Gluten Free Snowball Cookies Recipe
Introduction
Gluten Free Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery treats dusted with powdered sugar, perfect for any holiday or special occasion. These delicate cookies feature a subtle nutty flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (58 grams) powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (260 grams) 1:1 gluten free baking flour (recommended: King Arthur Flour Measure for Measure or Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or the paddle attachment of a stand mixer to cream the butter, powdered sugar, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 3: Blend in the vanilla extract, then gradually add the gluten free baking flour, mixing until well combined.
- Step 4: Fold the chopped walnuts into the dough using a spoon or spatula.
- Step 5: Chill the dough in the refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes, or you can leave it overnight.
- Step 6: Shape the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them slightly apart.
- Step 7: Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cookies are barely set but not browned.
- Step 8: Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes, then roll them in powdered sugar while still warm. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.
- Step 9: Once fully cooled, roll the cookies in powdered sugar again for a snowy finish.
Tips & Variations
- For a different nutty flavor, substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- Chilling the dough well helps maintain the shape and prevents spreading during baking.
- Use a 1:1 gluten free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for best texture.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or orange zest for a subtle flavor twist.
Storage
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. If the powdered sugar fades, simply roll them again before serving to refresh their snowy appearance.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?
Yes, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour if gluten is not a concern. The texture may be slightly different, but the cookies will still be delicious.
What if I don’t have walnuts?
You can replace walnuts with any other chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, or even omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
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Gluten Free Snowball Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 – 65 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten Free Snowball Cookies are tender, buttery treats coated in powdered sugar, perfect for those avoiding gluten. Made with a 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend and chopped walnuts, they offer a delightful nutty crunch and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ideal for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you’re craving a classic snowball cookie without gluten.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup (58 grams) powdered sugar, plus more for rolling
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups (260 grams) 1:1 gluten free baking flour (recommended: King Arthur Flour Measure for Measure or Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or the paddle attachment of a stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to add a warm, aromatic flavor to the dough.
- Incorporate Gluten Free Flour: Gradually add the 2 1/4 cups of 1:1 gluten free baking flour, blending continuously until the dough comes together and is well combined without overmixing to keep tenderness.
- Fold in Walnuts: Using a spoon or spatula, gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the dough, distributing them evenly for a crunchy texture in each bite.
- Chill Dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes. For best texture, it can be left overnight if preferred.
- Shape Cookies: Once chilled, form the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared ungreased cookie sheets, spacing them adequately to prevent sticking during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, just until they are barely set but not browned to maintain their delicate crumb.
- First Sugar Roll: Remove cookies from oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes until warm but manageable. Then, roll each cookie in powdered sugar to coat while still warm.
- Cool Completely and Second Sugar Roll: Transfer the sugar-coated cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, roll them again in powdered sugar for the characteristic snowball finish.
Notes
- Use a reliable 1:1 gluten free baking flour blend to ensure the best texture and flavor.
- Chilling the dough is crucial for easy handling and to prevent spreading during baking.
- Do not overbake; cookies should remain pale for a tender crumb.
- Double coating with powdered sugar provides the classic snowy look and extra sweetness.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or omitted for nut-free variation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: gluten free snowball cookies, gluten free cookies, snowball cookies, nutty cookies, holiday cookies, powdered sugar cookies, gluten free dessert
