve the desired consistency.
Q3: How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking?
A: To prevent the cookies from spreading too much, make sure your vegan butter is slightly softened but not melted. If the butter is too soft, it will cause the cookies to flatten out during baking. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling it into balls. This will help firm up the butter and prevent the cookies from spreading. Additionally, make sure your oven temperature is accurate, as an oven that is too hot can also cause the cookies to spread.
Q4: Can I add any other flavorings to these cookies?
A: Yes, you can definitely add other flavorings to these cookies to customize them to your liking. Some popular additions include citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime), spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom), or even a pinch of espresso powder for a mocha flavor. You can also add chocolate chips or dried fruit for a more decadent treat. Just be sure to add the flavorings in moderation, as too much can overpower the delicate flavor of the cookies.
Q5: How long do these cookies stay fresh?
A: These cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain their freshness, make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent them from drying out. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. To freeze them, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat them, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
