I want to share my take on Brown Butter Snowball Cookies with pecans. These cookies embody the warmth of the holiday season, with rich flavors that make each bite a treat. Their preparation is straightforward, yet they bring a touch of elegance to any gathering. Let’s explore how you can make these delightful treats and perhaps uncover some tips to elevate their presentation that you won’t want to miss.
What kind of recipe is it?
The Brown Butter Snowball Cookie is a delightful treat that falls under the category of holiday cookies, celebrated for its rich, nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Made with browned butter, these cookies boast a unique depth of flavor and a delicate crumb, often rolled in powdered sugar for a snowy finish.
Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family moments, this recipe is aimed at bakers of all skill levels looking to elevate their dessert repertoire with a touch of elegance and warmth.
Preparation Time
| Recipe Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Difficulty of the Recipe | Easy |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Baking Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Chill Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | Approximately 1 hour |
| Number of Servings | 24 cookies |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Unsalted butter | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts) | 1 cup |
| Additional powdered sugar for dusting | 1/2 cup |
Essential Kitchen Equipment
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose | Alternative Option |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing bowls (large and medium) | Used for combining the ingredients. A large bowl is ideal for mixing dough, while a medium bowl can be used for creaming butter and sugar. | Any large and medium-sized bowls can work (even plastic or glass). |
| Measuring cups (dry and liquid) | For accurately measuring ingredients like flour, sugar, and melted butter. | Use a scale for measuring ingredients by weight if you don’t have measuring cups. |
| Measuring spoons | Used for precise measurement of smaller amounts, like vanilla extract or salt. | Tablespoons can be repurposed for larger measurements (1 tablespoon is equivalent to 3 teaspoons). |
| Stand mixer or hand mixer | Ideal for creaming the butter and sugar together easily and for mixing dough thoroughly. | A whisk or wooden spoon can be used instead but will require more effort. |
| Rubber spatula | Perfect for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and ensuring all ingredients are well combined. | A wooden spoon can also work for mixing but is less effective for scraping. |
| Wooden spoon | Useful for mixing ingredients, especially the dough once the butter mixture is combined with flour. | Any sturdy spoon can be used. A plastic spoon might work but can melt if used with hot ingredients. |
| Baking sheets (2-3) | Required for baking the cookies, providing ample space to spread the cookies while they bake. | Any flat oven-safe tray can substitute, though baking sheets are more effective due to their design. |
| Parchment paper or silicone mats | Prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and help in easy cleanup. | Lightly greasing the baking sheets can work if you don’t have parchment or mats, but cleanup may be harder. |
| Cookie scoop or spoon | For portioning out uniform amounts of dough to ensure even baking. | A regular tablespoon can be used to scoop out and form cookie dough balls, though they may not be as uniform. |
| Cooling rack | Important for allowing baked cookies to cool evenly, preventing sogginess on the bottom. | A wire rack, or even an upside-down plate can help with cooling if a cooling rack is unavailable. |
| Oven thermometer | Ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for baking, which is crucial for optimal cookie texture. | If you don’t have an oven thermometer, preheat and test the oven using a simple oven-safe dish with water to check temperatures. |
Cooking Steps
1. Mise en Place: Gather all ingredients—unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and chopped nuts (optional), and prepare the necessary tools (mixing bowls, oven, stand mixer, baking sheets, etc.).
2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line 2-3 baking sheets (standard size) with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
3. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 175 °C (350 °F), positioning the oven rack in the center for even baking.
4. Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 170 g (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, stirring constantly.
Continue cooking until the butter turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma, around 5-7 minutes. Immediately remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for about 10 minutes.
5. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the browned butter (cooled slightly), 60 g (1/2 cup) powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt.
Use a stand mixer on medium speed (or a hand mixer if preferred) to cream the mixture until smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Incorporate Flour: Gradually add 240 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour to the butter mixture while mixing on low speed.
Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough. If using, fold in roughly 60 g (1/2 cup) of chopped nuts with a rubber spatula.
7. Form Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out uniform balls of dough, about 30 g (2 tablespoons) each, and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheets.
8. Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain pale and soft.
Optionally, rotate the sheets halfway through baking for even color.
9. Cool Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
Then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely, ensuring they don’t become soggy on the bottom.
10. Finish with Sugar: After the cookies have cooled completely, dust them with additional powdered sugar for a snowball effect and serve.
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Snowballs: Incorporate 100 g (3.5 oz) chocolate chips into the dough for a rich, sweet twist.
- Almond Flour Variation: Substitute 120 g (1 cup) of all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free and nutty flavor profile.
- Coconut Snowballs: Mix in 60 g (1/2 cup) of shredded coconut for a tropical finish; you can also roll the cookies in coconut instead of powdered sugar.
- Spiced Snowballs: Add 1 tsp of ground cinnamon and 1/4 tsp of nutmeg to the flour mixture to bring warm spice flavors to the cookies.
- Pumpkin Spice Snowballs: Fold in 60 g (1/4 cup) of canned pumpkin puree and reduce butter by about 30 g (2 tbsp) for a seasonal fall treat.
- Vegan Snowballs: Replace unsalted butter with 170 g (3/4 cup) of coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg for a dairy-free and vegan option.
- Lavender Snowballs: Add 1 tsp of dried culinary lavender for a fragrant floral flavor, enhancing the cookie’s appeal.
- Nutty Variations: Swap regular chopped nuts with 60 g (1/2 cup) of toffee bits or crushed pretzels for an unexpected salty-sweet combination.
Tips on plating and presentation
Although I love baking snowball cookies for their delicious taste, presenting them beautifully can elevate the experience for everyone.
I recommend using simple plating techniques, like arranging them on a rustic wooden board or a delicate porcelain plate.
For garnish ideas, sprinkle some powdered sugar on top or add a few pecans around the cookies to enhance their appeal.
Every detail makes a difference!
What other dishes can I pair it with?
There’s something special about pairing my brown butter snowball cookies with complementary dishes that really enhances the overall experience.
I love contrasting their buttery, nutty flavor profiles with a rich chocolate tart or a lemon meringue pie. These dessert pairings bring out the cookies’ warmth and texture, creating a delightful balance that makes each bite more memorable and satisfying.
What drinks can I pair it with?
When I think about drinks that pair perfectly with my brown butter snowball cookies, coffee immediately comes to mind.
The rich flavor of freshly brewed coffee enhances the buttery, nutty goodness of the cookies.
For a festive twist, I love serving them with hazelnut or pecan-infused liqueurs.
These nutty liqueurs complement the cookies beautifully and elevate any holiday gathering!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Margarine Instead of Butter for This Recipe?
You can use margarine instead of butter, but you might notice a difference in flavor. Margarine can alter the baking texture slightly, so just keep that in mind for your final results. Happy baking!
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh. I prefer glass or plastic containers, as they seal tightly and help prevent drying out, ensuring my cookies stay delicious for longer.
Can I Substitute Pecans With Other Nuts?
Absolutely, you can substitute pecans with other nut alternatives. I love using walnuts or almonds for their distinct flavor profiles. Experimenting with different nuts can really elevate your cookie experience and create delightful variations!
What Is the Shelf Life of These Cookies?
These cookies typically have a shelf life of about one week at room temperature. To maintain cookie freshness, I recommend storing them in an airtight container. They’ll taste best if enjoyed sooner rather than later!
Are These Cookies Suitable for Freezing?
Yes, these cookies are great for freezing! I suggest placing them in an airtight container, which helps preserve the cookie’s texture. Just let them thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again!