First of all, yes - I am perfectly aware that cookies are not good for you. But I am also aware that baking with family and friends, dancing in the kitchen, singing Christmas carols and getting flour on your face and hands IS! It’s all about balance people!

These cookies were always one of my favorites to make with my mom as a little girl. I loved rolling them in the big bowl of sugar when they came out of the oven! And how they would crumble apart because I always had to eat some still warm! Those memories - that’s the balance I’m talking about. It’s ok to have a little sugar and flour while you’re spending time with your family and making memories (that doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all either!). But these really are an easy cookie and perfect to make with the kids or grandkids.

The recipe also allows for some variation. My family traditionally makes them with walnuts - but you don’t have to! I think almond, pecans, pistachios or hazelnuts would all go GREAT in these cookies! Don’t be afraid to be creative! Let the kids pick which kind of nut they’d like to use! You won’t make a mistake - promise!

Watch the video, grab your ingredients, turn on some Christmas music and get baking!
Merry Christmas loves!
Buon Appetito!

Snowball Cookies
Makes 24-36 cookies

2 sticks (1/2 lb.) of butter, room temperature
1/2 C. confectioner’s sugar + more for coating
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. salt
2 C. flour
2 C. chopped walnuts (or nut of choice)

Preheat oven to 325°. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, set aside.

Sift 1/2 C. confectioner’s sugar into bowl with butter. Cream together until smooth.

Add in vanilla and salt. Sift in flour. Mix again until well combined.

Add in nuts. Use hands to incorporate nuts into the dough.

Use hands to form 1-inch balls of dough and place them about an inch apart on the cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove cookies from oven and allow to cool slightly. While still warm roll in a bowl of extra confectioner’s sugar until completely coated. Set aside on a plate.

Save some for Santa!