Description
Funfetti Snowball Cookies are delightful buttery treats loaded with colorful rainbow sprinkles and coated in powdered sugar for a snowy finish. These American classic dessert cookies offer a soft, tender texture with a festive burst of colors, perfect for any celebration or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for rolling)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract to infuse the dough with a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt to the butter mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms, avoiding overmixing which could toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Sprinkles and Pecans: Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles and the finely chopped pecans if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow for slight spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, until the bottoms are lightly golden but the tops remain pale, indicating they are perfectly baked without overbrowning.
- Initial Cooling and Rolling: Allow the cookies to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet; while still warm, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to start the snowy coating.
- Final Coating: Once the cookies have fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for a double-layered, snowy finish that enhances their sweet flavor and presentation.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh and maintain their texture.
Notes
- Omit the pecans for a completely nut-free version, ideal for those with nut allergies.
- Use pastel or holiday-themed sprinkles to customize the cookies for any special occasion or celebration.
- These cookies freeze well for up to 2 months, making them convenient for preparing in advance.
