How to Make Snowball Cookies

A classic at Christmas, snowball cookies are fun for kids to make. They get to handle the dough and use their imaginations while making them. Snowball cookies also make a beautiful addition to any table. Here's a traditional recipe with a little twist.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2-1/4 cups flour
• 1/2 cup pecans
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Cream the butter and sugar to a smooth texture. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

2. Add the salt to the creamy mixture. Gradually pour in the flour, mixing to a smooth consistency.

3. Chop the pecans with a knife or a nut chopper. Add them to the butter and mix so they're evenly distributed.

4. Chill the dough for at least 1 hour. While this isn't strictly necessary, it makes the dough much easier for your kids to handle.

5. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

6. Get your kids to help you make the dough into balls. Tell them they should be the size of a large gumball.

7. Bake your snowball cookies for 10 to 15 minutes. Lift one up and check the bottom. A light brown color means they're ready.

8. Let the cookies cool for about 5 minutes. Pour some powdered sugar into a flat plate and have your kids roll the cookies into snowballs.

Tips & Warnings

• For healthier snowball cookies, use 1 cup of whole wheat pastry flour mixed with 1-1/4 cups of white flour.

• You can substitute walnuts for the pecans.

• Check with your guests to make sure no one has a nut allergy.